Britain's Prince William and wife Kate go walkabout in New Zealand

Britain's Prince William sits in the cockpit of an old Sopworth Pup single seater biplane as his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, looks on during a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in the New Zealand city of Blenheim on April 10,
Britain's Prince William sits in the cockpit of an old Sopworth Pup single seater biplane as his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, looks on during a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in the New Zealand city of Blenheim on April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looks at a static WWI display, with her husband Prince William, at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim, in New Zealand April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William react after receiving a baby size flying hat at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim, in New Zealand April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Britain's Prince William (Right) and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (Left), stand next to a picture of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as they attend an art unveiling ceremony at Government House in Wellington on April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive with New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae and his wife Janine for an art unveiling ceremony and reception at Government House in Wellington on April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
New Zealand's Governor-General Jerry Mateparae (Right) toasts with Britain's Prince William (Center) and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (Left) as they unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell (not pictured) during a state reception at Government House in Wellington on April 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

BLENHEIM, New Zealand (AFP) - Britain's Prince William and wife Kate honoured New Zealand's war dead at a sombre ceremony on Thursday, then delighted the crowds when they went walkabout in the small South Island town of Blenheim.

The royal couple laid a wreath of red roses at the town's war memorial for the centenary of World War I and marked a minute's silence, before moving along ranks of aged veterans lined up with medals pinned to their chests.

The couple, who kicked off a three-week tour of New Zealand and Australia on Monday, then prompted cheers as they chatted and shook hands with the crowds of fans waving British flags - some of whom arrived at 4:30am to grab a prime position along the barriers.

Their eight-month-old son Prince George, who enjoyed a play session with 10 Kiwi babies on Wednesday, stayed in Wellington where the family have based themselves for their 10-day New Zealand trip.

Kate, 32, wore a powder-blue Alexander McQueen frock coat with her hair tied back in a ponytail.

Blenheim resident Vicky King said locals could scarcely believe the couple had come to their town of about 30,000, which lies at the heart of the Marlborough wine-making region, with much of the population turning out to catch a glimpse of the royals.

"It's just so crazy that they came to Blenheim," she said after meeting Kate, describing it as a "surreal" experience.

"I was really nervous but she's a mum just like me... she was very easy to talk to."

Her son Alton, who at nine months is just a little older than baby Prince George, startled Kate with a loud sneeze as she leaned in to look at him.

"She said 'Oh my goodness' and giggled - I said he was sorry he had a cold. The official behind her thought it was really funny," she said, adding: "Alton will be known for sneezing on royalty!"

William and Kate then met director Peter Jackson at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which the Oscar-winning film-maker has spent millions of dollars turning into a museum.

Their guide was a World War II Spitfire pilot - Harcourt "Bunty" Bunt, still sprightly at 93 - who regaled them with stories of the heroics behind some of the exhibits.

William, a qualified helicopter pilot who served in Britain's Royal Air Force, was particularly taken with a Sopwith Pup biplane and hopped into the cockpit for a closer look.

"It's perfect. Start her up," he joked.

After the royal couple returned to the capital, they attended a state reception at Government House, where William unveiled a portrait of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

The second in line to the throne apologised to Governor-General Jerry Mateparae about any night-time disturbances caused by baby George.

"He has been known to be particularly vocal at 3am, I swear I heard him doing the haka (Maori war dance) this morning," he said.

"He's a bonny lad and you'll be pleased to know he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward."

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.