Wellington, March 13 NZPA - Hells Angels gang members who arrived in Nelson yesterday amidst threats from local skinheads had a quiet night but police will keep an eye on them during a bike rally today.

About 20 Hells Angels were staying at Tahunanui Beach, 4km southwest of Nelson, to mark the first anniversary of a public outing by Hells Angels front gang the Red Devils.

The group was meant to take part in a charity bike ride today but several hotels and St John ambulance refused to take part after a threat from the leader of the Southern Skinheads.

"We will burn any pub they drink at, any motel they stay at, and may take it to the extent we will probably try to shoot them off their motorbikes," the skinheads' leader "Max" said on radio last week.

Motueka Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews said today that extra staff had been rostered on over the weekend to police the gang presence.

He said police did not anticipate any trouble but were prepared for anything that may eventuate.

The Hells Angels would meet up at Isel Park in Stoke this morning before going on a ride, and Mr Andrews hoped they would "drive responsibly and act lawfully".