Crowds braved torrential rains to flock to Victoria Harbour on Sunday to bid farewell to one of the giant rubber ducks that have been visiting Hong Kong, as it went on a two-hour trip around the harbour.

The 18-metre bright yellow duck was paraded past Causeway Bay, Fortress Hill, and Tsim Sha Tsui before heading back to Admiralty. Its mate is expected to stay in the harbour until Monday morning.

Organisers earlier announced the pair would be leaving Hong Kong a week earlier than planned after facing "unexpected challenges" during their visit. They went on display on June 9.

Some people told RTHK that they wished the art display could have lasted longer, while others visited the ducks to celebrate Father's Day.

"Ten years ago, I hadn't yet gotten married or been in a relationship. But 10 years later, I have two daughters and have taken on a different role. Now, I'm here with my daughters," said Mr Tam, a father of two.

In 2013, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman first brought his huge yellow artwork to Hong Kong, floating one of his ducks off Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

A mainland tourist surnamed Lam said he came to Hong Kong earlier than scheduled to catch the tail end of the latest exhibition.

"It's meaningful that the duck parade is scheduled on Father's Day. I think it's double happiness," he told RTHK.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive John Lee said his heart was warmed after his son gave him a seat cushion for Father's Day.

“Wishing all fathers in the world a Happy Father's Day!” he wrote on his Facebook page.