UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has hit Kiwi shores for his first official visit and has a lot planned for the trip.

Mr Johnson, the flamboyant former mayor of London, arrived yesterday and will hold talks on trade, foreign policy and international security during the two-day visit.

Firstly, Kaikoura business operators will get a rare chance to meet with a foreign dignitary this morning when Mr Johnson will head to the town today, in an effort to thank the community for helping British tourists caught out by last years earthquake.

His short stay there will include a visit to Takahanga Marae, meeting with business operators at Whaleway station, before finishing up at the temporary workers village, to see how recovery efforts are going.

However, Mr Johnson has other matters on his agenda as well.

They include talks on trade and infrastructure with senior Government ministers and discussions on illegal wildlife trade.

He will meet Prime Minister Bill English, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee and other senior politicians and his agenda also includes unveiling the UK War Memorial in Wellington's Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

Mr Johnson will travel to Sydney later in the week.