Reknowned balloonists from all around New Zealand (and one from Brazil) gathered for the annual Wairarapa Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Carterton Show Grounds March 26, 2008 in Carterton, New Zealand.

Photographs: Getty Images

Long before airplanes took flight, hot air balloons were the kings of the air. This huge hot air bags supporting a small wicker basket (where the passengers are supposed to stand) are the earliest air borne human-carrying technology.