It took three years to book them and now they are here!

Toto arrived in Tauranga this morning ahead of their Mount Maunganui show on January 9.

One of the world's most famous rock bands arrived to a powhiri at Tauranga Airport this morning.

A video posted on Pato Alvarez's, from Neptune Entertainment, Facebook page shows the band being welcomed today.

Speaking to SunLive before their gigs, Toto keyboardist and songwriter Steve Porcaro says they are looking forward to playing here on January 9, Napier on January 10, New Plymouth on January 11 and Christchurch on January 13.

There's definitely been this upward momentum with more people showing up to our concerts and the support for ‘Africa' has been crazy.

'We've heard so many different versions of it. It's hysterical, and of course we love it, but we're as baffled as everyone.”

Steve says the group has been enjoying life and creating new music, the most recent being their ‘40 Trips Around the Sun' album.

Read more of what Steve has to say here.

Tickets are available at: www.theticketfairy.com

For more information visit www.neptuneentertainment.co.nz