royal visits new zealand

The Royal Watcher

Royal visits to new zealand.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are starting their Visit to the Commonwealth Nation of New Zealand, where his grandmother is the Head of State and Queen of New Zealand, today, and thus, we are taking a look at all of the previous Royal Visits to New Zealand-

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Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria, was the first member of the Royal family to visit New Zealand, and toured Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland  in 1869. Almost 50 years later, after a visit by the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1901, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and the Duke of Windsor) visited New Zealand during his large 1920 Tour of the Commonwealth, followed 7 years later by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) during their 6-month Tour of Oceania.

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The Queen has visited New Zealand more than 10 times, in 1953-54, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1977, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2002, the most of any Commonwealth Country after Canada and Australia. Major Tours include the  1953-1954 Commonwealth Tour , more on that HERE , HERE and HERE , the 1977 Silver Jubilee Tour and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Tour.

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The Princess Royal has visited New Zealand in 1970, 1974, 1999, 2006, and 2008, the most notable was in 1970, when she accompanied her parents to a plethora of events on her first oversees tour, in connection with the bicentenary of Captain Cook’s 1770 expedition to Australia.

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The Prince of Wales has visited New Zealand almost as much as the Queen, starting with the 1970 visit mentioned above, visiting again in 1974, and 1981. In 1983, he returned with the Princess of Wales and Prince William Wellington with the Prince of Wales, meeting his brother, Prince Edward, who was a student at the Wanganui Collegiate School. The Prince visited New Zealand in 1994 and 2005, before returning with the Duchess of Cornwall in 2012, on a Tour to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, returning as recently as 2015.

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After visiting with his parents as a child, the Duke of Cambridge’s first official role on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II saw him in New Zealand in 2010, and he returned with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George in 2014, at the start of a Tour of New Zealand and Australia.

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When will the royals visit New Zealand? King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Waleses plan Commonwealth tour

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Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could join their parents on an upcoming tour of Commonwealth countries including New Zealand. Photo / AP

King Charles , Queen Camilla, and their children and grandchildren are preparing to embark on a royal tour, likely including a stop in New Zealand.

Plans for two years of royal visits are reportedly underway in an effort for the new King to help strengthen ties with several Commonwealth countries in a show of “soft diplomacy”, reports the Daily Mail .

The new King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and even the youngest royals - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - could be touching down in Aotearoa as part of a stop down under.

A palace source told the Daily Mail yesterday that “state visits are back in business”, despite suggestions that the British government’s Foreign Office and Royal Visits Committee have been slow to approve overseas tours.

Late last year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s office confirmed there was a “standing invitation” in place for the royals, with a visit expected to take place early in 2023.

That timeline may have changed, but there are still several months left of 2023 that could see current Prime Minister Chris Hipkins welcome the royals to New Zealand.

The tour would mark Charles’ first state visits to Commonwealth realms since becoming King, apart from a stop in Germany in March.

Charles is reportedly planning to reschedule a visit to France with Camilla, after his initial plans were postponed due to riots in the country in March. It’s also been confirmed that the King will visit Samoa next year for a meeting with Commonwealth heads of government.

The King and Queen are also planning to travel to Kenya later in the year, while William and Kate are expected to visit Singapore and the Prince of Wales has a solo trip to New York planned for September.

Historian Ian Lloyd told the Daily Mail, “A visit by Charles to Canada and one by the Waleses to Australia and New Zealand would capitalise on the global interest in the Coronation.

“They need to do this soon before that interest wanes – and taking the Waleses’ children would prove to be a PR triumph too.”

The Commonwealth has changed since Queen Elizabeth’s time - where there were once 31 Commonwealth “realms”, today there are 14, and more could be disestablished as several nations call the system into question.

The Wales’ tour of the Caribbean last year sparked controversy , as protesters met them in Jamaica calling for reparations from the British monarchy.

Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda could all break away from the Commonwealth, and last week it was announced that the state of Victoria in Australia would no longer host the 2026 Commonwealth Games as they “do not represent value for money”.

When did the royals last visit New Zealand?

The most recent royal visit saw Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence travel to New Zealand in February 2023 .

The Princess Royal had to change her itinerary at the last minute as the country reeled from the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. She had initially planned to visit Linton, near Palmerston North, to attend the 100th anniversary celebrations of the NZ Army’s Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, of which she is Colonel in Chief.

Instead, she visited response staff at the Beehive Bunker, met with riders and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association in Porirua, and visited Christchurch to lay a wreath at the Citizens’ War Memorial before wrapping up her visit.

