The All Blacks will soon be touching down on home soil this morning and are expected to be greeted by hundreds of fans at the Auckland International Airport.
Come lunchtime, they will make their way to a parade on Hobson St at 11:45am, before making a grand entrance into Victoria Park, where tens of thousands of fans will be waiting eagerly.
Fans are being urged to arrive at the venue early to secure a prime spot. Big screens will be erected on both sides of the stage and speakers will be positioned around the park to ensure the supporters can see and hear the day's proceedings.
Some of New Zealand's top performers will entertain the masses, such as Sol3 Mio and Ladi6, following a karanga and haka from Auckland Grammar, Mount Albert Grammar and Auckland Girls Grammar.
Mayor Len Brown says, “Winning away from home was a momentous achievement and I am sure Aucklanders who supported the team during the tournament will turn out in huge numbers to see their heroes and I urge people to allow plenty of time to travel to what will be an extraordinary occasion.”
Te Kāea reporters, Raniera Harrison and Tamati Tiananga will be at the airport as well as Victoria Park today and will bring more on this exciting occasion tonight at 5:30pm.
Victory parade through Wellington on Friday November 5
Wellingtonians will also get the chance to welcome home the All Blacks in a victory parade through the central city on Friday.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is encouraging everyone from the Wellington region, lower North Island and Top of the South Island to line the streets of the capital.
There will be a brief welcome at Parliament grounds at 11:30am, with the parade expected to start just before midday and then head along the Golden Mile to a major welcome in Civic Square.
The All Blacks will leave Parliament at 12pm into Lambton Quay, then along Willis Street into Mercer Street before arriving in Civic Square between 1 and 1:30pm.