As well as hugs and lei from family and supporters, Adams was greeted by a stirring haka.
It has been more than a month since Adams won the shot put gold medal in London, after a drawn-out saga that saw disgraced Belarus shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk stripped of the title for drug use.
Adams said she was "very excited'' about tonight's ceremony.
"I have had a look at the medal, it's very, very beautiful. But I am looking forward to tonight and just getting it over and done with and enjoying the moment.''
The wait to receive the medal had its ups and downs.
"But today we're here and tonight's happening and we've just got to savour the moment and enjoy it.''
Adams said the best part was seeing her family.
"I have missed them since March and it's great to be home.''
The medal will be presented by Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who is also a New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) patron and travelled to London to support the New Zealand team.
Of the 2500 tickets to tonight's ceremony, about 500 have been reserved for sponsors and 2000 were to be given away in draws and competitions.
The ceremony, which will feature a big fireworks display, is being jointly hosted by the NZOC and official partner ANZ.
Also there will be fellow gold medallists Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murray, Hamish Bond, Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie, and other medallists and members of the 2012 Olympic team.
The ceremony will be simulcast on a big screen at Frank Kitts Park in Wellington followed by a second major fireworks display on Wellington Harbour.
