More than 2000 fans turned out at The Cloud on Auckland's waterfront this morning to catch a last glimpse of Prince Harry, whose week-long tour of the country ends today.
They were treated to the sight of the prince taking part in an informal five-a-side football game involving players and volunteers for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
About 500 fans packed the stands at The Cloud, cheering Prince Harry on every time he touched the ball.
He missed a penalty early on but made up for it in the final minute. Ear-splitting cheers rang out as he scored the winning goal.
Prince Harry's biggest fans: Caroline (left) and Kate said they "love Harry's ginger hair". Photo: RNZ / Carla Penman
He then mingled with the crowd waiting outside and gave a brief interview to reporters, describing the past week as an "amazing trip" and "epic fun".
Listen to Prince Harry's media stand-up with reporters in Auckland
He said it would be impossible to choose just one highlight of his trip, but being given a cloak during a marae visit in Whanganui was very special.
"It has been fantastic. The welcome that I've had has been typically Kiwi, I suppose. I couldn't have asked for a better reception," he said.
The prince said he had enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many New Zealanders.
"Just an amazing group of people with a fantastic culture and background in a beautiful country - with rain, lots and lots and lots of rain".
He suggested he might return for the Lions' 2017 rugby tour to New Zealand.
Over the last week, Prince Harry has taken part in a pub quiz on Stewart Island, learnt a haka, paddled on the Whanganui River and charmed thousands of well-wishers.
His final official engagement was at High Performance Sport New Zealand's National Training Centre, based at AUT's Millennium Institute in Mairangi Bay.
Prince Harry talking to young fans. Photo: Photospot
After some private time, he will fly out of Auckland this evening, back to the UK.
View the full photo gallery of Prince Harry's tour of New Zealand
The prince will fly back to the UK from Auckland tonight. Photo: POOL / Peter Meecham
The prince crouches for a chat with his team at The Cloud. Photo: POOL / Peter Meecham
Prince Harry scored the winning goal of today's match - to the crowd's delight. Photo: POOL / Peter Meecham
More than 2000 fans turned out to catch a last glimpse of Prince Harry today. Photo: POOL / Peter Meecham
Prince Harry (centre, in white) with Prime Minister John Key (right) at The Cloud. Photo: POOL / Peter Meecham