Obama's trip to NZ ends

Barack Obama receives a hongi before meeting with Maori women leaders today. Image: Newstalk ZB
Barack Obama receives a hongi before meeting with Maori women leaders today. Image: Newstalk ZB

Former US president Barack Obama is believed to have left New Zealand, travelling to Australia in a private jet.

Obama's motorcade arrived at Auckland Airport soon after midday and a private Gulf Stream jet departed soon afterwards.

The 44th President left the Sofitel at the Viaduct hotel by motorcade after a brunch with Wahine Toa, a group of about 20 Maori women leaders this morning.

A small crowd of onlookers gathered hoping to catch a sight of Obama, but were once again disappointed.

His motorcade left from an underground carpark and side entry and he could not be seen through the tinted windows.

Obama will speak at an event in Sydney tonight and was due to meet with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull before heading to Tokyo tomorrow.

Obama spent two-and-a-half days in New Zealand - playing golf in Northland with former Prime Minister Sir John Key, meeting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and holding a public speaking event for an audience of about 800.

A powhiri at Government House in Auckland was the only event open to the media and there were almost no opportunities for the public to catch sight of him.

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