WELLINGTON - The Springboks received a resounding Maori welcome yesterday at the Wellington Waterfront, marking the official start of Rugby World Cup festivities in New Zealand's capital.

In a sign of respect, Bok skipper John Smit picked up an object called a teka, which signalled that the team accepted the challenge of the tournament and that they came in peace.

"Thank you very much, it has been overwhelming, both leaving South Africa and arriving here in New Zealand," Smit said.

"The bulk of the team have been thankful for the way we have been received and we will need to embrace Wellington as our home for the next two or three weeks, and hopefully come back here in a few weeks time (for the quarterfinals)."

Proceedings started with the defending champions marching from their hotel in the city centre where they were greeted by a small group of South Africans fans.

Once they reached the picturesque waterfront, they heard the sound of paddlers doing a traditional Waka, or water Haka.

"It has been an incredible journey and it doesn't matter whether it is your first, second or third World Cup, it is the last one you would like to remember most of all," Smit said.

The skipper highlighted that it was his fourth trip to Wellington this year and joked that he probably knew his New Zealand cellphone number better than the one he used at home.

The title holders also received their official Rugby World Cup caps, and they selected the South African national anthem as their song of choice - a Moari tradition - after listening to a kaikorero welcome creed.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers thanked the delegates for their hospitality.