Prince William says representing the Queen in New Zealand on his first official overseas trip means "an awful lot" to him.

威廉王子称，代表女王对新西兰进行的首次海外正式访问对他来说“意义重大”。

Prince William lifts a parcel of food out of the traditional Maori earth oven

He was speaking in Auckland at the start of the three-day visit.

The prince toured the Eden Park rugby英式橄榄球 stadium, sailed around the harbour on an America's Cup yacht游艇，快艇 and helped cook a traditional Maori dinner.

The 27-year-old's main engagement takes place on Monday when he will open the Supreme¹ Court building in Wellington.

The prince will also lay a wreath花冠，圈状物 at Wellington's national war memorial.

'Enormously fond'

William arrived on a scheduled Air New Zealand flight and was greeted by both Prime Minister John Key and the Queen's representative Governor General Anand Satyanand.

As he shook hands with Mr Key, the prince commented on the overcast阴暗的 weather, saying: "It's a bit like English weather - confused."

An early indication of the public interest in the visit was demonstrated by about 100 people who waited in the airport's arrivals lounge休息室，闲逛 for a brief glimpse of瞥见，一瞥 William before he was driven away.

His visit has also generated huge interest among the British media with large numbers following him to the South Pacific nation.

The prince has visited New Zealand twice previously³, the most recent time while following the British Lions rugby tour in 2005.

The second-in-line to the throne said this trip was a "bit more official" but he was enjoying "the fact it's reasonably relaxed".

When asked about standing⁴ in for the Queen at the opening of the Supreme Court building, he said: "It means an awful lot because obviously she's extremely busy and I want to be able to do something good and keep the standards up that she's led the way with."

But he would not be drawn⁵ on other tours, saying he had to think about his RAF search and rescue training.

"We'll wait and see. I wouldn't get carried away," he said. "I've still got a lot of training to do and I need the training, believe me."

The New Zealand PM told the BBC the prince's visit was a "significant event".

"Having Prince William in his first capacity officiating for the Queen, representing the Queen, makes it even more special," he said.

"So I think it'll be seen as a big moment for New Zealand. And hopefully for the Royal Family."