More than 2000 fans descended on Dunedin International Airport today to welcome home their heroes.
Those heroes, of course, were the Highlanders, returning from Wellington with the Super Rugby trophy in tow after the side's 21-14 win over the Hurricanes last night.
The team gathered on the tarmac before entering the terminal to a tremendous welcome from a crowd which covered much of the ground floor and snaked its way up the stairs to the first floor.
Highlanders midfielder Richard Buckman said the team's achievement still hadn't sunk in.
"It's pretty unreal," he said of the turnout. "The Dunedin public's got in behind the team all season so it's pretty awesome to bring the trophy back for them."
Buckman said there were a few celebrations last night.
"Friends and family came back to the hotel and had a few beers but nothing too major - we've got a big couple of days ahead."
Airport fire staff estimated the crowd to be at least 2000, with cars parked on the side of the road back to Momona township.
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark described the welcome as "unreal" on the back of five years of hard work from the organisation.
- by Matt Smith and Damian George