Wheelchairs and pushchairs were decorated, dogs were dressed up. There were men in uniform, husbands, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends - a reflection of how many people are affected by the disease.
Desiree Klomp, 45, walked with her sister Janine George, 41, and a group of colleagues from Rotorua Hospital.
It's Ms Klomp's eighth year walking. Diagnosed at 32, she said it was a real shock to be told she had breast cancer at such a young age, but got amazing support from family, the community and the Breast Cancer Trust.
"The thing with cancer is everyone is supportive - cancer doesn't discriminate - it just affects everybody," she said.
Just before the start 10 homing pigeons were released, symbolising peace and love, followed by one minute's silence remembering those who had passed on.
This year's poster girls Annie Vandergoot and Allison Melhuish, who recently told their stories for the Rotorua Daily Post blew the horn, signalling the start and the sea of pink was off on the 3.4km walk from the Village Green through Rotorua.
Janet Collins walked with 13 colleagues from Central Pharmacy. She'd had two close friends affected by breast cancer, she said. One who survived, but lost a 26-year-old daughter.
"It's an amazing turn-out and just to be part of something that is so close to people's hearts, both male and female - it's not just the ladies affected, which is often forgotten."
Melanie Loveless, who runs the Pink Programme Pilates programme at Te Ngae Physiotherapy, was supported by husband Ian and her two young children, Natalya, 3, and Sophie, 5.
"The locals have got right behind this one it gets bigger and better every year."
