New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was the special guest at a Commonwealth Games "have-a-go" sports event in Auckland ©NZOC

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was the special guest at a Commonwealth Games "have-a-go" sports event in Auckland as the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton continued its six-day tour of the country to celebrate the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Ardern watched on as children took part in a range of Commonwealth sports such as athletics, badminton, gymnastics, hockey and weightlifting.

She was joined by several athletes from New Zealand, including double Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning cyclist Graham Miller.

Rugby sevens players Tyla Nathan-Wong, a Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, and DJ Forbes, a gold medallist at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, were also present along with weightlifter Bailey Rogers and boxer Alexis Pritchard.  

Ardern told around 60 gathered children at the event that she was in awe of athletes’ achievements and practice was important.

"If there is something you really love doing and you practice and practice and practice, you could be one of these athletes one day too," she said.

Ardern was also on hand to congratulate the men’s artistic gymnasts who were selected to the New Zealand’s team for Gold Coast 2018.

She told the crowd of young people that being named to the New Zealand team is a huge achievement.

"I remember watching the Commonwealth Games when I was your age and I was always in awe of the athletes and what they achieved," Ardern said.

"I want to say congratulations to the team who have been selected."

She added: "It’s such an amazing thing to go and represent New Zealand and a lot hard work has gone into getting here.

"The New Zealand team makes me so proud when I watch them compete on the international stage.

"I’m lucky enough to be going to the Commonwealth Games and I’m really looking forward to it."

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith said how honoured she was to have Ardern attend the event.

"We’re delighted the Prime Minster could join us and help us promote sport and the excitement of the Commonwealth Games and inspire children to focus on their goals and work hard towards them," she said.

"We extend our thanks to Ms Ardern for her time."

With a message from Her Majesty the Queen secured inside, the Baton is a symbol of the Commonwealth Games.

Its visit to New Zealand marks the start of the final leg of its 230,000 kilometres voyage around the Commonwealth. 

Gold Coast 2018 is due to take place from April 4 to 15.

The Opening Ceremony is just over 100 days away.