Leather-clad bikers with their distinctive black attire, metallic accessories, scruffy beards and enthusiastic smiles are gathering in Queenstown.
Hundreds of the Harley-Davidson fraternity are in the resort for Iron Run 2015, dubbed New Zealand's premier Harley-Davidson event.
Their dark look is deceiving and bikers speaking to the Otago Daily Times described the solidarity of the gathering.
Len and Bev Smith rode down from Hamilton. ''It doesn't matter who you are - everyone is welcome and it's just like family. We are now life-long friends with people we met 13 or 14 years ago. We meet up and talk some b ... The bikes bring everyone together,'' Mr Smith said.
The pair have criss-crossed the country on a Harley Tri Glide Trike via Picton, Franz Josef and Wanaka.
''It's been a cool ride ... and the weather was great,'' he said.
His wife agreed and said all bikers had something in common.
She also joked it was an expensive club to be part of, and there were ''lots of sore bums all round too''.
Fellow rider Gwen Chapman, of Hokitika, said New Zealand was world renowned for its Harley fraternity.
''We have the most fantastic sense of fun. Everyone knows we have the best parties and appreciates our hospitality.''
The event attracted people from across the globe, she said.
The Queenstown event includes group rides to Glenorchy and Wanaka, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle show, the Iron Run itself from Queenstown to Arrowtown, starting at 10am and, of course, Iron Run parties.
- Louise Scott
