Duck race on waterfront turns out to be a quacker for Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club

It was a sea of yellow yesterday at the Tauranga waterfront as about 2000 rubber duckies battled and bobbled for first place in an ocean race.

Organised by the Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club on the outgoing tidal flow, the charity race was designed to raise money for the Waipuna Hospice and three surf clubs - Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa.

Race organiser Brett Bell-Booth said the event was a fantastic and had ''brought people out in droves''.

''The weather was very kind and the number of people that supported us exceeded our expectations. It was just a great fun event.

''We weren't quite sure how popular it would be because it's the first time we have done it and used the new steps but it was a great venue.''

A mass of people had turned up to watch the ducks and businesses had also been supportive with 50 corporate ducks competing in their own race, he said.

A debrief was in the pipeline but ideas were already being tossed about for next year's event - and, although the money had not been counted yet, the event was expected to yield at least $15,000, he said.

''We can learn a lot and make it bigger and better as there is quite a few things we can improve on.''

In the meantime every duck had safely finished although a few had to be chucked back on course, with cash prizes for the top three placings and spot prizes.

Will Johnston from The Hits Bay of Plenty, who was the MC at the event, said it was ''first and foremost hilarious''.

''There were thousands of people watching rubber duckies float by them. A lot of them didn't even have skin in the game as they hadn't even bought a duck.''

''I think it is an awesome representation that Tauranga is actually keen to get involved with stuff that is different.''

Kylie Teague took her family to the duck race and said it was amazing.

''There were so many people out there that had a smile on their face. All these adults watching rubber duckies, it was a great day.''