New Zealand's prime minister John Key says his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe has made it clear that Tokyo is keen to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Mr Abe held talks with Mr Key in Auckland today ahead of his visit to Australia.

Mr Key said Mr Abe indicated Japan was looking to remount a scientific whaling program that would be legally acceptable under the terms of a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The New Zealand prime minister said he reiterated his country's position that all whaling should end.

Earlier this year, Australia and New Zealand won a case against Japanese whaling in the ICJ.

The court ruled that Japan's scientific whaling program in the Antarctic was disguised commercial whaling, and ordered the program to end because it was in breach of a global moratorium.

The two leaders also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade negotiations, which US president Barack Obama said he would like finalised by November.

Mr Key said it was unlikely a deal will be reached before US mid-term elections, but said he thought there was a window of opportunity after November.

"New Zealand is excited by Japan coming into TPP. It is the third-largest economy in the world and adds great depth," Mr Key said.

He said all 11 nations involved in the proposed trade pact "need to strive for total elimination of tariffs and quotas over time."

One of the potential issues in the trade talks is Japan's reluctance to weaken the strong protection afforded its agriculture industry.

On security matters, Mr Abe said Mr Key had offered his support for Japan's historic move to end a ban on its military aiding a friendly country under attack.

Mr Abe told a media conference that Japan wants to proactively contribute to peace in the region.

The Japanese prime minister will visit Christchurch, where he will pay his respects to the 28 Japanese students who lost their lives when the CTV building collapsed during the 2011 earthquake.

Mr Abe will then fly to Australia for a three-day visit.

He is expected to sign an agreement facilitating cooperation on defence equipment and will also visit the Pilbara, in Western Australia.