The 17-year-old took the time to meet adoring fans, sign autographs, pose for photographs and talk to the media, despite being "very tired" after a long flight.
Auckland Airport staff performed a haka on the tarmac when her plane touched down and signs were displayed on the airport's noticeboard congratulating her on her success.
A loud cheer rang out when Lorde came out of the arrivals gates wearing casual clothes and dark rockstar sunglasses. She was accompanied by her bandmates and parents Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor.
Asked what it had been like to win two Grammy Awards, for Song of the Year and Best Solo Pop Solo Performance, she said it had been less daunting than when she picked up four New Zealand Music Awards last year.
"I feel like I was more, like, freaking out when I won my New Zealand Music Awards to be honest. Like, it's super cool but it becomes like a normal thing once you're amongst it."
Lorde, who has spent the last few days mingling with some of the world's most famous musicians including Sir Paul McCartney, said the person she had been most impressed by was pop diva Beyonce.
Asked what it was like to have become something of a national hero, she said: "I did gain like 200,000 Twitter followers''.
The North Shore teenager appeared overwhelmed as she was chased through the airport by camera operators and fans holding autograph books.
But she took the time to have a chat with many of those who came to meet her, including 15-year-old Cara Gibson.
"It was so cool. She's so pretty, she's stunning. I got some selfies with her, which was amazing.
"I just told her how amazing she was and congratulated her. She just said `thank you' and she was really lovely."
Lorde left the airport in a waiting taxi.
She will hardly have time to rest ahead of her show at Auckland's Silo Park tonight, which was arranged after she pulled out of the weekend's Laneway Festival in order to attend the Grammys.
Tonight's show is expected to sell out.
