New Zealanders are invited to get out and meet a greyhound on Sunday 27 September as part of the Great Global Greyhound Walk.

Greyhounds are calm, affectionate and full of personality, and there is no better way to understand their appeal than spending some time with them. On 27 September you will get the chance to do exactly that – come along and see for yourself what makes them such special companions.

The Stratford walk leaves the "white gates" at King Edward Park (the Malone Memorial Arch and Gates) at 9:00am for a stroll of 45 to 60 minutes. It is one of 20 walks happening across New Zealand that morning, from Whangārei to Dunedin, with walkers collectively aiming to cover 3,000 kilometres in a single day.

Free parking is available in the area, and while there's no café at this location, toilets are on site and buggies and wheelchairs are welcome.

This year's theme is Mythical Mutts, so dress up if you like, from dragons and unicorns to fairies and mermaids.

The walk is free, open to everyone and there will be plenty happening on the day.