Every bear that ever there was, and their owners

Furry friends were out in full force on the sportsground at Bethlehem College in Tauranga on Saturday for the Teddy Bears' Picnic.

As children of all ages danced in the sun with their teddies, the range of furry creatures was as diverse as the dance moves of the kids holding them.

There were ample food stalls, carnival rides, craft tents and entertainment, and the event received positive feedback from parents and children alike.

McKenzie Weaver, 4, was there with the whole family - including her favourite teddy, Fleur.

Nadia Weaver, daughter McKenzie, 4, and her teddy, Fleur. Photo / Andrew Warner

Grooving to the music and munching on a picnic while sitting on their blanket on the grass, the Weaver family, from Gate Pa, was having a great time at their first teddy picnic.

"It's great, we definitely haven't been bored," said mother Nadia Weaver, who came with her husband and young daughters.

"There's a lot going on here. The kids will definitely nap today."

Her daughters McKenzie and Saffie had already had a bounce on the bouncy castle, and made craft art at one of the several craft stalls.

Mrs Weaver said she liked that there was something for the family to do every weekend in Tauranga, saying it was awesome that there was so much going on in the area.

Among the host of children's entertainment was a dance performance by local group Dance Avenue. Four talented dancers did solo performances in costume before Tauranga's own Wiggles-esque group, The Doo Dahs, took the stage.

All proceeds from the event were to be donated to Variety the Children's Charity of New Zealand to help disadvantaged Kiwi kids reach their full potential.