Wellwishers are expected to turn out in force to greet New Zealand's record-breaking Olympics team when they arrive back in the country tomorrow.
The 170 team members land in Auckland at 4.35am tomorrow.
New Zealand's Rio Olympians will be welcomed back at a public celebration in Auckland. Photo: Photosport
They will then head to a public celebration, at The Cloud in Auckland from 9am.
New Zealand won 18 medals at the Olympics - four gold, nine silver and five bronze - five more than in London four years ago and double the number in Beijing in 2008.
A team spokeswoman said due to ongoing competition and other commitments five medallists - Lydia Ko, Valerie Adams, Natalie Rooney, Eliza McCartney and Tom Walsh - were not among the athletes arriving tomorrow.
The bulk of the athletics and equestrian teams would also return later, she said.
On our way home! @LisaCarrington @peteburling @BlairTuke @MaheDrysdale pic.twitter.com/NVCbnIb0Ww
— KIWIPAIR-EricMurray (@kiwipair) August 23, 2016
However, competitors in sailing, rowing, rugby sevens, cycling and hockey would be among Olympians arriving back.
At The Cloud, the athletes will walk onto a raised stage to be presented to the public, with speeches from chef de mission Rob Waddell and the flagbearers.
