One of eight young brown kiwi added to a North Auckland farm sanctuary yesterday has been named after Prince George.

If the Duchess of Cambridge could compete in an Olympic sport it would be sailing, she revealed to three young sailing stars.

It was as tense as the real America's Cup: there were equipment malfunctions, claims of sabotage and bickering over the crew.

We would have seen far more on television but there is something about the briefest glimpse of real life that you never forget, writes John Roughan.

Whatever the reason for the global celebrity of Britain's royal house, we are very fortunate to be a part of it.Scenes such as this, of Prince George getting close to little Eden Alve at the Plunket get-together at Government House in Wellington.

Aucklanders turned out in their thousands today to catch a glimpse of glamour royal couple the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. And it is Catherine who can claim bragging rights over her husband Prince William, as she left him in her wake during a spectacle race around Waitemata Harbour aboard two Team New Zealand boats. Watch some of the highlights of the days events.

Aucklanders turned out in their thousands today to catch a glimpse of glamour royal couple the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Aucklanders turned out in their thousands today to catch a glimpse of glamour royal couple the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. As the royal couple arrived at the Viaduct Basin, a few heavy showers of rain poured down on the thousands of people lining the dockside. Some were resplendent in Union Jack coloured clothing and others wore Williams and Catherine face masks.

No matter how entertaining and likeable the touring royals might be, this is surely no basis on which to assess the appropriateness or otherwise of monarchy, writes Toby Manhire.

William and Catherine were greeted as rock-star royalty in Marlborough yesterday - filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson even bringing out his smartphone to capture the occasion.

Laughing and playing with a curtain cord, baby Leila Grenside had the world's media aflutter when she was mistaken for Prince George watching his parents' welcome to Government House in Wellington.

At first it seemed that the tall man mooching along beside the Duchess of Cambridge on the royal tour had plummeted from the apple of NZ's eye to chopped liver.

Black and silver fern motifs: you couldn't get more symbolic of New Zealand than that, with the Duchess of Cambridge opting for both at last night's state reception at Government House.

Millie Elder-Holmes has some new ink: a vintage Johnny Depp tattoo now covers her leg.

Prince William and Kate continue their royal visit in Auckland. For all the latest news on the Royal visit check out our live blog. Follow Life & Style on Twitter and Facebook.

Prince William has formally met Prime Minister John Key and Opposition leader David Cunliffe tonight, telling them it was good to be back in New Zealand.

The royal couple were greeted with a rockstar reception as the small town of Blenheim turned red, white, and blue to welcome the famous regal visitors today. Up to 5000 people queued five-deep, waved Union Jacks and raised smartphones and tablets to get a glimpse of the famous pair. There was a real sense of community, like an upbeat version of Anzac Day. Some royal commentators remarked it was the biggest turnout for a royal visit by a provincial centre since Charles and Diana.

The royal couple arrived at Seymour Square, Blenheim and met 10 veterans and paid their respects to the fallen World War one soldiers. Children hoping to see the glamorous pair sat on top of their parents' shoulders, while other people chose to take a perch in some of the larger trees around the square.The royal couple have been given a personal tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre's collection of vintage planes by Sir Peter Jackson.

Kate's famous smile charmed thousands of royal fans in Marlborough today, but for one World War II veteran meeting the "lovely'' Duchess was extra special.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the state reception at Government House.

The royal couple were greeted with a rockstar reception as the small town of Blenheim turned red, white, and blue to welcome the famous regal visitors today.

The royal couple have been given a personal tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre's collection of vintage warplanes by Sir Peter Jackson.

A little girl does a twirl for the Duchess in Blenheim. Courtesy of YouTube/GovernorGeneralNZ

People all across the globe erupted into fawning fits of hyperbole when the latest family photograph of the Cambridges (William, Kate, baby George and dog Lupo) at their Kensington Palace apartment was released.

The kangaroo backpack he was given as a gift in Australia sold out within hours, so there's no doubt Prince George's latest outfit will fly off the shelves.

John Key might not be there in person, but his hand is everywhere, writes Claire Trevett. The reconnaissance for the visit to Amisfield Winery was done by the PM himself.

A women's group has vowed to track down the origin of a diamond silver fern brooch gifted to the Queen in 1953 and worn by the Duchess of Cambridge this week.

Think of it as the Duchess of Cambridge's version of smart-casual: an open-knit dress to the knee.