New Zealand Commonwealth Games team arrive to welcoming crowd at Auckland Airport

New Zealand gold medalist weightlifter David Liti is greeted by family as he arrives back from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The New Zealand Commonwealth Games team arrived at Auckland International Airport tonight to an ecstatic crowd of friends, family, and fans.

As the athletes walked through the terminal they were welcomed by plenty of waving New Zealand flags, lolly leis, and signs.

Kiwi gold medallist weightlifter, David Liti, was greeted by a haka from students of his former school, One Tree Hill College.

New Zealand gold medalist weight lifter David Liti as he arrives back from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Upon reuniting with their family and friends, the athletes made their way to the Novotel Hotel for an official welcoming from members of the New Zealand Commonwealth Games and Olympic Committee.

New Zealand Olympic Committee President Mike Stanley thanked the athletes for the way they represented the nation, describing this year's results as "unbelievable".

New Zealand athletes Dame Valerie Adams and Sophie Pascoe share a moment after arriving back from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

"This makes us unique as a nation, it gives young people the opportunity to seek out their potential in life and achieve some of the dreams that this group has already done," said Stanley.

Many of the athletes, including Liti and hammer throw gold medallist Julia Ratcliffe, said they were looking forward to a well-deserved break in the coming months.

Meanwhile, para-swimmer gold medallist Sophie Pascoe said she would be back in the pool for training by Thursday morning.