Watch airport staff perform haka as World Cup-winning New Zealand squad touch down in Auckland

New Zealand's Rugby World Cup champions were given a rousing welcome on their return home from London on Wednesday.

Air New Zealand ground crew performed the haka on the Auckland airport tarmac after the team had touched down at around 7am local time.

The All Blacks saw off rivals Australia 34-17 in Saturday's final at Twickenham to become the first nation to successfully defend the Web Ellis Trophy.

And captain Richie McCaw, alongside coach Steve Hansen, led the history makers through international arrivals proudly holding the famous trophy.

Many of those who turned out to meet the World Cup-winners had stayed through the night and were rewarded with selfies and autographs before the team made their way to Auckland's Victoria Park for a victory party.

After leading the team onto the stage to 'Men In Black', McCaw told the thousands who had gathered: “Seeing you all here has made it all worthwhile.

“There’s no better feeling than being able to hold that cup up again. We had heard this country was going pretty nuts on Sunday morning.”