Photos: Purple and orange for World Down Syndrome Day walk in Whangārei

There was a big turnout at the walk.

With fluorescent orange tutus, bright purple wigs, and face paint - Whangārei's Hātea Loop looked more colourful than usual.

Northland Down Syndrome Support Group hosted the 'Lots of Rocks' Hātea Loop walk on Sunday to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day.

About 100 people of all ages proudly dressed in orange and purple - the charity's colours - and walked around the loop starting at the Canopy Bridge.

Globally, the theme for World Down Syndrome Day is 'Lots of Socks' where people raise awareness by spending the day wearing multiple pairs of socks.

However, because of Northland's heat the team decided to link the walk to the popular pastime of leaving painted rocks around Whangārei.

Photographer Tania Whyte headed to the Canopy Bridge before the start of the walk to capture all the smiles and colour.

Catherine Parker and Erin Smith, Northland DHB colleagues and friends since 2006, ready to walk with pride.

Libby Kitchen, 5, Brooke Turner, 12, Martina Sommers and Jordyn Turner, 6, surround Jo Morrison a trustee for Northland Down Syndrome Support Group.

And the walk begins.

Georgia Reece, 8, and Shannyn Matthews, proud in their colours.

The Owen siblings, Awanui, 9, Kiritai, 7, and Tokoaitua, 11, are ready for the walk.

Friends Thomas Sadgrove, Samara Harrison, 11 and Daniel Tucker with Aleisha and Holly McCormack (front).