Rotorua's Government Gardens will be the only place for Royal watchers to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as this is their only provincial public appearance in the North Island.

In a statement on the Rotorua Lakes Council website, it says with the visit fast approaching, plans are underway for the Royal couple's visit to the Government Gardens on October 31.

'Due to the Rotorua stop being the Duke and Duchess's only provincial visit in the North Island, thousands of people are expected to flock to the city to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple.”

'On that day, the Duke and Duchess's only public appearance will be in Rotorua's Government Gardens between 3.30 and 4pm. We advise people to arrive well in advance.”

'The walk will take place along Queens Drive.”

'With an increase in visitors to Rotorua, this could cause some congestion and some traffic issues, but plans are underway to take the stress out of the day for locals and visitors.”

Rotorua Lakes Council will be opening up the Village Green at Rotorua Lakefront for additional parking.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also providing a free park and ride service, enabling people to park at the Rotorua Racecourse on Fenton Street, with buses taking them to the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre in the central city.

The Park and Ride car park will be open from 9am and the buses will be running at regular intervals between midday and 5pm.

In addition to the extra parking facilities residents and visitors can utilise free City Ride buses throughout the day, which are also being provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

There will be some road closures in place on October 31, and affected homes and business will be notified. Details of these closures are still being confirmed and will be made public in coming days.