Peter Burling, right, shakes hands with the crowd as the Cup is displayed behind him. Photo / Peter Burling
Peter Burling, right, shakes hands with the crowd as the Cup is displayed behind him. Photo / Peter Burling
America's Cup races could be held in Wellington, Grant Dalton suggested to cheering crowds at the capital's Cup parade today.
Cheers and screams greeted the victorious Emirates Teams New Zealand as Wellington's America's Cup parade pulled out of Parliament and on to Lambton Quay today.
Dalton told the crowd howmuch the love was appreciated, and said he didn't see why the Cup races couldn't be held in Wellington.
"It was big in Auckland, but I reckon today's been even bigger from Wellington."
Ticker tape rained down to the sound of the police marching band, and kids and adults alike were thrilled to see their idols and have selfies with the team and the Cup.
The police marching band delighted the crowd with everything from We Are The Champions, to Uptown Funk. At one point, the police drummers broke out of formation for a drum battle, much to the enjoyment of the watching children.
The parade has no shortage of music and atmosphere, with a Chinese drum group also adding flare and colour between the utes transporting the sailors.
Wellingtonians line the streets in preparation to today's America's Cup parade. Photo / Frances Cook
The crowds shouted their enthusiasm, calling the sailors "legends", telling them "well done", or as one kid put it, "this is awesome!"
The streets are packed six-deep for the celebrations, and office workers are also lining the balconies of CBD buildings.
Wellington's America's Cup parade is under way. Photo / Frances Cook
Sports and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman said winning the America's Cup was New Zealand's most important sporting triumph since the last time Team New Zealand won the Cup.
"I know that Wellingtonians will be out in their droves this afternoon, welcoming home our heroes. But I know who you really want to see, so let me welcome Emirates Team New Zealand. We are so proud of you and everything you've done. What you've done shows what it is to be Kiwi, overcoming the obstacles and overcoming all the odds."
Winning the Cup would do a lot for New Zealand over the next four years, Coleman said.
The sun has come out for the America's Cup parade in Wellington. Photo / Frances Cook
On reaching Civic Square, the sailors were greeted by a waiata.
But it wasn't long before the crowd wanted to see their homegrown hero, and a chant going up for Wellingtonian Josh Junior to speak.
"It was an awesome time in Bermuda, and to see you all here is amazing, so thank you all so much," the young sailor said.
Acting Wellington Mayor Paul Eagle said the win was a victory for Kiwi ingenuity, "especially when people wouldn't lend you a bit of equipment".
"A big shout out to one of our own, Josh Junior. I see in the crowd, a marriage proposal for J.J. too. On behalf of the people of Wellington, congratulations."
