Wellington, Oct 12 NZPA - Prince William may visit New Zealand next year, but Prime Minister John Key will neither confirm nor deny.

British newspaper The Mail on Sunday reported the trip -- which would be his first official visit on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.

He was expected to visit New Zealand and Australia in January.

"I can't comment on that at the moment," Mr Key told NewstalkZB.

"I'm just not in a position where I'm authorised to do so, but obviously if Royals come to New Zealand we always welcome them.

"If Prince William was to come I think he'd be a very welcome addition to New Zealand at that time of year."

Prince William was last in New Zealand in 2005, following the British and Irish Lions rugby tour.