Holmes gets haka as body heads to Auckland

The body of Sir Paul Holmes left his Hawkes Bay home this morning in a moving ceremony that included an emotional haka.

A convoy of about seven cars is taking his body to Auckland for his funeral.

Before the convoy left Mana Estate near Hastings, Sir Paul's brother Ken spoke to media, along with Sir Paul's children Millie and Reuben Holmes and his wife Lady Deborah.

"We appreciate the interest that's been shown in Paul's passing and (in) recognition for all that attention, we would just like to say thanks to the New Zealand public," Mr Holmes told several reporters gathered at the gate.

He said the family was "holding up well" and that Sir Paul's open casket would be available for private visits in Auckland until the funeral later this week.

They drove back to the house before returning, trailing the hearse with other family members.

Reuben and Millie were visibly upset as Ngati Kahungungu performed a haka while the hearse progressed slowly along the driveway.

The Holmes family were following Sir Paul in convoy to Auckland.

The funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland on Friday at 1pm.