The Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, will visit the earthquake-battered city of Christchurch during a six-day tour of New Zealand next month.

Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday announced the details of the royal couple’s visit from November 10 to 16.

“The Prince of Wales will be representing the Queen of New Zealand on the visit, which celebrates Her Majesty’s remarkable 60 years of service,” Key said in a statement.

The Prince of Wales’s programs would include a focus on New Zealand excellence and innovation in sport, agriculture and business.

The Prince of Wales would also take the opportunity to introduce his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, to New Zealanders as she would be on her first visit to this country.

The couple, who would arrive immediately after an eight-day tour of Papua New Guinea and Australia, would attend events and celebrations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as well as the North Island region of Manawatu.

In Christchurch, the royal couple’s visit would focus on the recovery strategy for greater Christchurch, including the creative temporary use of vacant spaces, and on the future plans for the city.

The Prince of Wales last visited New Zealand in 2005.

Pro-monarchy group Monarchy New Zealand hoped the country could participate in celebrations for the Prince of Wales’ 64th birthday on November 14.

“As with all royal tours, the world’s media will be watching. This is a great opportunity to raise New Zealand’s profile on the world stage and boost our national industries, particularly the tourism industry,” Monarchy New Zealand chair Dr Sean Palmer said in a statement.