Key welcomes Xi Jinping in Auckland

New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key, and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk through the grounds of Government House in Auckland. Photo / Greg Bowker

A late arrival by darkness did not stop the Chinese president enjoying a stroll around the acclaimed gardens at Government House in Auckland tonight.

A 40 minute delay meant Xi Jinping and his host, Prime Minister John Key, were guided around the gardens by the flash of the press' cameras.

Mr Xi was welcomed to the suburban Mt Eden residence by Mr Key about 8.40pm, before the pair posed for a photo opportunity on the darkened lawn.

The leaders chatted among themselves through an interpreter about the garden, weather and Auckland's housing and residents.

"It's very beautiful," Mr Key said.

Mr Xi brought up the different climates in Auckland and the country's capital where he had spent most of the day.

"I know, [it] is very windy in Wellington ... it's like that year round," Mr Key said.
"Their rugby team is called the Hurricanes."

Mr Xi stopped to inspect a plant, and his interpreter said it was "soft like cotton".
"It's incredibly soft but I don't know what it is called," Mr Key said.

As they walked back towards the house, Mr Xi asked about the residential areas of the city.
"There is still lots of people living in houses but there are more apartments being built," Mr Key said.

He said apartments were popular with students who wanted to be close to the city.
Mr Key said Auckland was the commercial capital of New Zealand and home to most of the country's lawyers and accountants.

The pair, flanked by their security and press entourages, then walked back inside the building where they are having an intimate formal dinner hosted by Mr Key and his wife Bronagh.

There are five courses for dinner and plans for a celebratory cake to be served.
Mr Xi was accompanied to the event by his wife, renowned opera singer and music professor, Madam Peng Liyuan, who did not make an appearance in front of media.

Just like in the capital, dozens of protesters from Falun Gong - a spiritual practice banned in China - were present.

They lined the suburban streets around Government House and, along with their large banners, were clearly visible to motorists using the busy urban routes.