The Governor-General is travelling to Saudi Arabia to represent New Zealand at events to mark the death of the Crown Prince, Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz.
The Crown Prince, who was 86, was the younger brother of the King, and was heir to the throne.
The Government has asked Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae to attend the condolences ceremony and pay New Zealand's respects to the Saudi royal family.
It is the first visit by a New Zealand Governor-General to Saudi Arabia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.
The Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, will act as the Administrator of the Government while the Governor-General is away.
Her first important job will be on Wednesday - Writ Day - when she will sign the writ directing the Electoral Commission to hold this year's general election on 26 November.
