Christchurch and Dunedin will host America's Cup victory parades for Team New Zealand next week.
The team will be welcomed to the South Island during a ceremony from 12pm on Wednesday in Christchurch and the parade will feature the Auld Mug and 25 members of the victorious team.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says they have done the nation proud in winning the America's Cup.
"I wrote the team a letter congratulating them on the win," she says.
"I said we would love to host them in the city to welcome them home in South Island style and they came back saying they were considering the request. I am just so delighted that they have said yes to our offer.
"It's going to be a huge day in the central city. It's perfect that the parade coincides with the school holidays and we really hope that people will come out in force to join in the celebrations."
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says he is looking forward to hosting the team in the deep south.
"We’re thrilled Team New Zealand has accepted our invitation to bring the ‘Auld Mug’ south, and I know the people of Dunedin and surrounding areas will be keen to celebrate with the team," he says.
Mr Cull says the city offered Team New Zealand a memorable welcome after their last America’s Cup win in 2000.
"We’ll no doubt turn it on again next week."
More details about the parades are expected to be released over the coming days.
Newshub.
