The New Zealand team walked through Auckland Airport to applause this afternoon on their way to Melbourne.
In pursuit of one-day international cricket's Holy Grail for half his 36-year-old life, Vettori now gets the chance to contest the ultimate in what's expected to be his final international in any format.
After the tournament Vettori will continue coaching the Indian Premier League's Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise and is expected to take over the reins at the Big Bash's Brisbane Heat.
"It's exciting to have a 'grand final week' experience," Vettori said. "We can look forward to that and sit back to watch another semi-final [Australia v India tomorrow in Sydney] first. It's everything we thought it'd be, but it seemed a long way away before last night."
Vettori came to the crease with 29 runs required to win from 17 balls against South Africa, having spent time off the field resting during the Proteas' innings. He finished with seven from six balls, including a crucial four in the last over from Dale Steyn. That shot brought the target within one scoring shot of a finish with three balls left.
The all-rounder said Grant Elliott, who hit the match-winning six, was the man for the job.
"I'm pretty happy he did it, that was a sense of relief," Vettori said.
"Coming together in front of that sort of crowd is one of the most perfect moments in my career.
"Going by the state of my wife and parents, it is easier to play than to watch," Vettori deadpanned.
His six-year-old son James, who had suggested his Dad didn't jump as high on the trampoline when he leapt like a salmon to mitt West Indian Marlon Samuels in the quarter-final, hadn't seen last night's knock.
"He was fast asleep and busier with other things."
Vettori acknowledged reaching the final was extra special because of its rarity.
"No one else in New Zealand cricket history has experienced that, so it is novel to us but exciting as well."
New Zealand last played an ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2009 when Grant Elliott top-scored with 61 not out to secure a six-wicket win. Their last test was the drawn Boxing Day match in 1987 when, at nine wickets down, Mike Whitney defended Richard Hadlee's final over.
