Prince Charles will celebrate his 64th birthday in Wellington and his wife Camilla is to read Hairy Maclary to New Zealand children.

The pair will spend six days in the country from November 10, visiting Auckland, Wellington, earthquake-scarred Christchurch and Manawatu.

Royal aides have released more details of their trip Down Under, during which they will also visit Australia and Papua New Guinea, as part of celebrations marking the 60th year of the Queen's reign.

"The programme will include a focus on NZ excellence and innovation, including sport, agriculture and business as well as reflecting the Duchess's longstanding interests, such as children's literacy and nutrition, community service, and animal health," a statement from Charles' London home, Clarence House, said.

Camilla, a literacy campaigner and a fan of the popular Hairy Maclary children's books by Kiwi author Lynley Dodd, will take part in an event with young readers during the visit.

The New Zealand government released brief details of the royal itinerary earlier in the week.

In Auckland the couple will attend a yet-to-be named sports event, a wool event and take part in a public walk.

They will then fly to Wellington for a welcoming ceremony at Government House and the opening of the nation's Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen, a new visitor centre at Government House.

From there they will travel to Feilding and, as Air Commodore-in-Chief, Prince Charles will help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Air Force during an informal visit to the nearby Ohakea Air Force Base.

They will then fly to Christchurch where they will look at the recovery strategy for greater Christchurch before leaving the country late on the evening of November 16.