Day two of festivities continue for victorious All Blacks

Richie McCaw walks down the parade path at Victoria Park in Auckland yesterday. Photo / Nick Reed

Day two of official Rugby World Cup celebrations will see a number of schools close their doors early so pupils can get a chance to see their rugby heroes.

It's Christchurch's turn to revel in the glory of a back-to-back world cup win, as the All Blacks arrive in the Garden City today to take part in a welcome home parade.

Thousands are expected to follow the team along the parade route as they make their way to Hagley Park.

It follows massive crowds, which soared into the tens of thousands, in Auckland yesterday, as excited fans flocked to Auckland Airport to see them touch down on home soil, before an official celebration at Victoria Park.

Today, the boys in black will travel through parts of the central city from 2.30pm on the back of utes, similar to how they made they way to Victoria Park yesterday, before finishing in Hagley Park for an official welcome and public reception.

Dan Carter's former secondary school, Christchurch Boys' High, is set to close its doors early today, so students can join the celebrations.

The school will finish shortly before 1.30pm to allow students to attend the victory parade.

A number of All Blacks, including brothers Ben and Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, and coach Steve Hansen are also old boys of the school.

Other schools will also finish up early, including Rangi Ruru Girls' School, which is cancelling its classes for the afternoon.

Christ's College will not close, but the school said it would make it possible for students to go to the parade if they wish.

The city would put on a heroes' welcome, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said.

"We're absolutely delighted to be able to host the All Blacks in our city, as they bring the Webb Ellis Cup home again," she said.

"The whole country has been behind them throughout the tournament, so it's exciting to be able to celebrate with them in Christchurch.

"I was inundated with requests for a homecoming parade from the moment the final whistle blew. I know there will be a big turnout for captain Richie McCaw and Man of the Match Dan Carter, along with the other Canterbury players, and the team.

"I remember an All Blacks coach saying that the All Blacks wasn't a team of champions, it was a champion team, and we will welcome them as a team who have done us proud."

A fine day is forecast, with near-perfect conditions expected. Fans can look forward to a sunny day with a high of 15C, according to MetService

- additional reporting: Newstalk ZB

DETAILS of the Christchurch All Blacks Victory Parade:

2.30pm: Parade begins at the corner of Rolleston Ave and Hereford St. Continues along Rolleston Ave and Park Terrace concluding before the Bealey Ave intersection. See tfc.govt.nz for road closures.

3.15pm: Mayoral welcome and public reception in Carlton Mill Corner, North Hagley Park.

ROAD CLOSURES:

• Hereford St, from Cambridge Terrace to Montreal St, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

• Hereford St, from Montreal St to Rolleston Ave, between 1.30pm to approximately 3pm.

• Park Terrace between 2pm and 4pm.

• Rolleston Ave from 2pm to approximately 3.30pm.

• Kilmore St, from Montreal St to Park Terrace, between 2pm and 4pm.

PARKING:

Public parking will be available in Hagley Park at the Carlton Mill corner from 12pm until 2pm. All cars must be removed from the carpark by 4.30pm.

The carpark area in the Botanic Gardens (entrance off Armagh Street) will be closed from 1.45pm to 3.30pm.