The All Blacks arrived at Auckland International Airport just before 8pm to loud cheers and applause from around 120 fans who had come to bid them farewell.
The team was whisked into the VIP departure gate quickly and only a handful of players stopped to sign autographs and get a photo with fans.
Big cheers went up when captain Richie McCaw walked past and players Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Jerome Kaino all stopped to pose for selfies.
Keven Mealamu said it was humbling to see the fans - some who had waited for up to three hours - turn out for them.
Now it was time to get down to business, he said.
"We've been in training for the last couple of weeks so it'll be really good to get on the plane and get stuck into it."
Malakai Fekitoa's mother, Meleane Fekitoa, told the Herald she was incredibly proud of her son representing New Zealand.
"Our family are very proud of Malakai. I have sons who have played top rugby too, but Malakai is going to the World Cup."
Asked if she would be supporting home country Tonga's rugby team - 'Ikale Tahi - she laughed and pointed to her red top under her black jacket.
"Some days I'm going to wear red for Tonga and when the All Blacks play I'll wear black."
The All Blacks were given the ultimate Kiwi goodbye minutes before their plane took off.
Members of the Air New Zealand ground crew performed a haka for the team as they prepared to leave Auckland International Airport for their Rugby World Cup campaign.
The official All Blacks Instagram account has a photo of what the team saw as they waited for take-off - several men in highlighter jackets in a haka stance.
The photo was accompanied with the caption: "An awesome farewell haka for the team from the @airnz ground crew! Thanks for the support guys!"
The All Blacks were scheduled to leave Auckland at 9.40pm and are due to touch down at Heathrow Airport at about 10.30pm NZT tomorrow.
Gatland felt overwhelmed by negativity, especially from ex-players.