Spine-tingling pōwhiri becomes huge highlight of royal NZ tour

A traditional welcome to Rotorua was a brilliant display of Māori culture and has been dubbed by international media as "one hell of a way to end the tour.''

At Te Papaiouru Marae yesterday, more than 1000 locals gathered to take part in what was set to become an unforgettable moment during the royal tour.

Duchess of Sussex at the Te Papaiouru Marae at Ōhinemutu. Photo/Ben Fraser

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, arrived - draped in korowai - an eerie silence fell over the crowd as the pōwhiri began.

Three warriors - Taiwera Kautai, Whakaue Savage and Raimona Inia - approached.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua. Photo / Getty Images

The final wero was placed before Prince Harry, who did not break eye contact as he picked it up.

Kuia Norma Sturley, who worked tirelessly creating the korowai worn by the duchess, began the karanga.

Image 1 of 30: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Rotorua Airport.

It was then the spine-tingling haka began outside Tamatekapua; with kuia, kaumātua, children and members of Te Arawa slapping their legs and voices ringing out in unison - chanting from all sides and a conch shell sounding the royal party into the wharenui, or meeting house.

The Duke of Sussex holds up the Wero, a ceremonial challenge and an ancient Maori warrior tradition to determine whether visitors came in peace or with hostile intent at the Tamatekapua marae. Photo/POOL

It was a powerful, spine-tingling moment that was an incredible but proud and honest show of traditional Māori culture and custom.

International media - many of them seasoned royal correspondents who travel the world following the royals - said it had given them goosebumps and was a privilege to witness.

Sky news cameraman Adam Cole said: "It's a hell of a way to end the tour. That ceremony was so powerful.''