It may not be quite the Becks-mania that greeted him in Sydney, but the soccer superstar was given a rapturous welcome in Wellington this afternoon.
A crowd of about 500 was at the airport to greet him and loud cheers went up as hecame through the arrivals gate.
Beckham signed numerous autographs as he slowly made his way past the crowd.
A powhiri was then held, which left Beckham and his LA Galaxy teammates a little bemused by the protocol. But the club president Alexi Lalas called it the most "unique and moving" welcome it had ever received.
Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast welcomed the team to the "football capital of New Zealand" and revealed that even Prime Minister Helen Clark had asked to meet the former England soccer captain.
Kat, a 22 year old fan from Wellington, was overwhelmed that she met Beckham and got his autograph.
She said: "I told him he's a legend. I asked him for a high five but then I felt stink so I just shook his hand.
"He is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't ever think I would get to meet him. I thought I would see him, but not physically touch him."
Beckham has not yet made any comment but a press conference is due at 4pm today.
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