Golden retrievers’ day in the sun

Taupō is home to a large golden retriever population.

There’s gold in them thar hills and it’s the doggie kind. 

By Dan Hutchinson 

Golden retriever meets have become a global phenomenon in recent years and Taupō’s Lynda Gulbransen is making it happen right here in Taupō. 

She is the event organiser for the New Zealand Golden Retriever Gathering 2026 and plans to replicate the Guisachan Gathering - where hundreds of golden retrievers meet at Guisachan House each year in the Scottish Highlands. 

Scotland is the birthplace of the breed but Lynda reckons Taupō is the sweet spot for owners in the southern hemisphere. 

She says Taupō is a town that “loves dogs, welcomes families, and knows how to host something special”. 

With its wide-open spaces, lakefront walks, “cafés that greet dogs as warmly as people”, and a community that celebrates being outdoors, she believes Taupō is the perfect setting for her “golden dream”. 

The event is taking place on October 4. 

“We’re calling Golden Retrievers from all over New Zealand to come together in one town, on one day, to see just how much happiness can fit in a single place.” 

The day will begin at Tongariro Domain, where dogs and their people will head off on a lakeside walk led by bagpipers.  

Activities will then continue at the Taupō Dog Training Club, on Centennial Drive, where owners, families and their dogs can gather for photos, demonstrations, sponsor displays and general doggy-ness. 

Lynda says they have been overwhelmed by the support received from dog owners and businesses throughout New Zealand.  

She expects the event to become an annual gathering, alternating between the north and south islands in future years. 

There are already 82 Golden Retrievers booked, with a cut-off of August 31 for registrations. There is a maximum of 200 dogs. 

Dogs have equal rights at many of Taupō’s cafes.

Lynda says a similar event on the Gold Coast attracted about 1000 golden retrievers, in just its fifth annual event. 

“These golden retriever gatherings are held right round the world so it’s pretty exciting that we’re having one on Taupō, even if it’s in a much smaller way and I’m hoping that it will get bigger as the years go by and this won’t be the one and only.” 

For more information people can head to www.goldengathering.co.nz