Britain's Prince William (R) and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (L), stand next to a picture of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as they attend an art unveiling ceremony at Government House in Wellington.
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 filmmaker 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 apologized to Governor-General Jerry Mateparae about any night-time disturbances caused by baby George.
"He has been known to be particularly vocal at 3:00am, 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."