The All Blacks have departed from Heathrow Airport as they begin their journey back home following a second successive Rugby World Cup title.
Supporters farewelled the side at the London airport as retiring veteran Keven Mealamu carried the William Webb Ellis trophy through the terminal.
The All Blacks are travelling on an all black Boeing 777-300 and arrive in Auckland 7am on Wednesday.
Aucklanders will then get a chance to celebrate their World Cup triumph at a very special event featuring the team at Victoria Park in central Auckland at 12 noon.
On Thursday the team will head to Christchurch with a street parade and official reception at Hagley Park. The following day they will be in Wellington.
Winger Nehe Milner-Skudder, who yesterday won the World Rugby breakthrough player of the year award, tweeted from the plane as the team departed saying: "London, you've been unreal."
