Capital hosts royal birthday today

His Royal Highness Prince Charles. Photo / Ross Setford

Prince Charles will celebrate his 64th birthday in Wellington today where the royal couple will open New Zealand's Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen.

The gift is a new visitor centre at Government House, where a powhiri for Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, begins about midday.

Members of the public have a chance to meet Their Royal during a walkabout along the Wellington waterfront about 1.30pm.

The Prince of Wales will meet Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader David Shearer during his day in the country's capital.

Birthday celebrations begin tonight in the ballroom of Government House with 64 New Zealanders who share the Prince's birthday - including Mr Key's wife, Bronagh, and Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae - invited to join the heir to the throne.

The Prince and Duchess have a busy schedule today including the walk along the waterfront and visiting Weta Workshop.

The Prince of Wales will also be presented with the New Zealand Armed Forces Award by the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones.

During their time in Auckland, a known anti-royalist was arrested for allegedly preparing to throw a bucket-full of manure over the Prince and Duchess during their walkabout on Queen St on Monday.

The couple's week in New Zealand is the last leg of their Pacific tour during the Diamond Jubilee.