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President and Mrs Lyndon Johnson arrive at Ōhākea air base for a 24-hour visit, the first ever visit to New Zealand by an American President. Prime Minister Keith Holyoake greets the couple and an official Māori welcome is performed. President Johnson speaks about his last visit in 1942 when it was also raining.
In Wellington, the Johnsons are welcomed by the Governor General, Sir Bernard Ferguson. President Johnson shakes hands with an enthusiastic crowd and is presented with the Guard of Honour by the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
At the official reception at Government House, Lady Ferguson and Mrs Johnson’s evening wear is described in detail. The following day the President visits the Cenotaph and speaks about New Zealanders’ part in war, joined by a cheering crowd. Meanwhile Mrs Johnson visits the Botanical Gardens and rides the cable car. The couple meet Mr and Mrs Powell at the US Embassy, and later Norman Kirk.
The Mayor, Sir Francis Kitts, joins the Johnsons and a large crowd at the civic reception.
The Prime Minister and MPs greet the Johnsons for the State Luncheon at Parliament where Holyoake, the President and Norman Kirk speak about peace, democracy, Vietnam and the friendship between New Zealand and the US. Anti-war protesters wait outside.
Before leaving from Ōhākea, the President visits Mr Wilson of Sanson’s farm and watches sheep being shorn.