Royal treatment for Eden Park

Prince William will drop into Eden Park to check on progress ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011 when he visits New Zealand in January.

Details of next month's visit by Prince William have been released by Prime Minister John Key.

Prince Williams will arrive in Auckland on Sunday, January 17, and visit Eden Park to view the redevelopment work and be briefed on plans for RWC 2011.

The Government has invested $190 million to redevelop Eden Park into a world class finals venue.  It’s due to be completed in October 2010.  The redevelopment will boost the seating capacity to 60,000.

Prince William will also go sailing on Waitemata Harbour on the America's Cup yacht NZL40, and attend a hangi at Government House.

He will fly to Wellington the next day where he will represent the Queen at the opening of the new Supreme Court building.  Other activities include a wreath laying at the National War Memorial, a barbecue hosted by Mr Key at Premier House and a visit to Wellington Children's Hospital.

Members of the public will have a chance to see Prince William when he does a walkabout after the Supreme Court opening.