Organised by the Dunedin-based Bikers Rights Organisation of New Zealand (BRONZ), the annual two-day rally has been growing in popularity since it was first held at the Fraser Domain in 1985.
BRONZ president Ron McKay, of Dunedin, said within two years the rally had outgrown its original site at Earnscleugh, and since 1987 the event had been held on private farmland alongside the Manuherikia River at Galloway.
"We had 38 people at the first rally and last year there were 1680.
"Every year it keeps going up by about 100 and with big yellow in the long-range weather forecast, we are expecting much the same as, or more than, last year," he said.
Most bikers came from throughout Southland, Otago and South Canterbury.
This year a few were expected from Tauranga, and in the past people had travelled from as far as Germany to take part.
Mr McKay said the rally, which was always held on the weekend closest to Waitangi Day, was BRONZ's largest event and one of the longest-running rallies in the South Island.
Organisers, BRONZ members and caterers started setting up the ground on Wednesday, and about 400 bikers camped out last night.
Most will travel to the site today before the "mass exodus" on Sunday, Mr McKay said.
"On Friday and Saturday nights we have live bands, entertainment and competitions.
"We usually get about a third of the people on Friday and by lunchtime on Saturday the place is chocka.
"We get all types of people, from doctors and lawyers to the unemployed.
"Motorcyclists don't discriminate," he said.
About 1100 bikes and trikes of many makes, models, vintages and origin were brought to the rally.
While promoted as a family event, it attracted mainly middle-aged bikers, Mr McKay said.
"A good 50% of the people would be aged 40 or older.
"We get a lot of born-again motorcyclists who used to ride, got married, had children and when their children left home, they started riding again," he said.
The oldest of BRONZ's 160-odd members was 68, and he was younger than others known to attend.
"Motorcyclists only get rid of their bikes when they have to get a mobility scooter," Mr McKay said.
This afternoon a tug-of-war, helmet race and wet T-shirt competition will entertain the masses while judges select the best tattoos and motorbikes.
Profits from each year's rally are given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand.
"We cover our costs and whatever's left goes to them.
"Last year we gave $6500," Mr McKay said.
