Updated 10.10am: The Black Caps will be officially welcomed home from Australia at an event in Auckland tonight.

The World Cup finalists will arrive at The Cloud on Queens Wharf at 6 o'clock, before a presentation at 6.30.

AUDIO: Coach Mike Hesson talks to Mike Hosking

Coach Mike Hesson says the players have their own message to the public.

"I think it's hopefully just a chance for us to thank New Zealand for supporting us over the last 6-7 weeks. It's been a heck of a ride."

ATEED's Charmaine Ngarimu is hoping for a big turn-out.

"We're hoping to sort of see that environment where people do get that opportunity to see the team, to do that thank you, and just get in there and celebrate what they've achieved."

If you can't wait till tonight, the Black Caps arrive at Auckland Airport at 1.45 this afternoon.

Meanwhile A sports coaching expert says the Black Caps' spirit of fair play set them apart from other teams at the Cricket World Cup.

Canterbury University's Professor Richard Light says the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play they demonstrated was in marked contrast to many other teams including Australia, which as been criticised for sledging.

He says the Black Caps provided a much-needed example of how teams can win without compromising the values and ethics of sport and made a positive statement to the world about New Zealand.