The squad spent around 15 minutes signing autographs before transferring to their base in central Auckland.

They will remain in Auckland until June 12th and return there on July 3rd prior to the final Test .

They open their tour with a game against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on June 4th.

About 5000 Lions supporters, both expats and fans from Britain and Ireland are expected at the Rotorua match.

However, New Zealand authorities expect the vast bulk of visiting supporters to arrive for the latter part of the tour estimating a total influx of 20,000.