UK royals meet NZ wellwishers

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath to New Zealand killed in World War One as the centenary of the conflict approaches.

They spent a considerable amount of time talking to people among the 5, 000-strong crowd at the event in Wellington.

Some handed over toys for the couple's recently-arrived baby son although he was spending the day with his newly-appointed nanny.

The World War One theme continued with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

The couple met Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings and Hobbit director Peter Jackson whose own collection of vintage aircraft is housed there.

William has previously served as a helicopter pilot in the British Royal Air Force but this time he was keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Later, at a Government House reception, the second in line to the British throne tried his tongue at Maori.

(SOUNDBITE)(Maori) PRINCE WILLIAM, DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, SAYING:

"Esteemed guest, greetings eve