It was an early morning start at Pillans Point Primary today as pupils gathered for their chance to take to the sky in a hot air balloon.

Pupils at the Maxwells Road school were kept in the dark about the special visit, only being told to arrive early.

A hot air balloon visited Pillans Point Primary School today.

Two students from each of the 16 classes at the school got to take a ride.

The excitement built as hundreds of pupils, parents and teachers gathered as the brightly coloured balloon trucked over from the Waikato was laid out and assembled on the school field.

There were squeals as those lucky enough to score a ride entered the basket for a sky high trip above Tauranga.

Principal Matt Simeon says the visit is part of the school's yearly science theme of ‘change' focusing on how technology develops through time.

'We are looking at matter, energy – simple machines for science.

'The hot air balloon just has it all – heat, energy for lift off, it's a simple machine.”

Matt says the children weren't told about the hot air balloon, but were extremely excited when they found out.

'We had it as a surprise, they hadn't known.

'We are looking at how we can make it real for children, make it relevant for them.”

Two children from each of the 16 classes at the school got the chance to ride in the balloon.