Ducks in a dash down Whanganui River

Ducks are released in Whanganui's Plumber Dan Duck Race. Photo / Terry Dowdeswell

Just under 1400 plastic ducks hit the Whanganui River and travelled downriver with the tide on Saturday morning.

It was the Plumber Dan Duck Race, a fundraiser for Jigsaw Whanganui, executive officer Tim Metcalfe said.

The numbered ducks hit the water at 11am, but didn't rush downstream. Instead some idled over toward Kowhai Park, and had to be moved on by helpers on the water.

People lined both banks of the river to watch. The ducks were pulled out before reaching the Whanganui City Bridge, and most were in good form.

"There were two or three requiring plastic surgery, but they'll all be ready to go in a bigger and better race next year," Mr Metcalfe said.

The winning duck belonged to a 7-year-old boy called Ethan, who was present at the prizegiving with his "very happy" dad. He got $1000, donated by plumber Dan Goldsworthy.

There was a runner-up prize of $500 and about 20 spot prizes randomly chosen and donated by local businesses. Those winners are up on Jigsaw Whanganui's Facebook page and the prizes will be distributed this week.

The race raised more than $12,000 for Jigsaw Whanganui. It will be spent on the organisation's intensive home-based social work service.

Mr Metcalfe said it was great to have so many families and children there.

"It fits with our organisation's purpose, which is families at their best for their children."