Prince Harry arrives in New Zealand on May 9. Photo / Getty Images
Prince Harry arrives in New Zealand on May 9. Photo / Getty Images
Watching the table-topping Hurricanes, learning the Army’s haka and taking in wildlife at Stewart Island - details of Prince Harry’s impending trip to New Zealand have been released.
Prince Harry will captain a five-a-side football team and play in front of hundreds of fans at The Cloud on Auckland's waterfront.
His trip to New Zealand will also see him watch the table-topping Hurricanes, learn the army's haka and take in wildlife off Stewart Island.
Dave Beeche, who heads the U-20s organising committee, said Prince Harry's involvement shortly before the tournament kicks off would be a big boost to promotion efforts.
A mini-field and stands would be set-up in The Cloud, and there would be plenty of "screaming kids and fans" to watch the Prince play "keepy-uppy" and five-a-side football.
Prince Harry will captain one team, and a player from New Zealand's Under 20 football team the other. Mr Beeche said how exactly the public would be involved was still being sorted through.
Prime Minister John Key today outlined further details of the royal's visit from May 9 to 16.
"I am delighted Prince Harry is visiting New Zealand. The Prince has asked to meet a wide range of New Zealanders so his programme has been designed with that in mind," Mr Key said.
Prince Harry attends a Anzac commemorative ceremony. Photo / Getty Images
"I'm confident Prince Harry will have a fabulous time here and I encourage all New Zealanders to take the opportunity to go and see him."
Rugby fans who were planning to see the Hurricanes play the Sharks in a Super Rugby game at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday, May 9 are advised to buy their tickets early.
A larger than normal crowd can be expected now it has been confirmed that Prince Harry will attend the game. He is scheduled to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial earlier in the day.
Prince Harry during a visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo / AP
His remaining itinerary follows:
• Sunday May 10 and Saturday May 11:
Visit Ulva Island on Stewart Island, a Department of Conservation open island sanctuary.
• Tuesday May 12:
Tour Quake City in Christchurch and tour the Re:Start Mall, as well as meeting members of the Student Volunteer Army at the University of Canterbury.
• Wednesday May 13:
Participate in activities with Army staff at Linton Military Camp, including learning the Army's own haka.
After being hosted at Whanganui's Putiki Marae, the Prince will join crew of the marae's waka for a trip on the river, and later visit the town's War Memorial Centre.
• Friday May 15:
In Auckland, visit Southern Cross Campus School, Middlemore Hospital's Spinal Rehabilitation Unit and attend a reception with emergency services and disaster relief organisations at Government House.
• Saturday May 16:
Join footballers at a FIFA Under-20 event at the Cloud on Auckland's waterfront before heading to the Millennium Institute of Sport. Fly out later that evening.
