On his travels Prince Harry will meet locals, rugby players, dignitaries and maybe even a kiwi. Illustration / Rob Turvey
On his travels Prince Harry will meet locals, rugby players, dignitaries and maybe even a kiwi. Illustration / Rob Turvey
Popular Prince arrives in Wellington today to windy welcome and "bit of banter" at Hurricanes game.
For the next week the country will play host to one of the more popular royals on his first official visit and the locals are getting excited.
Prince Harry will travel the length of the country, landing in Wellington today before heading south to Stewart Island tomorrow and then making his way to Auckland via Christchurch and Whanganui.
On his travels he will meet locals, rugby players, dignitaries and maybe even a kiwi.
Prince Harry greets well wishers during a visit to the Sydney Opera House on Thursday. Photo / AP
Wellington is expected to live up to its windy reputation by greeting the Prince with strong gusty northerlies and a high of 14C - but the rain should stay away, according to MetService.
After a day of ceremonial events and meeting some Wellington fans, shaking some hands and maybe the odd cheeky kiss, the 30-year-old Prince will head to Westpac Stadium to watch a Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and Sharks.
After the game, he will head to the changing rooms to meet the players.
Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith said the team had been informed of the protocols during the royal visit.
"Hopefully we treat him to a good game and there's some nice weather and a good crowd," Smith said.
Tomorrow will see the Prince winging his way to Invercargill for a little over half an hour.
There he will meet the city's charismatic mayor, Tim Shadbolt, and representatives of Ngai Tahu before leaving for Stewart Island and then pest-free sanctuary Ulva Island.
Department of Conservation ranger Cherie Hemsley will be on Ulva Island during the Prince's hour-long visit and said the island was "buzzing" with excitement over the visit.
She hoped it would put the islands on the international map.
With luck the South Island saddleback, the Stewart Island robin and the Stewart Island brown kiwi could show themselves to their regal visitor, Ms Hemsley said.
Tomorrow evening Prince Harry will attend a private service at St Andrews Anglican Church on Stewart Island.
The Rev Canon Richard Johnson said there would be a bicultural flavour to the service that included a poi chant.
"Myself and the congregation are delighted [the Prince is coming]."
He said he did not think he would be nervous giving the service. "Prince Harry comes across as a very down-to-earth person."
May 10-11: Stewart Island • Meeting locals and travelling to Ulva Island, a Department of Conservation open island sanctuary.
May 12: Christchurch • Visiting the Quake City exhibition, mall, and meeting student volunteers from Canterbury University.
May 13: Palmerston North • Visiting Linton Military Camp. He is to be taught the Army's haka.
May 14: Whanganui • Visiting Putiki Marae. He will join the crew of the marae's waka for a trip on the river. He will also visit the war memorial centre to meet local veterans.
May 15-16: Auckland • Visiting Middlemore Hospital's Spinal Rehabilitation Unit, supported by the NZ Rugby Foundation.
• Reception with emergency services at Government House.
