Anticipation builds at Auckland's Victoria Park as crowds wait for their All Black heroes.

Thousands of people have gathered to welcome the All Blacks back to NZ with the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Earlier this morning, people packed into Auckland Airport to welcome the All Blacks on their return to New Zealand soil as Rugby World Cup champions this morning.

A massive cheer rung out across the airport following the announcement that flight NZ1 had landed.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says they are overwhelmed with the number of people waiting to welcome them at the Airport.

Assistant coach Ian Foster says there were a lot of celebrations in the plane.

Fly half Dan Carter says its an honour to see the fans out in numbers.

Meanwhile, Air New Zealand staff performed a haka on the tarmac after the flight touched down.

From Auckland, the team will fly to Christchurch where residents will get to welcome the team with a parade.

Meanwhile each player in the All Blacks team will be receiving $FJD231,502 as their bonus payments for defending the Rugby World Cup title.

Source : tvnz.com