A New Zealand man has appeared in court accused of planning to throw a bucket of horse manure over the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall

A man accused of planning to throw a bucket of horse manure over the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall has appeared in court as the royals took a break from their Diamond Jubilee tour.

Castislav Bacanov, 76, pleaded not guilty at Auckland District Court to a charge of preparing to commit a crime in a public place.

He was arrested on Monday about 50 minutes before the Prince and Duchess arrived in the Auckland quayside area to meet hundreds of well-wishers during a walkabout.

The 76-year-old was remanded on bail on condition he keep at least 500 metres away from the royal couple who are touring New Zealand. He is due to return to court on November 27.

Charles and Camilla are on a seven-day visit to the Commonwealth country, the last leg of their Pacific tour marking the Queen's 60-year reign, which has already taken them to Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The royal couple are believed to have gone walking in a picturesque area near Auckland, exploring an undisclosed location recommended by friends. Charles and Camilla are keen walkers with the Duchess known to enjoy trekking on the Queen's Balmoral estate in Scotland.

On Wednesday the Prince will celebrate his 64th birthday in the New Zealand capital Wellington with ordinary Kiwis and some of the country's most prominent figures.

The heir to the throne shares his birthday with the country's Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, and Bronagh Key, wife of the Prime Minister John Key, and the trio will mark their anniversary with 64 specially chosen New Zealanders also born on November 14.

During the day the Prince will be given a behind the scenes look at the new blockbuster movie from Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson. Charles will visit a leading workshop that created special effects for the much anticipated fantasy film - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The heir to the throne will meet Mr Jackson and be shown make-up props worn by actors including The Office star Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins - the lead role in The Hobbit.

PA Media