First Ever · New Zealand · 2026
NZ Golden Retriever Gathering
SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2026 - 9am to 3pm
Taupo Kennel Club · 89 Centennial Drive, Taupo
A celebration of everything that makes this extraordinary breed so special - a sea of Goldens, a day of joy.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Made for Those Who Simply Adore Goldens
This gathering was created for those of us who simply adore Golden Retrievers, a place to connect with like-minded people, allow our dogs to interact with others of their own kind, and experience the pure magic of seeing a sea of Goldens together.
Our dream is to bring as many Golden Retrievers together in one place on one special day, a celebration of everything that makes this breed so extraordinary. Join us for a fun-filled day of connection, activities, and unforgettable Golden moments.
We're aiming for around 200 Goldens, which could mean 500+ people and dogs on the day. How amazing is that?!
EVENT DETAILS
Everything You Need to Know
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DATE
Sunday 4th October 2026
9am to 3pm
LOCATION
- Taupo Great Lakes Centre, 5 Story Place.
- Parade along Tongariro Street
- Taupo Kennel Club, 89 Centennial Drive, Taupo
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CAPACITY
First 200 Golden Retrievers paid guaranteed a place
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INCLUDES
Event scarf for every registered Goldie
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ACTIVITIES
Organised activities, socialising and celebrations
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PAYMENT
31st August 2026 - now extended for slightly longer, get in quick!
REGISTRATION FEES
Simple, Inclusive Pricing
Every registration includes an event scarf for your Golden. Additional dogs are just $12 each, because the more Goldens, the merrier!
ONE GOLDIE
$35
TWO GOLDIES
$47
THREE GOLDIES
$59
FOUR GOLDIES
$71
HOW TO REGISTER
Secure Your Spot Today
We are absolutely thrilled to open registrations for the first ever NZ Golden Retriever Gathering. We can't wait to see Goldens from all over the country come together!
The first 200 Golden Retrievers are guaranteed a place, don't wait too long to register!
Important - please read:
- Your spot is not secured until payment is made.
- Payment was required by 31st August 2026, however we have kept this open a little longer for a few extra stragglers...
- If you've already registered, you do not need to register again. We'll be in touch with any questions.
- Email confirmation will be sent within a couple of weeks of registering.
- Once payment is received, you'll be notified via email.
- Payment is non-refundable. Late registrations may be considered.
- We are not a full-time business - replies may take 1–2 weeks. Thank you for your patience!
REGISTER HERE
Fill in the Registration Form
Complete your registration details below. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration has been processed.
NEED A PLACE TO STAY?
Dog-friendly Accommodation in Taupo
Travelling from out of town? Taupo has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay so your Golden can join you for the whole adventure. Check out these helpful resources:
SUPPORTING OUR EVENT
Our Fabulous Event Sponsors
NZ Golden Retriever Gathering 2026 would not be possible without the generous businesses supporting our very first event in Taupo.
Every sponsor listed below has helped bring 200 Golden Retrievers and their families together for a day of fun, connection and community, with proceeds going to Hospice Taupō.
We are so grateful for their support and encourage everyone in our community to shop with and thank these wonderful businesses whenever they can.
Major Sponsor: Superior Pet Food Co
A heartfelt thank you to our first Major Sponsor, Superior Pet Food Co.
As a proudly NZ made pet food company, Superior Pet Food Co shares our passion for keeping Golden Retrievers happy, healthy and thriving on quality nutrition.
Their generous support has helped make the NZ Golden Retriever Gathering 2026 possible, and we are thrilled to have them behind our first ever event in Taupo.
Major Treat Sponsor: Mak's Patch
We are also delighted to introduce our Major Treat Sponsor, Mak's Patch. Mak's Patch makes natural dog treats from fruits and vegetables, gentle on sensitive tummies and ideal for dogs with allergies.
They have generously donated 200 bags of training treats, one for every registered dog, plus a Spend and Save voucher so you can try Mak's Patch for yourself at home.
The Mak's Patch team can't join us in person on the day, but their generosity behind the scenes has made a real difference to this event, and we could not be more thankful.
Event Photographer: Dianne Derbyshire Photography
Dianne Derbyshire Photography is joining us as the official photographer and sponsor of the Golden Retriever Gathering 2026!
Dianne will be bringing a special doggy photobooth along to the Gathering, giving your Golden the chance to star in their very own portrait session. Bring along a favourite toy, treat or prop to help capture their unique personality. And for the well-behaved Goldens, there may even be a few treats involved! After your photo session, you’ll receive access to an online gallery where you can view your images and order prints or other products, which can be delivered directly to you. Digital files will also be available to purchase.
We’re excited to have Dianne capturing some of the unforgettable faces, wagging tails and Golden moments from the day. Be sure to visit her page and say hello!
We would also like to thank:
Please support the businesses that support community events like ours.
Every one of our sponsors has chosen to invest or support in the Golden Gathering in some way, and this support has helped us make this event what it is.
Stall Holders
Alongside our sponsors, we are excited to welcome a wonderful line up of stall holders to the NZ Golden Retriever Gathering.
From handmade treats and pampering products to keepsakes and pet care essentials, our store holders bring something special for every dog and owner on the day. Please stop by their stalls, say hello, and support the small businesses that make our event so unique.
Food Carts
Watching 200 Golden Retrievers play is hungry work!
Our food carts will be on site throughout the day serving up treats for both ends of the lead, humans included.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Event Sponsorship
The NZ Golden Retriever Gathering is a community-driven event bringing together hundreds of Golden Retrievers and their families from across the country. We'd love to partner with businesses and individuals who share our passion for this incredible breed.
If you're a pet-focused business, a local Taupo operator, or simply someone who wants to support a one-of-a-kind event, we'd love to hear from you. Sponsorship is a wonderful way to get your brand in front of a highly engaged, dog-loving audience. We also would love to hear from you if you would like to have a stall at our event.
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch and we'll share our sponsorship packages with you.
NEXT EVENT
Help Shape the Next Gathering
Dreaming of a 2027 Golden Retriever Gathering? So are we. If you're passionate about making the next event even bigger and better, we'd love to hear from you
If you have event planning experience, access to a venue, connections in the dog community, or simply the energy and enthusiasm to help make it happen, every contribution matters. This event is built by Golden lovers, for Golden lovers, and we're always looking for dedicated people to join the team.
Tell us what you can bring to the table and we'll be in touch as plans begin to take shape.
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