The triumphant New Zealand Olympians have arrived to a crowd of hundreds of fans at the Auckland International Airport.
The athletes showed off their haul to the cheering crowd before heading to the official welcome ceremony in downtown Auckland.
Gold medal kayaker Lisa Carrington says it's fantastic to be home.
"It's amazing to have that support, it's so cool, we'd been told a lot that everyone was behind us."
Olympian Peter Burling's mum says the next week will be busy for the boys, as they prepare to go to France for Team New Zealand in ten days' time.
Sailing gold medalist Burling says they felt the country were behind them the whole way.
"We’re a really tight team and we're super excited about what we managed to achieve. The support's overwhelming, and we couldn't have done it without it."
Anticipation had been building before the team landed, about one hour later than expected, on its return from Rio.
The athletes showed off their haul to the cheering crowd before heading to the official welcome ceremony in downtown Auckland.
Gold medal kayaker Lisa Carrington says it's fantastic to be home.
"It's amazing to have that support, it's so cool, we'd been told a lot that everyone was behind us."
Olympian Peter Burling's mum says the next week will be busy for the boys, as they prepare to go to France for Team New Zealand in ten days' time.
Sailing gold medalist Burling says they felt the country were behind them the whole way.
"We’re a really tight team and we're super excited about what we managed to achieve. The support's overwhelming, and we couldn't have done it without it."
Anticipation had been building before the team landed, about one hour later than expected, on its return from Rio.
They have brought with them 18 medals - five more than their previous best Olympics haul.
The big bird carrying our Olympic Team has touched down in Auckland! Welcome Home Team 39👍39👍🏼 #BeTheInspiration pic.twitter.com/5lagEWMyRx
— NZ Olympic Team (@nzolympics) August 23, 2016
@nzolympics safe travels.
— Lindsey M (@veronicaxhobbes) August 23, 2016
Almost time for our @nzolympics athletes to touch down. So much excitement! #dreambignz #Rio2016 #welcomehome pic.twitter.com/9caZhdDYcm
— ANZ New Zealand (@ANZ_NZ) August 23, 2016