The Duke and Duchess visited Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre’s kiwi breeding programme. Kiwi, which are New Zealand’s national bird, have become increasingly endangered in recent years, and Harry and Meghan had the opportunity to meet conservationists working to protect the species.
The couple met two adorable chicks.
The New Zealand Herald reports: "Guided by Kiwis for Kiwi's Michelle Impey and Rainbow Springs husbandry manager Emma Bean, the royal couple went behind the scenes of the hatchery - where a kiwi chick hatched just minutes before their arrival. The couple named the three-day old chicks, from Coromandel and Taranaki, Koha (meaning gift) and Tihei, from the Maori saying 'tihei mauriora' meaning 'the sneeze of life'."
In 1929 a young man named Ted Bruce moved from Fielding to Rotorua, purchased a run-down dairy farm, covered in swampy ground and really not much use for anything. Ted must have seen something in that land though, because almost 90 years on, Rainbow Springs is one of the premier tourism attractions in Rotorua, welcoming thousands of guests each year. Between 1929 and 1932, Ted set about creating his vision on Rainbow Springs, building cabins, a campground and caravan park. He then started capturing the spring water that was erupting from the ground, forming the first pool - the Rainbow Pool, which flows for 2.5km, via a fish ladder into Lake Rotorua. Trout from the Fairy Springs creek were netted and transferred to the new pool.
The Duke and Duchess headed into the city for a walkabout to meet members of the public. Meeting as many people as possible was a key objective for this tour. Harry and Meghan certainly achieved the goal spending as long as possible chatting with locals at every stop.
A sea of well-wishers lined the area. Reporters said thousands turned out.
The Duchess was immediately taken with two-year-old Catalina Rivera. She got through the barriers and held Meghan's hand as she did a little dance. Meghan hugged the little girl much to the delight of the screaming crowds.
Prince Harry chatting with the crowd.
Meghan meeting a little boy.
What did locals make of the royals. The New Zealand Herald writes:
'Those spoken to said the wait had been worth it. Grace Collins, 18, said she didn't mind waiting three hours. "Oh my god, she is gorgeous," referring to Meghan. Four young boys got the best spot up a tree, right next to the crowd barriers. One of them, DJ Katia, said he had been waiting up the tree for just over an hour. His mum, Trudy, said it was a great idea, although he ended up getting a better view than her.
Janine Colenso from Rotorua presented Meghan with a framed miniature korowai intended for Meghan and Harry's baby. She said it is tradition to give the first one you make away. She was hopeful Meghan would take it and her eyes lit up when she walked past her, stopped and took the gift.
Sophia, Lily, Charlotte and Sophie from Ngakuru were ecstatic when Harry took their traditional NZ Buzzy Bees which they had wanted to give them for their Christmas tree. Rotorua royal watcher Barry Jenkins said it was incredible. "It is a great day."
Debbie Whare and Reta Mutua had been waiting since 10am and had a fluffy kiwi toy to give Meghan and Harry. "We hope they take it for their baby." They were thrilled when Meghan took the stuffed toy. Carey Bryant went along at 2.30pm with her friends and although didn't get a great spot, being three rows back, still managed to have her hand shaken by Prince Harry. "I will never wash my hands again."
Alison and Axel, 6, King got to talk to Harry after the prince spotted Axel's Heads Together charity headband. Alison, who is English but now lives in Rotorua, said he charity was formed by Harry with William and Kate. "It was the London Marathon official charity last year when I ran it and we all got the headbands in our race packs. Harry said 'where did you get that?'. "He asked me where we were from, if I ran the marathon and if I stole it from the charity," she laughed. "Axel claimed it as soon as he saw it so I knew that's what he should wear today to get his attention."
A video from the walkabout.
For their final engagement of the tour, it was a quick change for a visit to Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua.
A great shot of Harry and Meghan.
The treewalk is a 700m-long walkway of suspension bridges between 117-year-old Redwood trees. The forest is also the home to a thriving mountain biking community that draws people of all ages to the Redwoods.
The Duke and Duchess learned about the forest’s history and took on the tree walk.
As they made their way back to the car, Harry turned to the reporters and said "It's been great. Thank you".
Meghan looked elegant in a gorgeous ensemble by Givenchy. A fitted crew neck sweater was teamed with a multi-toned pleated skirt. The shades of blue, indigo and black made for a striking combination. Clare Waight-Keller designed Meghan's wedding gown and the pair enjoyed a wonderful collaborative process. We can expect to see Givenchy in Meghan's wardrobe rotation with some frequency. Today's outfit is a very versatile one.
The Duchess wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy suede.
The Duchess accessorised with the Boh Runga Discologo earrings Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave her.
Meghan wore her hair in a very pretty updo.
Meghan also wore her $120 Birdies Blackbird Slippers. She's had them for over two years.
In case you missed it, click here to read today's earlier post. You can catch up on all the tour coverage on the Royal Tour page.
Sixteen days, over 70 engagements, countless memorable encounters, special moments with the people of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand... We've been lucky enough to experience it all from the moment Harry and Meghan landed in Sydney. The tour began on a high with the delightful news Meghan is expecting. Thanks to the dedication, tireless work ethic and warmth of the Sussexes the momentum remained throughout. At each and every stop they were greeted by thousands and memories were made. The exhausting tour was a baptism of fire for the Duchess and she excelled every day. Together, Harry and Meghan have proven themselves more than worth of the title of Commonwealth Ambassadors representing Her Majesty with aplomb. I can only imagine how pleased and proud the Queen is.
It was a privilege to cover Harry and Meghan's first joint tour here on Mad About Meghan. It feels like the right time to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who followed the tour here. Whether you're a silent reader, a longtime poster or a royalist who stopped by for the first time, it was a joy to follow it with you. I received so many supportive and kind comments, some of which spurred me on in the middle of the night when I was running on caffeine alone. I read every single comment and I'm so grateful you took the time to leave them. A special thank you to the royal reporters, fellow bloggers and photographers (especially Andrew Parsons and Stephen Lock) for their outstanding efforts keeping apace with the demanding schedule.
We'll be chatting about the tour over the next week, there were so many fantastic moments and looks I would love to discuss in-depth. In the meantime, Harry and Meghan are enjoying their last evening in New Zealand. They will return to London tomorrow. I expect there's a good chance we'll see departure photos.
