UPDATED 4.09PM: Thousands of All Blacks fans have lined the streets of Christchurch and gathered in Hagley Park to welcome the players home.

PHOTOS: Big crowds in Christchurch

The team made their way down Rolleston Ave and Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch told Danny Watson it's quite a sight to see. 

"You've got reconstruction on one side, so you've got no body on one side of Rolleston Ave, but it's absolutely jam packed on the other side of the street."

A mayoral welcome and public reception then took place in North Hagley Park with the team being welcomed by a Haka from Christchurch Boys High School.  

The outgoing Dan Carter was thrilled to be back home.    

"We had a good day yesterday in Auckland, but a few of us Cantabrians were pretty excited about being back here."

Sonny Bill-Williams was also loving it, saying the celebrations were a "special occasion".

Coach Steve Hansen, too, was impressed by the turnout. 

"Always great supporters here in Canterbury and it's just a privilege to be a part of it."

Celebrations will wrap up tomorrow in Wellington.