Prince Harry was a star royal when he visited Whanganui today, the locals turned out in the wet weather to welcome him to their city.

Prince Harry completed a windy 40 minute waka journey, becoming the first royal to paddle the Whanganui River. Harry got out of the waka and gave a big thumbs up to the crew, later admitting he was "absolutely knackered." "That's my exercise done for the day." The Prince was given a specially carved hoe (paddle) to help his efforts, carved by the kaiurungi (waka steerer)

Harry admitted to having one weak - or bald - spot. When one woman told him he was just like his father he replied "I'm losing my hair like him."

Prince Harry greets the waka crew at the Putiki slipway in Whanganui. Video by Stuart Munro.