The now fifth-in-line to the British throne will be handed a lifejacket and paddle at Wanganui's Putiki slipway next week.
Prince Harry will be one of about 12 paddlers in a waka making its way upriver after his welcome at Putiki Marae on May 14, marae committee chairman Hone Tamehana said yesterday.
He said there have been many meetings to prepare for the event and to plan security. The itinerary was to be finalised yesterday.
Harry's uncle, Prince Edward, the Earl of Essex, visited Putiki Marae three times when he was at Wanganui Collegiate School in late 1982 and early 1983, and now his nephew will be hosted.
"I think it's an honour - we are very excited to have a member of the royal family come through the marae," Mr Tamehana said.