A rubber duck race to raise money for Rotorua's rescue helicopter has been so popular that organisers have run out of ducks.
BayTrust Rescue Helicopter base manager and pilot Ben Fry said 700 ducks were available to buy for Sunday's fundraiser, but all had been sold.
"We're a bit stuck -they're not the easiest things to acquire as you can imagine."
The trust had so far been unable to contact the duck suppliers to order more, he said.
Ducks had been available to 'adopt' for $5 each or $20 for five, but they had all been adopted by late Wednesday morning.
Prizes for (human) winners include a Greenstone pendant, a family pass to Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre and accommodation at Novotel.
The race was held last year, but Mr Fry said ducks sold out only on the day of the race.
Neither Mr Fry nor BayTrust sponsor liaison Nadine Rogers knew who had the original idea for the duck race, but Ms Rogers said she believed it came from someone at Westpac.
"I'm not sure where the original idea hatched from," Mr Fry said.
The race is part of a national fundraising campaign run by major sponsors Westpac and helicopter trusts.
Westpac covers the administration and marketing costs of the appeal, so all money raised goes to the rescue helicopter trust.
The local BayTrust helicopter rescue needs more than $1.2 million a year to run, and receives less than 50 per cent of its funding from ACC and local district health boards.
The remainder must come from public donations.
Each mission costs about $7800, and choppers are used frequently in search and rescue operations and to reach sites that are difficult to access by road.
There were 169 rescues in the Rotorua area last year, and more than 7500 nationally.
Mr Fry said he would be pleased if the race raised close to $5000, although he hoped it would become bigger and better every year.
"The good thing with the duck race is we're keeping it family friendly."
Ms Rogers said people would still be able to donate to the trust whether ducks were available or not.
"There will still be opportunities to support on the day."
Mr Fry said the trust was considering holding raffles on Sunday to try to raise extra money without extra ducks.
The duck race is on at the Hamurana Springs Reserve at noon, with activities starting from 11am.
Spot prizes will be given out and a sausage sizzle for a gold coin was planned.