royal visits to new zealand

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150th anniversary of the first royal visit to New Zealand

Today marks 150 years since the first ever visit to New Zealand by a member of the royal family.

Photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York arriving at Parliament Buildings, Wellington, taken June 1901 by Sarony Studios. Prime Minister Seddon and a crowd of onlookers are watching their arrival.

Source: Ref: PAColl-8231. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22643163

On this day in 1869, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, landed on New Zealand’s shores as the captain of the Royal Navy Ship HMS Galatea on his historic visit. Prince Alfred, who was 25 years old at the time, was Queen Victoria’s second son.

He was greeted with a haka, speeches, and bunting.

The Prince’s visit consisted of a week in the capital, attending official functions, as well as trips to Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland.

In total, Prince Alfred made three visits to New Zealand between 1869 and 1870.

A history of royal visits to New Zealand

New Zealand has enjoyed a long history of visits from the royal family.

Perhaps one of the most significant of these was Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1954 – the centennial year of the New Zealand Parliament – when she opened a special session of Parliament. It marked the first time visit of a reigning monarch to New Zealand, and the first time a reigning monarch opened a session of our Parliament.

It was also just 6 months since the Queen’s coronation, so the ‘coronation’ theme was widely celebrated.

Read more about Queen Elizabeth’s visit to New Zealand in 1954.

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

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

1981 Royal Variety Performance

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

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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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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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King Charles plans to visit New Zealand in biggest-ever tour around the world

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King Charles when he visited New Zealand as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in November 2019. Photo / File

King Charles is planning to visit New Zealand as part of the royal family’s biggest-ever series of tours around the world to commence his reign.

The trips will involve two years of international travel aimed at "extending a hand of friendship and support", royal sources told the Mirror.

New Zealand, Australia and a number of Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean are top of the monarch's priority list, the Mirror reported.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were also understood to be aboard in a "major support role" as the royals start a new era after Queen Elizabeth's passing.

The King is also expected to undertake a number of solo trips, both at home and overseas.

This would allow the Queen Consort to undertake more engagements for her personal projects, the Mirror said.

A royal source told the Mirror: "The King and his family are keen to hit the ground running in these crucial first few months and years of his reign.

"He certainly wants to carry on the long-held mantra from his late mother of being seen to be believed, and is very keen to get out and meet as many people as possible."

In the 1970s, the Queen crammed in 52 Commonwealth visits and 21 trips to other countries to mark her 25th jubilee. Sources told the Mirror the King could undertake just as many trips.

The King has reportedly opened discussions with his chief advisers over visits to major British realms including Australia and Canada "as soon as possible".

He has also raised the importance of visiting the 14 other nations where he is king.

Government officials in New South Wales this week revealed plans for a "much-anticipated" royal tour in 2024 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of democracy in Australia.

However, sources suggested Prince William and Kate had also previously discussed plans for a tour Downunder in spring 2023.

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Royal visits to New Zealand: Diana and Charles, 1983

Once every while, European princes, dukes, duchesses, kings, and queens visit New Zealand. Many remembered a visit of Princess Diana and the former Prince of Wales, Charles in 1983. They brought the young Prince William with them.

Charles and Camilla in New Zealand, 2019

In November 2019, Charles came to New Zealand with Camilla Parker Bowles.

Charles in New Zealand, 2019

He greeted the Maori leaders in Auckland with the traditional hongi salute.

Prince William in New Zealand, 2010

Like father, like son. William, the Prince of Wales, also shared a fair number of hongi greetings when he visited New Zealand in 2010. This time with the former Gov. General, Sir Paul Reeves.

Kate Middleton in New Zealand, 2014

Princess Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied the prince in 2014. Even baby George came with them. The family traveled from Wellington to Auckland, Waikato, Dunedin, Queensland, Christchurch, and back to Wellington.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in New Zealand, 2018

Harry and Meghan Markle could not stay behind, of course. While she was pregnant with her first son, Archie, they toured New Zealand in 2018.

Princess Anne in New Zealand, 2006

Even Princess Anne, Charles's younger sister, likes to explore the country. In 2006 she paid Auckland an official visit. She also made very clear through her reading matter where she was headed next.

Who remembers these delightful images of an earlier royal visit to New Zealand? It was 1983. Lady Diana and Charles played with their son William on the grounds of Auckland's Government House.

...and now!

21 Years later, the grown Prince William would bring his own son, Prince George, to the country.

Like father...

Charles and Camilla were wearing an ’ei, a Maori flower garland, in 2019. Made from natural flowers and leaves, these garlands are used to welcome or honor special visitors.

... like son

Prince Harry looks just like his father, wearing an 'ei during his 2015 visit to the Turn Your Life Around center in Auckland.

That year, the prince visited New Zealand on his own. Here he's walking through a rainforest in the open wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island

... and together

Three years later he would bring his wife Meghan Markle with him. They're walking through a Redwoods forest in Rotorua.

Charles in New Zealand, 2012

Cultural events are a much-loved part of the tour. In 2012, local Lisa Shannon persuaded the future King Charles to dance at the rock 'n' roll event in Christchurch.

William in New Zealand, 2010

Prince William went and cooked some fillet steaks on the BBQ with then-Prime Minister John Key in 2010.

A sad occasion

It wasn't always festive, though. The terrorist attack in the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, on March 15, 2019, prompted a visit by Prince William on behalf of the Queen. The royal family paid its respects to the community that had lost 51 members in the mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre.

William at the Al Noor mosque, April 2019

He met with survivors of the attack and held an emotional speech. Empathizing with the victims, William spoke about his own 'pain and loss' when losing his mum at the age of 15.

Catherine and Prince William in New Zealand, 2014

Luckily, most of the royal visits have been more cheerful.

Prince Harry in Invercargill, 2015

For example, when Harry met Henry, the 100-year-old Tuatara lizard.

Queen Máxima and King Willem Alexander in New Zealand, 2016

Or when the King and Queen of The Netherlands made their acquaintance with a kiwi.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía in New Zealand, 2009

And there were visitors from other countries, too. When they were still king and queen of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofía made a royal tour of New Zealand and Australia. Maori warriors performed at their official welcome in Wellington.

Juan Carlos of Spain does a hongi

Juan Carlos shared a hongi with Maori elder Gerrard Albert during his official welcome in Wellington.

Princess Catherine loves to interact with children along the route. At the time of this picture, her son George was almost 1 year old. Roughly a year after this photo, she would have her second child, Charlotte.

Harry and Meghan in New Zealand, 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wore Korowai, traditional Maori cloaks, during their visit to Te Papaiouru, Ohinemutu, in Rotorua.

Harry's brother William wore a similar Korowai when he opened the Supreme Court in Wellington, in 2010.

In November 2019, Charles came back to where he had been with Diana and William in 1983. He and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited South Island.

Charles received a Maori axe at the Critical Design event in Auckland. He seemed quite pleased with it. Perhaps he can put it to good use now that he is King.

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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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