The Love Taupō and love their Golden Retrievers too. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

The organisers of Sunday’s Golden Retriever Gathering admit they were surprised by the level of attention they received.

By Dan Hutchinson

Hundreds of golden retrievers and their owners took over the streets of Tāupō, with many more joining in with their own dogs and other breeds for the march through town.

The event was organised by Golden Retriever owners Lynda Gulbransen and Robin Wilson.

"We originally thought maybe 40 to 60 (dogs), so we very optimistically ordered 200 scarves, and that really was the limit at the (Taupō) Kennel Club," Wilson says.

"Once the media got on board, all of a sudden we had this massive influx."

Held along Tāupō's lakefront, the event featured a parade led by two local bagpipers.

It also fortuitously coincided with Market Central which is temporarily being held in Tongariro North Domain.

There was a photo booth, and train rides run by the Taupō Lakeland Lions Club. All proceeds from the train rides were donated to Lake Taupō Hospice.

Support from local businesses helped make the day happen.

With no budget for professional, Lynda's husband Richard camped at the Tāupō Dog Training Centre for three nights beforehand to keep watch over the marquee.

Participants came from across the country and some had special reasons for being there.

One young Taupō girl pushed a toy pram with her late dog’s ashes and a photo of her dog who she misses very much.

A young woman living in Auckland rang to ask if she could come along, because she was missing her golden retriever who was overseas.

A couple from the South Island flew to Wellington and drove up specifically for the gathering — despite not owning a dog themselves.

TVNZ also covered the event on the 6pm One News bulletin.

Remarkably, there were no altercations between dogs throughout the entire day, thanks to the gentle nature of the breed.

Robin says owning a golden retriever is a good way to meet people.

"If you are feeling a bit flat, go for a walk with the dog and someone will come up and you have these interactions you never would otherwise have.

"People are a little bit cautious about strangers, but they're not if you've got a lovely soft dog.”

Gulbransen says the event showcases something else that Tāupō can do, especially given the dog-friendly attitude of businesses in the CBD.

The organisers are already planning to make the gathering a biennial event, with at least one other New Zealand city has expressed interest in hosting its own version next year.

"We couldn't be prouder or tireder," Lynda says.