Further details released for Prince Harry's visit to New Zealand

Prince Harry will visit New Zealand from Saturday 9th May to Saturday 16th May at the invitation of the New Zealand Government.

In his first visit to the country, The Prince will be introduced to a broad cross section of New Zealand culture and society. He will take the opportunity to meet members of the local community in each place he visits from the national parks of Stewart Island to the urban centres of South Auckland and Wellington - highlighting the diversity of New Zealand and celebrating those who give service to the wellbeing of the country.

A spokesman for The Prince said: "Prince Harry is very much looking forward to his first visit to New Zealand. He has heard so many great things about the country, not least from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their tour last year. He has made a number of Kiwi friends over the years, especially through the course of his military duties and is delighted that he will now have so many opportunities to meet New Zealanders in every community he visits during his tour."

During his visit, Prince Harry will learn about the country's rich heritage while also celebrating New Zealand's modern successes and its focus on the future.

At times, there will be a particular focus on Maori culture and values. His Royal Highness will visit Whanganui in the North Island where he will be invited on to Putiki Marae and later travel with the crew of the Marae's waka across the Whanganui River, which has a deep spiritual significance to the local Iwi.

In the centenary year of the Gallipoli campaign, the tour will include opportunities to recognise the sacrifice of members of the New Zealand Armed Forces and honour the service of the country's war veterans. Among these, Prince Harry will visit the recently-opened ANZAC Square at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington and meet veterans during a reception in Whanganui. There will also be an opportunity for Prince Harry to meet serving members of the New Zealand Defence Force during a visit to Linton Military Camp.

His Royal Highness will visit Christchurch where he will join Prime Minister John Key to view the city's reconstruction programme following the earthquake of February 2011. There, he will meet members of the community who were instrumental in supporting the city in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, including students and volunteers from the University of Canterbury.

Other events during The Prince's tour will acknowledge New Zealand's success in the fields of tourism and sport, including opportunities in Auckland for Prince Harry to meet some of the All Blacks and other national sports champions. He will also attend an event to showcase the country as the host nation of the forthcoming FIFA Under 20 World Cup.