Nev Thomson and pillion passenger Sammy Evans, of Albury, arrived on a bright yellow Triumph 900, while their friend Curly Blackwood, of Temuka, was riding his Harley-Davidson.
"I've got to bring it [his Triumph] to tow all the Harleys because they always break down," Mr Thomson said.
More than 3000 people are expected to take part in the 25th anniversary of the rally, which started out as a birthday party at the Waihao Forks Hotel with a few mates.
Motorcycles of all shapes, sizes and values were arriving at the Waimate A and P showgrounds yesterday.
While pitching a tent, Mr Thomson said they might get some sleep if they were lucky. Sleep was over-rated, he added.
The long-time motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed the bikes, bands and camaraderie at the event. There were some "unreal machines", Mr Thomson said.
Two years ago, he was thrilled to win the prize for best British motorcycle with his Triumph. His 1995 model was up against brand new bikes.
The event was a huge boost to the local economy, organising committee president Craig Rowley said.
Today, there will be a trike show between 11am and noon at Brownie's Bar in Waimate where Rotary club members will take children for rides for a gold-coin donation, with all money going to the Christchurch earthquake appeal.
The generator booked for the event was being used in Christchurch and the Waimate District Council had provided its portable generator, with the usual cost of the booked generator being donated to the appeal. There will also be donation buckets around the grounds.
About five people had attended every March Hare rally, Mr Rowley said.