Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited the National Kiwi Hatchery at Rotorua's Rainbow Springs today to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme and get up close and personal with NZ's iconic bird.
A crowd of around 100 people assembled at Rainbow Springs, 45 minutes ahead of the royal visit.
Kiwis have become an endangered species in recent years and the Duke and Duchess got the chance to meet conversationists working to protect them.
Kiwi for Kiwis executive director Michelle Impey said the visit, and the global coverage the royal couple bring, would be good for kiwi conservation.
"There’s a lot of preparation in hosting the royals but it’s worth it," Ms Impey said.
The royal couple also named two three day old kiwi chicks on their visit.
Ms Impey said gender neutral names were requested for the chicks, one from the Coromandel, one from Taranaki, as their gender is unknown at present.
Earlier in the day Prince Harry embraced Māori culture to the fullest in his speech at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua, speaking te reo and leading a waiata during the whaikorero process.
After completing his role earlier in the pōwhiri, Prince Harry was the last to speak inside the wharenui.
The Duke of Sussex said he was pleased to be spending time with the people of Te Arawa.
The beautiful cloak pays homage to her royal status, her pregnancy and her Californian roots. (Source: Other)
"Thank you so much for the beautiful cloak you have gifted myself and the Duchess," in reference to the personalised korowai both were presented prior to the pōwhiri.
He said the great skill and aroha which went into making the cloaks would see it as a treasured taonga in their family.
After his speech, the Prince then led a waiata himself, singing all of the words to Te Aroha in te reo.
The Duke of Sussex picked up the rākau whakawaha before walking on to Te Papaiouru Marae. (Source: Other)
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