[1] The All Blacks arrive. Photo @FlyAirNZ About 500 noisy fans at Christchurch Airport have welcomed the All Blacks to the Garden City for this afternoon's parade.
Earthquake damage meant Christchurch missed out of hosting Rugby World Cup matches, but the All Blacks hoped today's tour would include residents in the tournament.
Airport security staff gathered around and clapped as captain Richie McCaw stood on the tarmac with his team and the Webb Ellis Cup.
Outside the airport fans lined the team's route to their bus, with children perched on shoulders to get a glimpse of their heroes.
A group of teenage girls held up "I love Izzy" signs as squeeled as All Black and Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg walked past.
The All Blacks, who defeated France in the World Cup final on Sunday, were flown from Auckland on a special Air New Zealand airbus painted black and with silver fern detail.
All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith said he lived in Christchurch and knew what the visit would mean to the city.
"I think the city will reflect on the fact that we've had a hard 14 months down there, and this is just a game of footy, but for a day or two it will give a lot of cheer to people."
City mayor Bob Parker encouraged as many Cantabrians as possible to take the time to come to the team's parade and celebrate their incredible sporting achievement.
"We are thrilled to be hosting our rugby heroes for the afternoon and I'm sure many Christchurch residents who have been watching all the action from afar will be delighted to come and cheer on their team in the flesh as they parade through our streets.''
The parade will start from the corner of Rolleston Ave and Hereford St at 3.30pm and move north on Rolleston Ave, continuing on Park Tce to the corner of Bealey Ave.
It will end up at the fanzone in North Hagley Park where the All Blacks will be on stage at 4pm.
Thousands of Wellingtonians are also likely to give the All Blacks an uproarious welcome at a Rugby World Cup victory parade in the capital on Wednesday.
The All Blacks will receive a mayoral welcome in Civic Square at 1pm, before being driven on floats along the Golden Mile to the grounds of Parliament.
While details were yet to be finalised, the route would see the team pass along Mercer St, Willis St and Lambton Quay before arriving at Parliament about 2pm.
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