Police are monitoring North Island motorcycle club members

Canterbury Police are closely monitoring a group of North Island motorcycle club members who have travelled south for the weekend.

A group of approximately 80 motorcycle riders from Highway 61 and Tribesman clubs in the upper North Island travelled from Picton to Christchurch today.

The group is expected to attend a motorcycle rally in Ashburton tomorrow, and stay overnight at Woodend in North Canterbury.

Inspector Dave LAWRY, Northern Area Commander, says the group has been closely monitored since arriving in the South Island.

"This afternoon we stopped the group in North Canterbury to speak to the members and to conduct comprehensive vehicle and licence checks," Inspector Lawry says.

The group was also monitored in the North Island and was spoken to at the Wellington ferry terminal.

"Our message to the group is that while they are welcome in Canterbury, we will not tolerate any offending or unwanted behaviour.

"We are always concerned about these groups moving about in numbers. They can be seen as intimidating, especially in smaller communities."

Inspector Lawry says the group will be monitored closely when it travels to Ashburton and throughout its stay in the region.

"We want to reassure residents that we will take a very tight line on any driving or general offending."