An estimated 800 people turned out for the eighth Penguin Motorcycle Rally at the Willsher Bay domain.
People from throughout the South Island converged on the seaside community of Kaka Point for an event organiser Peter Davey said was getting bigger every year.
The domain was a sea of tents, motorcycles and people on Saturday afternoon.
Some had pitched their tents and stayed on Friday night.
Mr Davey said every town gained some benefit from the rally as riders spent money as they toured around.
He said accommodation and food providers were just two sectors to gain "enormously" from the crowds, who have made a habit of converging at the domain every September for the past eight years.
"We offer some great bands, food, entertainment, marquees and the like.
You don't get all this, and so cheap, at too many other rallies, I would say."
Most riders were aged in their 40s upwards, with at least a handful of 70-plus riders confirmed.
Mr Davey said the event had taken on a life of its own in recent years.
People kept coming back year after year as they formed friendships and enjoyed each other's company.
The Owaka Lions Club provided food and refreshments at the event.
The money it made went back to the Catlins through various community projects.
