Hundreds of fans, young and old, attended a 'training session' with All Black Ben Smith at the Wanaka rugby field this morning.
The early morning event came about after local boy Kade Lawrie (7) put a note in Smith's holiday home mailbox asking if he could give him some rugby tips.
Smith posted a photo of the note on the Upper Clutha Trading Post Facebook page yesterday and invited local children to train with him this morning.
Kade said Smith was one of his favourite rugby players.
"I like his steps."
Kade's father Grant said he was "amazed" by Smith's response to the note.
"You have got to take your hat off to Ben for allowing the time to embrace it and turn up and accommodate all these kids."
After spending about 20 minutes running through drills with the children Smith was surrounded by a crowd of children and adults, many wearing All Blacks and Highlanders gear.
He spent over an hour signing rugby balls and taking photos with his fans.
Smith said he expected a "few kids" would attend the training morning.
"I thought with kids being on holiday they would be doing different things.
"It has been a good morning having a couple of kids help you out with your training.
"Better than doing it by yourself."
- By Margot Taylor
