The Welsh touch down in Wellington

Warren Gatland coach of the Welsh rugby team. Photo / supplied

The Welsh have touched down in Wellington.

They're the first Rugby World Cup team to arrive in the capital with the current cup holders, South Africa, arriving there at around midnight.

The team arrived to a tumultuous welcome with about 100 fans in red shirts and Welsh national costumes, singing the Welsh national anthem of 'Land of my Fathers'.

Everyone at the airport was excited, including young kids with flags and balloons.

Coach Warren Gatland says he's pleased to be back in New Zealand after the long flight.

The team were on the same flight to New Zealand as the Webb Ellis Cup, which flew into Auckland this afternoon, but the team may not be flying back after the Tournament with the trophy in hand.

- Newstalk ZB