Olympics: The heroes' homecoming

Kawerau will hold a parade for Sarah Walker in September. Photo / Kenny Rodger

New Zealand's Olympians are likely to receive a hero's welcome when they arrive home at 7.30am tomorrow.

The 98-strong team that won nine medals will land at Auckland Airport.

And many of the athletes will enjoy individual homecoming celebrations.

Valerie Vili will be welcomed back after her gold medal-winning performance by her old school, Macleans College in Bucklands Beach.

Rowers Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, Mahe Drysdale, George Bridgewater and Nathan Twaddle are expected to be treated to a welcome-home parade in Cambridge on Friday.

Gold medal-winning boardsailor Tom Ashley will enjoy his own welcoming ceremony at Devonport Reserve on Thursday. And Kawerau will hold a parade on September 13 for BMX rider Sarah Walker.

- NZ HERALD STAFF