Prince Charles spoke at Turangawaewae Marae. Photo / Getty
Prince Charles spoke at Turangawaewae Marae. Photo / Getty
Charles and Camilla mingled with Kiwi royalty as the sun shone brightly for the fifth day of their New Zealand tour.
The greenish-blue waters of the Waikato River sparkled in the sunlight as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall had an audience with the Maori King at Turangawaewae Marae today.
The royal couple visit Turangawaewae Marae. Photo / Getty
Later, the prince met Kiwi entertainment royalty at a charity event attended by singer Anika Moa and actress Teuila Blakely.
The royal visit to Turangawaewae Marae, Camilla's first, drew thousands to the heart of the Kigitanga movement in Ngaruawahia.
After a spirited powhiri, Prince Charles gave a speech in which he thanked Kingi Tuheitia and spoke of the long-running ties between the two royal families.
He also fondly remembered the longest-serving Maori monarch - Dame Te Atairangi Kaahu, who died in 2006 - saying she was "a kind and gracious host" during his 1994 visit.
"She was also an extraordinary leader who shepherded her people through times of great change, with quiet dignity.
"I was greatly saddened by the news of her passing and can only hope that the message I sent you at that time was of some small comfort."
The royal couple spent time with King Tuheitia before making their way to the Waikato River for a waka display.
Prince Charles saluted each waka as the rowers turned to make their way past the platform where he stood with his wife.
Among the ceremonial duties, there was also time for some levity.
Pou Temara, speaking on behalf of the tribes in welcoming the royal couple, generated laughter when he suggested how the royals might broach the subject of the All Blacks in Australia: "You may tell them that they are the second best rugby nation in the world and that we are the best."
The royal couple were farewelled with a rousing haka before making their way to Auckland, where they greeted members of the public in Aotea Square.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in Aotea Square, Auckland. Photo / Michael Bradley
The royal couple took a speedy trip through the sun-drenched square, greeting the public - including many fellow Brits - before entering the Town Hall, where they separated to speak with different charities.
Charles met a group from the charity Nga Rangatahi, which fosters young talents, including mentors Moa and Blakely.
Moa told Charles she had been a singer for 17 years, to which he responded: "It doesn't look like it!"
She grinned, stroked her hair and replied: "Thank you. I'm Maori - we age well!"
Meanwhile, Camilla entered a busy kitchen and donned an apron as she was shown behind the scenes of the charity Bellyfull, which helps new mothers by delivering hot meals during those stressful early months with a newborn baby.
The duchess then met other volunteers and recipients of the charity, many with their young children.
Kerryn Henshaw, a trustee on the charity's board, said she was impressed by the way the duchess interacted with the babies in the room.
"She really lights up around them."
The royals ended their day with a charity event at Government House in Auckland.
Tomorrow, they will travel to New Plymouth before returning to Auckland for official meetings with Prime Minister John Key and leader of the Opposition Andrew Little.
