By 3 News online staff
Fans and families of Olympic athletes returning from London are this morning at Auckland airport to welcome the team home.
Cyclists, athletes and swimmers landed just before 9am, and another flight carrying the rowers, sailors and hockey players landed just before 11am.
Among those waiting was the family of cycling pursuit team’s bronze medallist Aaron Gates.
“The Olympics have been fantastic but watching the cycling had been the ultimate, it will just be great to see him," said Gates’ aunt, Anne Rowe, as she waited for him to come through customs.
BMX silver medallist Sarah Walker says she is definitely glad to be back, and is overwhelmed by the number of people waiting to greet the athletes.
Bronze medallist Simon van Velthooven was also surprised to see the crowd gathered.
"I can't believe there's this many people, it's so special coming back here.”
He says now he's back he's going to rest, and visit friends and family in Auckland before going to Christchurch for a welcoming ceremony.
He says he will be travelling to Japan in September for more training.
Mahe Drysdale’s cousin Danny Watts brought his three daughters, Drysdale’s nieces, to greet the gold medal-winning rower.
"I'm just immensely proud. He's put in so many years of hard work. He missed out at Beijing so to come through and get the gold, it's just amazing," says Mr Watts.
3 News