Gunfire, spears and warriors have welcomed Prince Harry on his first visit to New Zealand but he has proved a hit with locals.
A 21-gun salute boomed across the grounds of Government House as the 30-year-old prince arrived in Wellington on Saturday, kicking off a week-long visit that will take him as far south as Stewart Island and as far north as Auckland.
Hundreds of locals turned up at the National War Memorial late in the afternoon where they had their best chance to get close to the fifth in line to the throne, and he did not disappoint.
After laying a wreath to pay tribute to New Zealand's fallen soldiers, the royal's most roguish member made a beeline for the crowd, where many young girls had made signs to lure him closer.
The offers were odd. One wanted him round for a dinner of fried rice, another reassured him he would not be kissed.
The crowd was up to six deep, and Prince Harry pressed the flesh and allowed the selfies to be taken, sharing a bit of banter with the crowd.
He showed a particular affinity for young children in the crowd, stopping to speak to one girl dressed as Princess Elsa from Disney's Frozen, and also accepting a small kiwi soft toy.
He was told "welcome to Wellington" dozens of times, and even joined in singing Happy Birthday to one girl wearing a party hat.
Another girl yelled "I like your suit", and when the prince replied with "thank you", he was met with screams of delight.
The smiling redhead gave as much time as he could to the crowd, before being whisked away for his last engagement of the day - attending the Hurricane versus Sharks Super Rugby match.
Earlier in the day, fresh from his flight from Australia, Prince Harry had his first formal engagement - the traditional challenge, or wero, from a Maori warrior before being introduced to Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and other dignitaries at Government House.
The prince, who has served as a pilot in war-torn Afghanistan, spent a lot of time meeting with the guard and chatting to those representing the navy, army and air force.
The gun salute in the background had some school children, there to meet the prince, covering their ears, clearly blown away by the thunderous blasts.
Prince Harry's first New Zealand tour will also take in Stewart Island, Christchurch, Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North, Whanganui and Auckland.
He has been in Australia, where he has just finished a secondment with the Australian Defence Force.
After his New Zealand visit, Prince Harry will head home to Britain, where he will finally get to meet his new niece, Princess Charlotte.
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