UPDATED: A little bit of rain hasn't put a damper on Tauranga Olympic spirits this morning as our Bay Olympians parade through the town.

Molly and Sam Meech, Alex Maloney, Luuka Jones, Peter Burling, Blair Tuke and Jason Saunders have been welcome by crowds of people lining Devonport Road and The Strand.

Peter Burling with his gold medal.

This year's Olympic Games in Rio were noteworthy for Tauranga athletes, with half of all New Zealand medals belonging to Olympians born or raised in the Bay of Plenty.

The parade will be followed by a short ceremony at Edgewater Fan, where speeches will be made by the athletes and Mayor Stuart Crosby.

Alex Maloney, Molly Meech and Luuka Jones wearing their medals in the parade.

Jason Saunders and Sam Meech.

Earlier:

Excited children and adults alike are lining the streets of the Tauranga central business district as they prepare the New Zealand Olympians' Parade.

Starting from 11am, the Tauranga Olympics Parade will make its way down Devonport Road and The Strand before ending at Wharf Street.

Children waiting for the parade to start.

The parade will include: gold medallists and NZ flag bearers Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (sailing); silver medallists Molly Meech and Alex Maloney (sailing); silver medallist Luuka Jones (slalom canoe); bronze medallist Sam Meech (sailing); and Olympian Jason Saunders (sailing).

The parade is a great opportunity to celebrate the success of local athletes, says Tauranga City Council communications manager Amy Driscol.

'We get to honour our Olympic heroes – these are people that have worked really hard to represent their region, community and country.”

SunLive will bring you photos and comments from people at the parade.