King Charles last visited New Zealand as the Prince of Wales, with Camilla as the Duchess of Cornwall in 2019 , making stops in Auckland, Waitangi, Christchurch and Kaikōura.

Prince William and Princess Kate last visited New Zealand together as the Cambridges in 2014 , racing each other on America’s Cup yachts with crews made up of Emirates Team New Zealand members and several youth sailors.

William visited on his own in April 2019, marking Anzac Day at the Auckland War Memorial before heading to Christchurch in a visit focused on the royal family support in the aftermath of the March 15 mosque shootings.

Eight-month-old Prince George accompanied his parents for the 2014 trip , joining other little ones in a Plunket Parents’ Group at Government House - but his siblings Charlotte and Louis are yet to visit.

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Smiling and Waving: The Queen’s New Zealand Visits

Two Queens. Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library

  wellington, snagged opening.

To mark her Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Queen toured around the Commonwealth, celebrating her then 25- year reign with large parties and parades. Elizabeth also officially opened the Beehive — but upon unveiling a plaque, the curtain got caught. Pictured at the moment of the unfortunate hitch, the Queen can be seen to barely contain her laughter.

1977 Silver Jubilee. Photo: Te Ara

  dunedin.

In October 1981, Queen Elizabeth stepped out of a Rolls-Royce to greet a crowd of 3500, to find that some were carrying protest placards. Slogans included phrases like “No Privilege While There is Poverty”, and “Royalty: State Bludgers”. Suddenly, a crack rang out. A troubled 17-year-old boy had taken aim at Elizabeth from a toilet cubicle with a .22 rifle. Worried that the Queen might never return, the incident was downplayed. Police said at the time that the noise was simply a council sign falling over.

  AUCKLAND

Preferred for breakfast.

In February 1986, the Queen and Prince Phillip were waving at a friendly crowd from their bespoke Land Rover, when an egg smashed on her pink coat. Another promptly hit the windscreen. The eggs were thrown by two women who had evaded security cordons by posing as crowd wardens. Hustled away by police, they shouted that the Treaty should be honoured. Later, the Queen made light of it saying, “I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast.”

Escorted Ashore

When the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was commemorated on 6 February 1990, the Queen arrived on a launch, greeted by 20 waka taua, along with visiting tall sailing ships. Speeches were later drowned out by considerable — but peaceful — protests, with protesters flying the newly designed Tino Rangatiratanga flag. The Queen earlier took part in merrier closing celebrations for the Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

Signed & Delivered

In November 1995, Queen Elizabeth II gave the royal assent to the Waikato-Tainui Treaty settlement. The settlement act was the first law the Queen had signed in public. Valued at $170 million, it returned some of the Waikato land confiscated from Māori who followed the Kīngitanga, and included an apology to Tainui. Then Prime Minister Jim Bolger, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and Tainui elders attended the signing.

Waikato-Tainui Treaty settlement.Photo: Archives New Zealand/Wikimedia

Golden finale.

In 2002, the Queen visited New Zealand as part of commemorations of her Golden Jubilee. For the first time, she arrived in Aotearoa by commercial aircraft. In her speech at a state dinner in Wellington, she told of her “vivid memories” of that first visit nearly half a century before, from her arrival on a misty morning in Auckland to her departure from Bluff, more than five weeks later. “This is a very different country from the one I first visited all those years ago,” she said. “The changes here over these 50 years have been dramatic.”

Gabi Lardies is the junior writer for North & South , a role funded by NZ On Air’s Public Interest Journalism.

This story appeared in the November 2022 issue of  North & South.

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Queen Elizabeth II tours NZ

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

A pictorial remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II's ten royal tours to NZ from 1953 to 2002 - the first reigning British monarch to visit Aotearoa.

Queen , Queen Elizabeth II , Monarchy , Government , Royalty , Parliament

Queen Elizabeth II (born 21 April 1926) became New Zealand’s sixth British monarch on 6 February 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.  She was the first reigning British monarch to visit New Zealand, which occurred over the ‘royal summer’ of 1953-1954. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, have visited New Zealand ten times, with their last tour taking place in 2002 during her Golden (50th) Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum (70th) Jubilee, an historic milestone which she reached in 2022. Seven years previously, she had surpassed the record of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria (1819-1901), who had reigned for over 63 years from 20 June 1837- 22 Jan 1901. It was announced by Buckingham Palace on 8 September 2022 that Queen Elizabeth had passed away that afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96. 

