The man charged with murdering Grace Millane told police he knew it was her birthday that weekend, and she'd invited him to celebrate with her

The 27-year-old is accused of strangling Millane to death in his central Auckland apartment after the pair went on a date - something his defence says was accidental.

The court's been shown footage of his first police interview, where he says the pair met at Sky City, but parted ways - something that's now known to be a lie.

He says he knew it was her birthday the next day - and she'd invited him to come to the bar at her backpackers for drinks.

He says he told her he'd definitely take her up on the offer, because they are five-dollar drinks.