By 3 News online staff
The New Zealand Olympic team is being celebrated in Christchurch, with a homecoming parade at Pioneer Stadium.
It’s the first opportunity for many Cantabrians to see the Olympic athletes since the London games finished two weeks ago.
The fine weather has encouraged a large turnout, with school children lining the streets as the athletes arrived on a double-decker bus.
Pioneer Stadium is filled to capacity, and a large crowd is waiting outside.
The athletes will come out to take photos and sign autographs for fans after the ceremony, before heading to other community engagements.
Some of the athletes have made a special effort to return to New Zealand for the celebration – in particular the equestrian team, which is usually based in the United Kingdom.
Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, and other members of the team have spent the morning giving lessons to up-and-coming riders.
3 News