Royal tour: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry take on New Zealand

IT WAS the royal tour that started with a bang due to their surprise baby news. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now returning home to face their biggest challenge yet.

THE Duchess of Sussex was hailed a role model for indigenous women as she and Prince Harry finished their wildly popular royal tour Down Under.

Meghan Markle, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, were treated to spectacular, colourful and boisterous Maori culture shows in Rotorua, 228km southeast of Auckland, on their New Zealand royal tour’s final day.

Asked at the end of their 76th event how their 16-day trip — which included Australia, Fiji and Tonga visits — had gone, the Duke replied: “It has been great, thanks guys.”

Prince Harry takes part in a “wero”, a ceremonial challenge and an ancient Maori warrior tradition to determine whether visitors came in peace or with hostile intent. Picture: AFP

As the newlyweds jetted back to London, community leaders hailed their work highlighting multiculturalism, mental health, climate change and women’s equality.

Sir Toby Curtis, spokesman for local Rotorua Te Arawa tribe, also praised their visit to Rotorua as of “huge cultural significance to Maori” people.

“The Duchess is a role model for Maori (culture),” he said in reference to her African-American heritage.

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Meghan appears to cradle her bump during a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry meets a young fan in the Rotorua Government Gardens. Picture: Nathan Edwards

The Duchess of Sussex looks radiant despite a gruelling trip. Picture: Getty

Meghan stuns in Givenchy on her final walkabout. Picture: Nathan Edwards

“She has shown you can succeed, make a difference and be your own person while also celebrating your heritage, this inspires as all.

“The Duchess’ presence in the royal family has made us feel even closer to the monarchy as she brings a fresh perspective and diversity.”

He added: “She has been very active in her positive promotion of women and this is motivating for (local) indigenous women.”

Prince Harry receives a ceremonial cloak in Rotorua. Picture: AP

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex receives a “hongi”, or traditional Maori greeting on a visit to Te Papaiouru marae in Rotorua. Picture: AFP

Wednesday’s program included a local Maori church and meeting house visit, where traditional “cherished” cloak were worn to protect the Duchess’ pregnancy.

Hundreds of voices gave a resounding in haka and horns blared to greet the former actress, in a navy Stella McCartney dress and special gemstone gifted by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy, and the Duke, in a grey suit with service medals.

The royal tour has featured countless special moments with children. Meghan speaks to atalina Rivera, 2, who got through the railings during a walkabout in Rotorua. Picture: Getty

They were given various kitchen demonstrations before a lunch of seafood, meat, vegetables and “golden steamed” pudding with rhubarb and velvet custard, washed down with handmade kawakawa herbal juice.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua, New Zealand. Picture: Getty Images

In his final speech, the Duke lavished praise on NZ.

“One of the joys of our visit to New Zealand has been the opportunity to meet so many young (people) who are devoting their talents and energy to making a difference,” he said.

The couple, expecting their first child early next year, also named two native Kiwi birds Koha, meaning gift, and Tihei, or “sneeze of life”, before walking a 700m-long forest walk, where the tour ended.

The Duke and Duchess were greeted by a loud haka. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The couple visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua.

Originally published as Royal tour: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry take on New Zealand