Woods told reporters he was "really excited to be here."
The entourage was met by a Maori challenge and powhiri from 18 members of Otaki tertiary institute Wananga O Raukawa.
Woods said he was honoured by the Maori welcome.
Accompanying him on the private jet were caddie Steve Williams, agent Mark Steinberg, Nike representative Greg Nared, a niece, and Woods' mother Kultida. Two pilots were also on board.
Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast, Kapiti mayor Alan Milne and Williams' girlfriend Kirsty Miller formed part of the welcoming party.
The police presence at the airport was beefed up following a cyanide threat made to the United States Embassy in Wellington last month. Several police, including plain clothes officers, were on the tarmac this morning.
Woods decided to play in the event as a tribute to his New Zealand-born caddie, despite the letter which threatened to disrupt the tournament.
New Zealand police have substantially increased security for the event, which has attracted 325 media personnel and television coverage that will be beamed to 158 million homes worldwide, organisers have said.
Police are today focusing their security precautions on train services, following a reference to public transport in the so-called 'cyanide letter', which also targeted food and catering.
Most spectators are expected to take trains to the Paraparaumu course during the tournament.
- NZPA
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