Burling will replace Australian Glenn Ashby, who led Team NZ to victory last year.
The Scallywag crew and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre carried out a search and rescue operation to find the sailor, but now the Volvo Ocean Race says he's presumed to be lost.
Burling said he was happy to be home but a little annoyed.
Tuke and Spanish entry Mapfre crossed the finish line third overnight after a tense finish to the 20-day, 10,200km leg from Hong Kong to Auckland.
Scallywag skipper David Witt said Alex Gough was lucky to be alive.
Former Olympian Gavin Brady will sail as tactician in the annual race.
Team NZ's Sean Regan says that the awards should recognise the team, not just individuals.
The 70-foot Beau Geste boat will certainly steal the show when racing begins on Friday.
The America's Cup-winning helmsman will sail with Frank Racing later this month.
The pair will compete on opposite sides of the Volvo Ocean Race later this year.
Dalton told La Stampa that "grinders are coming back."
The America's Cup winner spoke with Jack Tame as he sailed in the Fastnet Race.
The America's Cup winning helmsman slipped from 5th to 15th in the standings after today's two difficult races.
Alex Maloney and Molly Meech believe there could be opportunities soon for women in the America's Cup.
Partner-in-crime Peter Burling has also looked over offers.
It was reported Grant Dalton requested equipment from the French to fix the boat, but were refused.
"It's just fantastic to be home," he told the cheering crowd.
Ground crew sprayed plumes of water onto the plane carrying the successful crew home.
They've touched down on Kiwi soil.
New Zealanders are ready to welcome the team and cup home.
The government announced $5 million in initial funding.
The technology is nothing new, having been around since the 1970s - but it's not just professional sailors mastering the flying boats.
The 36m Tara, formerly known as Seamaster, arrived today and was met by a flotilla of yachts.
Met by a flotilla of 40 yachts, the vessel Sir Peter Blake was shot dead on in 2001 returned to Auckland today for the first time.
In a great show of sportsmanship, the teams mingled after a tough campaign.
What a special moment for three of the men who helped mastermind the victory in Bermuda.
Josh Junior's family are celebrating with confetti and champagne in Wellington
Are there any prouder parents today than Richard and Heather Burling.
Scott Burling says his family is immensely proud of the talented Team NZ helmsman.
Amid the celebrations, Phil Goff spared a thought for the late, great Sir Peter Blake.