23 Dec 1853 - 30 Jan 1954: First visit to NZ from a reigning British monarch

Queen Elizabeth II (born 21 April 1926) became NZ's 6th British monarch since 1840 Treaty of Waitangi on 6 Feb 1952

Auckland Libraries

The Queen's Commonwealth tour from Nov 1953-May 1954 included the West Indies, Australasia, Asia & Africa

The Royal Tour of New Zealand 1953 - 54

NZ On Screen

Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message included the news of the Tangiwai train disaster on Christmas eve

Queen Elizabeth reads the Christmas message, 1953

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The Queen also opened 31st NZ Parliament on 12 Jan (a role usually carried out by her Governor-General)

Queen Elizabeth II at Parliament Buildings for the ceremonial opening of Parliament, Royal Tour 1953-1954

Alexander Turnbull Library

6–18 February 1963: The Queen attended celebrations at Waitangi & also opened Parliament

The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council was established as a gift to the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II and the arts council charter, 1963

12–30 March 1970: The Queen participated in the James Cook bicentenary celebrations & also opened Parliament

Māwai Hakona 1970; Gisborne; royal visit and Cook bicentenary celebration.

Upper Hutt City Library

Visit, HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, 1970

Massey University

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles & Princess Anne, opened 36th NZ Parliament

Visit of Queen Elizabeth II, opening of Parliament and visit to Wellington Hospital

30 January – 8 February 1974: The Queen attended the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch & also opened Parliament

Canterbury Museum

Princess Anne & her then husband, Captain Mark Phillips, & Prince Charles accompanied the Queen & the Duke

Princess Anne greeting equestrian riders, New Plymouth

The Queen also opened Parliament and attended the New Zealand Day events at Waitangi

New Zealand Day at Waitangi

Māwai Hakona 1974; at Waitangi for New Zealand Day; Royal Yacht in background.

22 Feb – 7 March 1977: Visited as part of a Commonwealth tour to mark the Queen’s Silver (25th) Jubilee & opened Beehive

Palmerston North City Library

Queen Elizabeth II with Scouts

Royal visit, 1977

South Canterbury Museum

The Queen also officially opened the new Beehive on 28 Feb

Queen Elizabeth II opening the Beehive, 1977

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

12–20 October 1981: The Queen visited following a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Melbourne

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

JSPRO52-17-81

JSPRO52-13-81

The 1981 Royal Variety Performance was held at the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane in front of the Queen

Royal Variety Performance Show 1981

22 February – 2 March 1986: The Queen visited as part of a tour to Nepal and Australia, & also opened Parliament

Queen Elizabeth in Napier 1986

Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank

Brownies marching for the Queen

Christchurch City Libraries

Children at QEII Park

1–16 February 1990: The Queen closed the Commonwealth Games in Auckland & also opened Parliament

The Queen also participated in events marking the sesquicentennial of the Treaty of Waitangi

Queen Elizabeth II at Waitangi, 1990

Sesquicentennial demonstration, Queen Street, 1990

New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

1–10 November 1995: The Queen attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Auckland

PD211-14-95

Queen Elizabeth the Second and supporters, Wellington.

22–27 February 2002: The Queen's last visit to NZ was as part of the commemoration of her Golden (50th) Jubilee

In 2022, the Queen celebrated her Platinum (70th) Jubilee. She'd surpassed 63-year reign of Queen Victoria in Sept 2015.

On 8 Sept 2022 , Queen Elizabeth passed away at Balmoral Castle aged 96

NZ marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a State Memorial Service & one-off public holiday on Mon 26 Sept

Source :  'Royal tours', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/queen-elizabeth/royal-tours , (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 4-Feb-2022  

Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa

Open every day 10am-6pm

(except Christmas Day)

Free entry for everyone

Charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities

Queen Elizabeth II – Her coronation and first visit to New Zealand in 1953

New Zealanders celebrated two royal events in 1953. In the middle of the year, their new monarch Elizabeth II was crowned; six months later she came to Aotearoa New Zealand in person.

A royal year

Many souvenirs were made to mark these happy occasions, some were unique and hand-made, others were mass-produced, but all were mementos of the beginning of what was called ‘the new Elizabethan age’.

In June, Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth.

The coronation on 2 June was especially memorable for New Zealanders, as it coincided with news of Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenza Norgay reaching the summit of Mt Everest. The Acting Prime Minster of New Zealand described the conquest as ‘a most fitting gift for her Majesty’s Coronation’.

Touring New Zealand

At the end of December 1953, Queen Elizabeth arrived in New Zealand. She and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stayed for almost six weeks, travelling through Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a six-month tour of the Commonwealth.

Their itinerary took the couple to 46 towns and cities. This was the first time a reigning monarch of New Zealand had visited – the previous five royal visits had been made by brothers or sons of monarchs.

