Yesterday's Barnyard at the Beach event was a great success, with organisers estimating more than a thousand people turned up.

The event at Mount Drury included pony rides and a petting zoo, provided by Ponies Plus.

Tauranga City Council event delivery manager Michaela Blackman says the day was amazing.

'The numbers were brilliant. Having little people come along to ride ponies and pet animals at the beach was quite fun.”

She says over the course of the morning they probably had around 1200 come through.

'It's really busy out here,” she says, for people who haven't made it to the Mount yet.

Some of the animals included a pony, a donkey, a pet goat 'that acts like a dog”, chickens, rabbits, and baby guinea pigs.

She hopes the event returns next year.

'It's a really good thing to do, as there's loads of families out here. I think they appreciated having something to do with the kids.”

Poppy Boyd (18mth) was enchanted with a little Guinea Pig in the enclosure.

A steady stream of holiday makers flowed through the little make shift zoo.

Fiona Kelly (15), leads miniature horse Jellybean, while 10-month-old Grace Cameron is supported by dad, Antony.

Archie Hanson (15mth) spots a cuddly critter.