With a traditional Cook Islands welcome of singing and dancing, Prime Minister John Key has touched down in Rarotonga for the Pacific Islands Forum.
Greeted by about 30 schoolchildren, brightly dressed and waving mini New Zealand flags, Mr Key received an ei (lei) from Miss Cook Islands - the first of several which left him struggling to see over the top of their white flowers.
Mr Key will meet with Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna on Tuesday afternoon (local time) and visit a Green Energy Pod, where New Zealand is showcasing its sustainable energy efforts.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will arrive in Rarotonga later on Tuesday afternoon.
Both leaders will join other Pacific leaders at the forum's opening ceremony on Tuesday night, where they will be carried into the national auditorium on pa'ata (raised platforms) by Cook Islands warriors.
Mr Key, the outgoing forum chairman, will speak at the ceremony, alongside Mr Puna, ahead of a cultural performance and traditional reception.
NZN