The Springboks arrived in Wellington late last night to an excited crowd.
The South African team won the Web Ellis Cup in France in 2007 for a second time.
Hundreds of fans were at the airport when they touched down at midnight where they encountered their first challenge in the form of a haka performed by a local Wellington group.
South African High Commissioner, Anthony Mongalo, was there to welcome the team and says it was overwhelming.
"In New Zealand I have learned one term, one word, ‘awesome’. Look at the crowd – wonderful – I think it’s a great welcome.”
RadioLIVE