The gathering of 700 Harley Davidson motorcycles and riders from around New Zealand in Whitianga for a weekend of organised events, live bands, markets and comradeship proved so popular, they've booked to return in 2019.

This year's tour which was held last weekend had riders starting their day lined up at the Taylors Mistake reserve.

The Whitianga Sea Scouts held a bike wash as a fundraising opportunity for their new Scout Den and collected $6500.

The bikes then headed to the Coroglen Tavern for lunch and an afternoon of fun games.

The Gathering organisers confirmed their return to Whitianga as a three-day event of music, food, friends and riding for 2019 and plan to increase the numbers of entrants to 1500.

"This is a fantastic news for Whitianga, and the wider Coromandel," says Mercury Bay community board chair Paul Kelly.

"We saw riders around the Mercury Bay ahead of the weekend, as well as the Saturday and Sunday and they travelled around the district."

"With the numbers increasing next year, the economic benefits will be seen in the hospitality and accommodation industry, as well as other business sectors," says Paul. "Who knows? Maybe some of them may buy property here.”

"The event is organised by Passionate Riders for passionate riders who like to ride and have fun," says organiser Evan Still. "The emphasis is on everyone having a great time. A Gathering of like minded individuals.”

The next Gathering is planned for March 8 - 10 2019 returning to Whitianga for riders of American motorcycles, and their friends and family. All bikes welcome.

The event has the support of our Council, through assistance provided by our District Events coordinator Kirstin Richmond.