Crowds flocked to see them. It is estimated that almost three out of every four New Zealanders turned out to catch a glimpse of their new Queen.

This photograph shows spectators watching Queen Elizabeth II’s cavalcade driving through the Basin Reserve in Wellington. It was taken on the last day of the Queen’s stay in the capital, before she and the Duke of Edinburgh flew to the South Island.  Queen's visit, December 1953-January 1954 ... , 16 January 1954, by Leslie Adkin. Te Papa (A.008487)

Royal visit badge , maker unknown, about 1953. Gift of the Guard family, 1993. Te Papa (GH004728)

This bottle top is from a collection of about 250 bottle tops collated by Toby Stevenson when he was aged 7–11 years old, between 1965–1969. Toby recalls his interest was sparked by two Queen Elizabeth II coronation bottle tops that had been kept by his grandmother. She gave them to him and he proceeded to collect bottle tops wherever he could.  Bottle top , about 1954, maker unknown. Gift of Toby Stevenson, 2011. Te Papa (GH021674/1)

This scrapbook was compiled by 10-year-old Cathryn Riley for the Royal Tour of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1953-54. Cathryn was invited to see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a special Children's Function at Athletic Park on 12 January 1954. She kept this detailed scrapbook with tickets, newspaper cuttings and other ephemera from the Royal Visit.

Scrapbook, 'The Coronation Royal Visit' , Cathryn Riley; compiler; 1953-1954; New Zealand. Gift of Cathryn Riley, 2014. Te Papa (GH024283)

This badge was created to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1953-54, and was worn by a young boy who saw her on tour in Devonport, Auckland. Royal Tour badge , 1953, New Zealand, maker unknown. Gift of Tony Mackle, 2011. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (GH021362)

Imperial links

At the time, the tour celebrated and confirmed the ongoing importance of British culture and tradition to New Zealanders. People waved Union Jacks, not the New Zealand flag. Red, white, and blue floral displays were the order of the day.

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Princess anne to visit new zealand in february.

Princess Anne is travelling to Aotearoa at the request of the NZ Army's Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals. Photo: Martin Meissner / POOL / AFP

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, will visit New Zealand later this month.

She has visited New Zealand a total of eight times, with the latest being in 2008.

It is also the first royal visit since the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2019.

Princess Anne is Colonel in Chief of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, and is travelling here to attend its 100th Anniversary celebrations at Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North.

She will also lay a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington and rededicate the War Memorial at Cathedral Square in Christchurch.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins welcomed the announcement.

"It's terrific that Her Royal Highness will be able to connect with past and present members of the Corps and acknowledge the importance of signallers within New Zealand Defence Force operations over the last 100 years.

"I look forward to welcoming Princess Anne back to Aotearoa."

She will be accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

The 72-year-old is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year, and Prince Philip, who died in 2021.

She gained attention when she accompanied her mother's coffin through the whole journey from Scotland to London, stopping at several places, until her final resting place.

The princess also dropped into a deep curtsy as a sign of respect when her mother's coffin was taken into the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the royal's official Scottish residence.

She paid tribute to her father saying he was her "teacher, supporter and critic" and that he left a "legacy which can inspire us all".

Copyright © 2023 , Radio New Zealand

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William & Kate’s royal Visit to New Zealand

New Zealand – A Country Fit for Royalty?

The answer to this question is obviously a resounding yes as the future King and Queen experienced all of the magic and beauty New Zealand has to offer. A packed 10 day itinerary which commenced on 7th April 2014 made sure that no stone was left unturned as Kate and Wills (and baby George of course!) experienced some quintessential tastes of New Zealand.

1. Wellington

Kate and William were welcomed to the North Island with a traditional Maori greeting as well as a 21 gun salute. What a welcome! As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington is set on a stunning harbour and is home to a thriving café scene including the quirky Cuba Street. The couple also received a ceremonial welcome at Government House and visited a Plunket parents group with Prince George.

2. Blenheim, Marlborough

When in Blenheim, the vineyards are calling and Kate and Wills wasted no time in getting stuck into some wine tasting at Wither Hills Winery. The region is famous for Sauvignon Blanc and the couple were treated to a tasting alongside some of Marlborough’s finest cuisine. On a more sombre note, the Duke and Duchess also laid a wreath in Blenheim’s Seymour Square to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. Sir Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame also gave the couple a tour of one of the most acclaimed aviation museums in the world – The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

3. Auckland

On to the city of sails and it’s competition time! The Waitemata Harbour saw a battle between the Duke and Duchess as they boarded two former America’s cups boats and embarked on a race which saw the Duchess win 2-0. Go Kate! Auckland is the most populated urban area in the country and is home to a diverse landscape of volcanoes, harbours, gulfs, rivers and beaches. Couple that with thriving waterfront cafes, bars and restaurants as well as countless water based activities, what’s not to love?

