The New Zealand cricket team has been greeted by cheering fans at Auckland International Airport and The Cloud on Queen's Wharf.
About 200 people gathered at the airport's international arrivals gate this afternoon to welcome the Black Caps home from Australia.
Daniel Vettori at Auckland International Airport Photo: BLACKCAPS / Twitter
Fans cheered, screamed and swarmed around the team for photos and autographs.
New Zealand were well beaten by Australia in the final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Melbourne on Sunday night, but had been undefeated until then, with major wins over Australia in the group stage and South Africa in the semi-finals.
Daniel Vettori, who has now officially retired from the game, said competing in the final was a lovely way to finish his career.
"Obviously, it would have been great to win but I'm really proud of everyone and the way they've gone about things for the last six weeks," he said.
"To be here and to be part of it and to be, hopefully, a big contributing factor to us making that final is something I'll always treasure."
The team also attended an hour-long public event tonight at The Cloud on Queen's Wharf.
A spokesperson for the team said the event was an opportunity for the Black Caps to thank New Zealand for the unwavering support throughout the Cricket World Cup.
Fans at the event waved team flags and a sign printed with "champions don't need trophies".
It included speeches by Black Caps coach Mike Hesson and the team's captain, Brendon McCullum, who said the competition had been an "incredible ride for everyone involved".
These fans at Auckland International Airport want the Black Caps to know they have done New Zealand proud. Photo: RNZ / Nicole Pryor
Trent Boult celebrates a wicket during the semi final against South Africa at Eden Park. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Caps fan Taylor says he wants autographs covering this t-shirt Photo: RNZ / Nicole Pryor
Organisers handing out flags to wave when the Black Caps arrive. Photo: RNZ / Nicole Pryor
