A traditional welcome to Rotorua was a brilliant display of Māori culture and has been dubbed by international media as "one hell of a way to end the tour.''
At Te Papaiouru Marae yesterday, more than 1000 locals gathered to take part in what was set to become an unforgettable moment during the royal tour.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, arrived - draped in korowai - an eerie silence fell over the crowd as the pōwhiri began.
Three warriors - Taiwera Kautai, Whakaue Savage and Raimona Inia - approached.
The final wero was placed before Prince Harry, who did not break eye contact as he picked it up.
Kuia Norma Sturley, who worked tirelessly creating the korowai worn by the duchess, began the karanga.
It was then the spine-tingling haka began outside Tamatekapua; with kuia, kaumātua, children and members of Te Arawa slapping their legs and voices ringing out in unison - chanting from all sides and a conch shell sounding the royal party into the wharenui, or meeting house.
It was a powerful, spine-tingling moment that was an incredible but proud and honest show of traditional Māori culture and custom.
International media - many of them seasoned royal correspondents who travel the world following the royals - said it had given them goosebumps and was a privilege to witness.
Sky news cameraman Adam Cole said: "It's a hell of a way to end the tour. That ceremony was so powerful.''