Challenge - Knocking on Heaven's Door

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1976

This edition of the 1976 adventure series documents a pioneering attempt to fly over Aoraki-Mount Cook by hot air balloon. RNZAF squadron leader Roly Parsons had made the first balloon crossing of Cook Strait the previous year. Director Pamela Meekings-Stewart captures his preparations to take on perilous winds and high altitudes. A first attempt with newbie co-pilot Rolf Dennler sets an altitude record, but crashes near Fox Glacier township, before Parsons pulls on his gold flight jacket for a final attempt at the challenge. Julian Dickon (Pukemanu) wrote the script.

I was the maniac that dragged him into it and he was barmy enough to agree to fly over Mt Cook with me. He'd never been in a balloon before in his life.
– Roly Parsons on recruiting co-pilot Rolf Dennler, The Waikato Times, 4 April 2013