The parents of British backpacker Grace Millane are preparing to return home and "pick up the pieces"

After five hours of deliberations, a jury's just found a 27-year-old man guilty of murdering Millane in his Auckland apartment last December.

Outside court, her father, David, thanked the nation for its ongoing support.

He says New Zealand has opened their heart to Grace and their family, but now they must return home without their beloved Grace.