Prince William, Kate and eight-month old Prince George arrived in a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane at Wellington just after 12pm (local time).
Kate looked stunning in a red Catherine Walker coat and Gina Foster hat as she carried Prince George down the steps with Prince William by her side.
The Duchess also wore a fern brooch given to the Queen by the women of Auckland during her 1953 trip.
The Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George.
The royals were greeted by Prime Minister John Key, his wife Bronagh and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and her husband Alistair Nicholson on the tarmac before setting off for Government House, where they will be based for the duration of their stay.
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The Duke and Duchess made their way across the front lawn where the kapa haka group performed a traditional welcome.
Hordes braved the rain and wind hoping to catch a glimpse of William, Kate and George.
Among the crowd was Plunket nurse, Grace Kelly, 25, and her nine-month-old son, Oliver Brodie. Oliver was due at a similar time to George but arrived early on June 18. Prince George was born on July 22.
Grace, a royal enthusiast, has watched the milestones of Kate’s pregnancy and George’s life so far with keen interest, sharing the joy and exhaustion that comes with new parenthood.
“I have a lot of respect for Kate. I imagine touring with a baby this age would be really hard work,” cuddling her little man who she estimates to be about the same size as the Prince.
With Oliver rugged up in a beanie and jacket, Grace arrived at Government House at 10.30am, an hour and 45 minutes before the royals expected arrival.
Huddled under a rainbow-coloured umbrella, Grace was rewarded for her patience. “We had a really good spot and Kate waved right at us,” she said.
Grace was buzzing with excitement following the encounter and plans to attend as many events as possible while the Duke and Duchess are in her home city.
The royal couple and hopefully baby George too are due to meet Plunket nurses and parents at a special parents and babies meet and greet on Wednesday at Government House.
Prince William last visited New Zealand in 2011 to tour areas of Christchurch devastated by the earthquake, but this is the first trip to the country for Kate.
The royals will spend nine days in New Zealand, before arriving in Sydney on April 16 for a 10-day tour in Australia.
