100 members of an Australian motorcycle gang are expected to descend on Christchurch this weekend.

The Rebels, who have been trying to establish a presence in New Zealand since the start of the year, have already attracted police attention throughout the country, but mostly in the North Island.

Intelligence received by police has suggested that the gang has already tried to book accommodation for 80 to 100 members on campsites in Christchurch.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Holder, of Christchurch CIB, said yesterday the information indicated the Rebels intended to hold a meeting in Canterbury this weekend. "We believe they may be having a poker run on Sunday. It's what we believe, as opposed to what we know."

Poker runs involve bikers picking up playing cards at five pubs across the city. At the end the winner is the biker with the best hand.

Holder said police did not know why the gang was coming to Christchurch.