William, Kate and Prince George arrive in New Zealand

For once, all eyes were not on Kate, when she arrived in Wellington with the Duke of Cambridge for their tour Down Under.

There is a new Prince in town, as baby George starts life as a working royal.

The eight month old was all smiles as he touched down for a three week tour of New Zealand and Australia and oblivious to the cold wind and rain.

The British royal trio were welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Kate and William -- minus George -- went on to nearby Government House for a traditional Maori welcome, including rubbing noses with some elders.

Prince William inspected the New Zealand Air Force Band.

Prince George is the third in line to the British throne, and he is riding on a wave of popularity.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED SCHOOL GIRL SAYING:

"Well, it's baby George's first big international tour, you know. They don't come to New Zealand every week. You want to see them here. Might as well."

(SOUNDBITE) (