Labour leader Andrew Little has cancelled his first official visit to Dunedin.

He was due to spend Thursday in the city, but will instead attend the North Island funeral of a Maori leader.

Little's planned Dunedin visit would have been his first as Labour leader.

Staff at his office say he'll reschedule the visit, although a date has yet to be set.

It's unfortunate timing for Little, with Prime Minister John Key expected to visit Dunedin on Monday.