Fog fails to halt royals' NZ arrival

Despite fog trying its best to interrupt proceedings, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and baby George have arrived at Wellington Airport to start their 10-day tour of New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force 757 landed shortly after midday, about 20 minutes later than scheduled.

Flights in and out of the capital's airport had been affected by fog on Monday and there had been concerns that the flight from Sydney may have to be diverted to the RNZAF Base Ohakea about two hours' drive north of Wellington.

Prince William and Kate stepped out of the plane on a blustery and cool Wellington day with the Duchess, wearing a scarlet overcoat, dress and hat holding onto their wide awake eight-month-old son.

Kate also wore a diamond fern brooch given to the Queen by the women of Auckland during her 1953 trip here.

They were greeted by Prime Minister John Key, his wife Bronagh and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and her husband Alistair Nicholson before setting off for Government House via a scenic drive around the city's waterfront.

A 70-strong throng of New Zealand and international media were on hand to watch them set foot on the tarmac.

They will be officially welcomed at Government House where they will be based for the duration of their stay.

On their tour, the couple will indulge in some wine tasting at a Queenstown vineyard, race America's Cup yachts, meet Sir Peter Jackson and take a spin in an amphibious car.

The royals will use Tuesday to rest from their 25-hour flight before starting their busy program, which includes eight locations around the country.

Highlights of the trip include a jet boat ride down Queenstown's Shotover River, coaching young rugby players at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, and meeting other first-time parents at a Plunket parent support meeting.

Prince William and Kate will spend an afternoon in Cambridge, which was named after a previous Duke of Cambridge 150 years ago.

Prince William last visited New Zealand in 2011 to tour areas of Christchurch devastated by the earthquake and visit families who'd lost loved ones in the Pike River Mine tragedy.

This time, he'll get to see the progress being made as Christchurch rebuilds.

It's the first time the Duchess has visited Australasia.

The tour will also be Prince George's first official overseas trip. He's following in the tradition of his father who also visited the country as a baby.

The Duke, Duchess and Prince George will fly to Sydney on April 16 to begin their 10-day Australian tour.