"I'm going to miss so many things about you. You are an incredible, incredible colleague. I'll miss you immensely."
But it was Stewart who drew tears from her colleagues - of laughter, as she pulled out a flute to play a rendition of My Heart Will Go On.
"Our big bro, we love you and we adore you," she said. "Thank you for being not just a colleague, but a mentor and a friend."
And in true Campbell fashion, the broadcaster turned the spotlight on his colleagues in his farewell speech.
He thanked everyone working on Breakfast from the producers to the hair and makeup teams, before paying tribute to his co-hosts and the obstacles they had overcome.
"I'm so proud of what you represent," he said, reflecting on landmark changes in New Zealand history from the Dawn Raids apology to marriage equality.
He also added that he's grateful for his time at Breakfast and will miss his co-hosts, Clarkson, Stewart and McLean dearly.
"They're wonderful people, and we're friends, and that matters when you're starting work at four am, and doing three hours, live, each morning in their company. I'll miss them, but I'll be back on Breakfast at regular intervals."