WELLINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Prince William officially opened the new Supreme Court building in New Zealand capital Wellington on Monday.

    Thousands of people have gathered outside the Supreme Court to get a peek at 27-year-old Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne.

    On arrival at the Supreme Court, he was cloaked in a Maori korowai and welcomed with Maori traditional hongi and a haka.

    New Zealand Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias and Prime Minister John Key led him inside the building to inspect the new premises, New Zealand Press Association reported.

    A group of about 30 Justice Department workers were outside the new courthouse loudly protesting an ongoing wage dispute with the department, with placards and chanting.

    Prince William has landed in the capital after a short delay due to fog at Wellington Airport.

    After touching down in the capital at 9:30 a.m. local time he visited the National War Memorial where he laid a wreath and met members of the Defence Force.

    He will visit Kapiti Island wildlife sanctuary in the afternoon to see a little spotted kiwi bird. A few crayfish, lamb steaks and sausages will be on the menu when he barbecues at Premier House on Monday night.

    Prince William arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for a three-day visit, his first official tour overseas as representative of his grandmother the Queen.

    Prince William spent a relaxed day in Auckland on Sunday, visiting Eden Park stadium, sailing on Waitemata Harbor and had a Maori traditional dinner at Government House.

    The Prince will leave for Australia on Tuesday.