New Zealand's first batch of Olympians exited managed isolation Monday and have been welcomed home in a ceremony in Christchurch.
The athletes, including rowers, rugby sevens players, surfers and gymnasts, were greeted by starstruck Harewood School students eager for autographs and a chance to hold the prized medals.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy also welcomed home the nation’s most successful Olympic team.
It was an overwhelming experience for some as the swarm of fans and media was a massive contrast to their time locked away in managed isolation.
“I’m pretty excited,” rower Michael Brake told 1 NEWS.
“We’ve been locked up for two weeks and now we’re out here mixing and meeting with all of the kids and everyone supporting – it's awesome.
“We’ve been in our own company for the past two weeks in full isolation and now we’re out able to actually see people and give people hugs – it almost feels like we just raced and now we’re celebrating it.”
In a speech, Reddy praised the athletes for their achievements and the way in which they represented New Zealand on the sporting stage.
“Each and every one of you has shown the world what it means to be a New Zealander.
“You’re fine role models and your achievements will undoubtedly inspire many rangatahi and tamariki (young people) to follow in your footsteps.”
The likes of Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini and trampolinist Dylan Schmidt were looking forward to sharing their medals with their friends and family in the coming weeks.
“I’m sure I won’t see it for a couple of weeks because everyone will take turns holding it. Without them the success wouldn’t happen so I can’t wait to share it with my family and friends,” Hirini said.
The remaining Olympians are expected to leave isolation at the end of the week.
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