Kiwi barbie for the prince

Prince William with former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prince William's visit to New Zealand in January will involve a state dinner with a difference - it will be a barbecue.

It will still officially be a state dinner but it will be a barbecue at Premier House with lamb chops, tomato sauce and salads.

Prime Minister John Key said: "My intention is to invite a couple of people he will find interesting including the All Black captain Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

"The idea is to make it an informal and relaxed event. It will be in mid-January so it will be a traditional Kiwi barbie."

The visit will be the first official overseas visit for the prince and he will be opening the new Supreme Court in Wellington and representing the Queen in doing so.