The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams begins a visit to Christchurch on Saturday in a gesture of support for the people of the quake-damaged city.
Dr Williams has been the head of the Anglican Church for 10 years and is standing down to take up a position at Cambridge University. His trip to New Zealand is his final international duty.
He will receive an official Maori welcome at 5pm before speaking at a concert for volunteers who have been doing work in the community.
On Sunday, he will attend a service at Christ's College before taking a tour of the central city and the eastern suburbs.
The Archbishop will give a presidential address to the Anglican Consultative Council on Monday.