Lions welcomed onto Te Tii Marae at Waitangi with powhiri

Fresh from Saturday night's narrow win over the Barbarians, the Lions were given a spectacular welcome at Waitangi on Sunday morning.

It was the biggest powhiri at the Treaty ground in almost 30 years, with around 500 Māori warriors performing a fierce haka not just for the team, but also hundreds of fans.

The fans were blown away and so were the players, who say they're used to seeing the haka on the rugby field, but never like this.

"I think that's going to be one of the highlights of the tour for the players, and off the rugby field one of the best experiences I've had during my rugby career," Lions captain Sam Warburton told Newshub.

"We've been offered challenges today by the Māori people and we have no hesitation in taking up those challenges," Lions manager John Spencer said.

And it seems the Lions already have, by replying with four traditional songs from the UK.

With the formalities over, the Lions' focus now turns to another piece of hallowed New Zealand ground - Eden Park, for the next tour match against the Blues on Wednesday.

Newshub.