13 Jul 2017

America's Cup makes it to Otago

5:05 pm on 13 July 2017

Dunedin put on a stirring Scottish welcome for Emirates Team New Zealand on their final victory parade today.

Grant Dalton holds the Auld Mug aloft.

Grant Dalton holds the Auld Mug aloft. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

It was a grey, drizzly day in the southern city, but that didn't stop thousands of fans from rugging up and cheering the team into the Octagon.

The City of Dunedin Pipe Band led Team New Zealand along George St to the Octagon, where a helicopter dropped confetti on the waiting crowds.

Spectators told RNZ they didn't mind the cold, although many waited until the last minute to emerge from warm offices and flood the CBD streets.

Shaun Henderson, 10, left, Jacob Henderson, 12, and Kyla Potbury, 15.

Shaun Henderson, 10, left, Jacob Henderson, 12, and Kyla Potbury, 15. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

Emma Smith from Cromwell said having the parade in Dunedin was "huge".

"It's good to see them come down south for once, so I'm stoked with that."

The team were given a rousing welcome as they stepped onto a stage in the Octagon, holding the 'auld mug' high.

Team chief executive Grant Dalton said the team was still running on adrenalin.

"We're still on a high from winning the cup, really the big planning for us next is a full regional tour, which will take weeks," he said.

"We're going to come down with a thud eventually but it hasn't happened yet."

He said the regional tour of yacht clubs would take place later this year when the weather was warmer.

Team New Zealand fans.

Team New Zealand fans. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

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