Thousands of Wellingtonians have turned out to see the All Blacks' victory parade in the capital.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, right, and coach Steve Hansen lift the Webb Ellis Cup today in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The parade kicked off in gloriously fine weather at Parliament, then left for Civic Square for an official welcome by Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown and other dignitaries.
At the start of the parade, Speaker of the House David Carter told the crowd filling Parliament's grounds to celebrate the world champions that Wellington had saved the best for last.
He told the crowd this All Blacks team had been acknowledged as probably the greatest of all time, and he thanked the players for making New Zealanders so proud.
The crowd is getting pumped up! pic.twitter.com/wsFL5hNrSA
— Adriana Weber (@Adriana_Weber_) November 6, 2015
Big cheers for Dan Carter at the Civic Square. @rnz_news pic.twitter.com/15wNxtB8No
— Adriana Weber (@Adriana_Weber_) November 6, 2015
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall also made a surprise visit to the capital, altering their official schedule to be part of the parade.
Speaking outside Parliament, the prince said he had travelled 11,683 miles to come to Wellington and congratulate the best rugby team in the world.
"What the hell am I going to say to the Aussies next week?"
Prince Charles greets All Black Dan Carter in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The prince was shown the Webb Ellis Cup by All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who thanked the crowd for their fantastic support before hopping on the back of a ute to begin the parade with his teammates.
Excited fans, including groups of school children, screamed as the players made their way past, with many shaking their hands and taking photos with them.
John Linkhern picked a spot with his children on Lambton Quay two hours before the parade started.
"I rang school this morning and just said, look, the boys won't be at school today - we're going to see the All Blacks, and that's it.
"This is huge, absolutely huge - could not miss it at all."
All Black Ma'a Nonu lifts the Webb Ellis Cup in front of his home crowd. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Crowds gather at Parliament to welcome the All Blacks in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The All Blacks' parade, as seen from Rutherford House in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Chris Bramwell
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The All Blacks were also greeted by cheering fans in Christchurch yesterday, with more than 10,000 people lining the streets and turning out to Hagley Park.
The team arrived back in New Zealand on Wednesday after beating Australia 34-17 in the World Cup final and of Aucklanders turned out to welcome them home.
McCaw thanked supporters yesterday, saying - even though they were playing on the other side of the world - the team knew they were being supported by fans back home.
"Can I just say thank you to everyone who has got up early in the morning and watched and supported.
"We're just so proud to have been able to do the job."
Watch a video of RNZ presenter John Campbell at the team's arrival in New Zealand at Auckland Airport:
