Hundreds of sheep have turned a street parade into a scramble after the animals set off in the wrong direction.

The 250 sheep were to have walked down Masterton's Queen St this morning to help launch the Golden Shears and World Shearing Championships.

Instead the nervous animals led farmers and their dogs on a wild sheep chase around residential streets for half an hour, slipping into backyards and munching on shrubs and flowers.

Amused bystanders watched on or helped muster a few strays back into the flock, as the patient shepherds eventually regained control and led the animals along the intended route.

Hundreds of people lined Queen St to watch the parade, which marks the start of the 52nd Golden Shears and 15th World Shearing Championships.

The event begins with junior and novice shearing and woolhandling this morning, followed by intermediate and senior heats tonight.