Aerosmith singer accepts haka challenge

DON SCOTT/Fairfax NZ

HAILING THE HAKA: Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler at Christchurch International Airport.

The bad boys from Boston, Aerosmith, have touched down to a small but enthusiastic reception at Christchurch international airport.

The band, with about seven trolleys of luggage in tow, posed with fans after being welcomed with a spirited powhiri in the arrivals lounge about 7.20pm.

Lead singer Steven Tyler accepted the challenge, dropping to his knees during the haka.

Tyler, who was a judge on American Idol, then spoke a few words in Maori before singing some lines from his hit song I Dont Want To Miss A Thing - albeit a bit wonky on the tuning.

He told Stuff it was an honour to be in New Zealand, a place he had heard a lot about from daughter Liv Tyler, who starred in Lord of the Rings.

The band is staying at the George hotel in Christchurch tonight and will fly in their private jet tomorrow to Dunedin for a one-night only show.

Asked what was in his rider, Tyler said about six bottles of water and pillows. "I like to sleep in a nest of pillows," he said.

- Fairfax NZ News