PHOTOS: Lions welcome in Northland, New Zealand

The welcoming party advance towards the visitors

Northern Advocate photographer Michael Cunningham was in the Bay of Islands on a beautiful Northland day, capturing the British and Irish Lions' rugby squad welcome.

The wero (challenge) is underway.

Protocol is explained to captain Sam Warburton and head coach Warren Gatland.

The welcome was conducted against the beautiful backdrop of the Bay of Islands.

This morning's welcome followed the Lions' narrow and unconvincing win 13-7 over a provincial Barbarians team in Whangarei.