Meghan and Harry 'genuinely scared'

IT'S not a sight for the faint-hearted.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were momentarily awe-struck when they came face-to-face with an actor dressed as an orc soldier during the second day of their action-packed trip to New Zealand.

The Duchess of Sussex, who was wearing a white tuxedo dress by New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn, joined her husband for the visit to Wellington's Courtenay Creative, which runs programs for young people wanting to get into film.

Luke Hawker, dressed as an orc, meets Prince Harry the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Courtenay Creative in Wellington. Picture: AAP

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Courtenay Creative in Wellington. Picture: AAP

Once through the doors of the centre, which opens this month, the royals were welcomed by costumed Vikings and knights, and an orc from Lord of the Rings.

The orc was played by Luke Hawker, 37, a film technician and stuntman from Weta Digital, the company founded by Peter Jackson.

"I wasn't sure if I was supposed to shake their hands. They seemed genuinely scared, but I was very nice."

The royal couple chatted with actors and performers wearing the work of industry leading artists in film, sculpture and costume design. Picture: AAP

Meghan stunned the models and actors, with one describing her as “even more beautiful than she is on screen”. Picture: AAP

Harry and Meghan then chatted with models wearing World of WearableArts costumes, including Lucy Aitchison and Nicola Provost, both 30 and from Wellington, before moving on to a body painter who was decorating model Letisha Rangi, 29, an artist from Aro Valley dressed in Day of the Dead paint, and her mum Carleen Murphy, in a red devil look.

Carleen says she was waiting for Meghan to mention her past as an actress, "But she was so gracious and let others shine. She's even more beautiful than she is on screen. More lovely. An absolute beauty."

After Harry took a turn on a virtual reality game, which gave him a fright, the royals were presented with a gold, paua and diamond necklace from The Village Goldsmith by orc Luke, who apologised for scaring them earlier.

HARRY'S JOY OVER 'LITTLE BUMP'

The royal pair got a glimpse of their future as they comforted a shy young boy overcome by their rock star New Zealand royal visit.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spoke of their joy at having their "little bump", due next year.

Prince Harry and Meghan chat with kids from Houghton Valley School. Picture:AAP

A caring Meghan comforts an overwhelmed Joe Young. Picture: AP

The newlyweds continued their crusade to "normalise" mental health discussion and warned of unrealistic social media "filter" dangers.

But it was five year-old Joe Young who stole the show after the couple toured one of the country's most "iconic" cafes above a surf club, in Wellington's southern outskirts.

The little boy was in tears but Meghan and Harry were quick to console him. Picture: AP

As the royals shook hands with 10 primary school students, the five-year-old schoolboy was overwhelmed as crowds cheered, rubbing his eyes hidden by a wide-brimmed hat.

In a touching gesture, the Duchess, 37, knelt down and spoke him at the line's end before gently rubbing his hand and his stomach.

The Duchess, who is 15 weeks pregnant, was visibly moved as she asked questions about a hand-made flag. Her husband of five months then knelt down and tickled the boy's stomach.

"Joe was very nervous and Harry was very nice with him too," Houghton Valley School deputy principal Monica Mercury later said of Joe, who nodded when asked if he had fun.

The royal pair go casual during a rainy visit to the Abel Tasman National Park. Picture: AP

The Duchess, wearing Outland jeans, a Jac + Jack top with a Club Monaco coat, later asked Maranui Cafe workers to deliver trays of sweets to the schoolkids.

After flying 160km west by navy helicopter, they walked spectacular rain-swept beaches and were given traditional welcomes at the South Island's picturesque Abel Tasman National Park, 45 minutes away.

After a Maori elder told them to "chill out" and "relax", the Duke, 34, described the rain as a "blessing".

"From myself and my wife and our little bump, we are so grateful to be here," he said.

MEGHAN OPENS UP ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Earlier, while meeting "inspiring" mental health campaigners at the Maranui Cafe - where the Duke eyed the mouth-watering food - they explored an issue close to their heart and how there was no "silver bullet".

Prince Harry and Meghan chat with representatives of mental health projects at Maranui Cafe in Wellington. Picture: AAP

Criticising social media pressures, the US-born Duchess expressed surprise when told some Kiwis consider people asking for help "attention-seeking".

While in Australia, the former Suits actress spoke of being "freed" after deleting her Instagram account and popular lifestyle blog, The Tig.

"Young people find it so difficult," she said as she sipped a milk tea. "You see photos on social media and you don't know whether she's born with it or maybe it's a filter.

"Your judgment of your sense of self-worth becomes really skewed when it's all based on likes."

The Duke, drinking water, admitted it took him years to confront his mental demons.

"Issues stemming from social media and gaming are a major problem for young people … globally," he said.

The royal pair will visit the North Island's Auckland on Tuesday for a "welly wanging" throwing competition.