Bikes and backroads

Nearly 500 riders descended on Palmerston North for the 2025 New Zealand National H.O.G. Rally – a weekend of legendary rides, epic camaraderie, and pure two-wheeled freedom that defines the Harley spirit

When nearly 500 Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles roll into town, you know something special is about to happen. This year’s New Zealand National H.O.G. Rally transformed the Manawatu region into Harley^® nirvana, with riders from across New Zealand and even a few Aussie mates converging on Palmerston North’s Awapuni Racecourse for an unforgettable weekend of brotherhood, bikes, and pure riding bliss.

The rumble begins
Registration Friday kicked off under brilliant blue skies, and from noon onwards, the peaceful hum of this provincial city gave way to the legendary thunder of Harley-Davidson V-twins. One by one, chapter by chapter, riders streamed in – each arrival adding to the symphony of American muscle that only a H.O.G.^™ gathering can create. By late afternoon, cold beverages were being shared, stories about wild weather were flying thick and fast, and old friendships were reigniting like spark plugs firing in perfect sequence.

Thunder Run glory
As Saturday dawned, Mother Nature threw a curveball with some early morning showers, but true to Harley spirit, nothing was going to dampen this day. The clouds parted, the winds dried the roads, and after a hearty breakfast and chapter photos, Blair from Fielding Harley-Davidson rallied the troops for the main event: the Thunder Run. Picture over 400 Harley motorcycles lined up and ready to roll!

After a thorough safety briefing, the multi-bike beast was unleashed. Thanks to spot-on traffic management, the entire pack rolled out smoothly, and boy, the Milwaukee roar was something to behold! The combined roar of 400+ bikes echoing through the streets was pure magic. Locals lined the streets, waving enthusiastically (okay, a few covered their ears, but they were smiling!), demonstrating the community spirit that makes these events so special.

The ride itself? Absolute perfection. The cavalcade carved its way over the Tararua Ranges via the Paihiatua Track, soaking in those beautiful sweeping curves and that gorgeous rolling countryside that makes New Zealand riding world-class. After regrouping in Pahiatua, the return leg was made via the recently paved Saddle Road – two lanes of smooth, open-road paradise. Sure, the westerly wind gave us a cheeky welcome at the summit, but that’s all part of the adventure when you’re riding a Harley in God’s country!

Celebrating our tribe
Back at the venue and properly refuelled, it was time for the traditional chapter games! Teams battled it out in ‘Bite the Sausage’ (as entertaining as it sounds), Tug-of-War, and a hilariously creative horse-race dress-up competition. The real highlight? Watching the local Harley-Davidson dealers and their partners throw themselves into Bite the Sausage with the same enthusiasm as everyone else. Their good-natured participation perfectly captures what makes the H.O.G. and Harley-Davidson family in New Zealand so incredible.

The rally wrapped up with a fantastic meal, plenty of those essential ‘catch-up’ beverages, and a semi-formal prize-giving ceremony. Huge congratulations to the Central Districts chapter for taking home the Chapter Champions trophy – well earned, crew! The generosity flowed freely as donated prizes went under the hammer, raising valuable funds for the local hospice charity, while special awards and beautiful trophies found their rightful homes – all kindly donated by our amazing NZ dealers – found their rightful homes.

As the formalities wound down, the dance floor heated up. Members socialised late into the night, soaking up those unbeatable H.O.G. vibes that keep us coming back year after year.

The heart of H.O.G. 
A massive shout-out to everyone who made this rally possible – the organisers, setup crews, registration volunteers, Thunder Run marshals, and the countless others who worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had an incredible time. Their dedication embodies the true spirit of the Kiwi H.O.G. community.

If this rally is any measure of the health and vitality of H.O.G. in New Zealand, one thing is crystal clear: they’re absolutely crushing it!

Until next time, keep the throttle twisted and stay shiny side up.

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