4. Hamilton and Cambridge

Kate and William opened the Avantidrome in front of an audience of Kiwi gold medallists. The new velodrome is the National Cycling Centre of Excellence. Prince William even got to start a race with a starter gun and baby George was given his first bike, a mini helmet and a mini Lycra top with a silver fern on it!

5. Dunedin and Queenstown

All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw welcomed the royal couple to Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr stadium to watch a mini tournament of Rippa Rugby. Rugby is New Zealand’s most popular sport and the All Blacks currently hold the Rugby World Cup. The next stop was the adrenaline capital of New Zealand – Queenstown! The first activity of the day was a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. The Shotover Jet Boat is one of Queenstown’s most iconic attractions alongside bungy jumping, canyon swinging and sky diving!

Central Otago is known for its pinot noir and the couple got to experience the best of what the region has to offer at Amisfield Vineyard. As well as being packed with adrenaline inducing activities, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns and a year round destination as it transforms into a ski resort in winter.

6. Christchurch

The last stop on the Royal tour of New Zealand was Christchurch on the South Island. Crowds gathered in Latimer Square to greet the couple and watch them join in with a friendly game of cricket. Christchurch is slowly rebuilding itself after the devastating earthquake and is fast becoming one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. In fact, it has just been ranked Number 2 on the New York Times list of 52 cities to visit in 2014.

We think it’s safe to say that Kate and William thoroughly enjoyed their visit to New Zealand and the country did itself proud in showcasing everything it has to offer.

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The Princess Royal visits New Zealand

The Princess Royal paid a visit to New Zealand last week, accompanied by her husband, Sir Tim Laurence.

In a typically jam-packed visit, Princess Anne spent four days in the Commonwealth country to mark the centenary of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, of which the royal is Colonel-in-Chief.

Upon arrival, Princess Anne and Tim paid a visit to the Governor General, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband, Dr Richard Davies. Dame Kiro shared on the Governor General’s Facebook page that she was delighted to welcome the royal couple and that this was the first royal visit to New Zealand since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

On the second day of their visit, Princess Anne and Tim visited the Prime Minister of Australia and later visited the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington to learn more about the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Princess Anne had been due to attend a Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals centenary event, but in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, she instead visited the National Crisis Management Centre.

She released a statement as well, saying: “My thoughts are with all New Zealanders whose hopes or livelihoods have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“I have been given the opportunity to visit the national disaster and crisis headquarters today and I am impressed by the major efforts being undertaken by first responders, local and national agencies to ensure the best possible support for everyone, especially those still at risk.

“I admire the courage of the people of Aotearoa during this alarming and difficult time. You should all be proud of the resilience, strength and care for your communities you are showing in the face of adversity. Kia Kaha.”

Later in the day, she visited the Museum of New Zealand before attending the postponed centenary celebration for the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals.

The event was re-imagined as the Corps became involved in the emergency response to Cyclone Gabrielle and was held at Government House in Wellington instead. Princess Anne met with members of the Corps and presented a painting of Signallers, as members are called.

The Regimental Colonel, Colonel Kate Lee, said in a statement on the Corps’s website, “It is a privilege to have our Colonel-in-Chief in New Zealand to commemorate and connect with past and present members of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals and acknowledge the importance of signallers within operations for a century.”

The Princess Royal’s second day ended at the National War Memorial in Wellington, where she laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

On her third day in New Zealand, Princess Anne visited Porirua and met with the local branch of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association. After her visit, the Association wrote on Facebook: “Royal patronage is such a privilege, and this is a great reminder that we are part of a much larger international network. In fact we are New Zealand’s only internationally affiliated and recognised therapeutic horse riding provider in New Zealand.”

Later, Princess Anne opened the Wellington Mission for the Mission to Seafarers and unveiled the foundation stone for a Mission to Seafarers memorial at Wellington Cathedral.

On her final day in New Zealand, Princess Anne carried out engagements in Christchurch related to rebuilding the Christ Church Cathedral and the Christchurch Central City. She also laid a wreath at the Rededication Service for the Citizens’ War Memorial.

She later met with the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association before visiting the Untouched World Merino and Natural Fibre Workrooms.

For her final engagement in New Zealand, Princess Anne visited the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in her role as Patron of the New Zealand Conservation Trust.

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