NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern entertains Stephen Colbert in Auckland

"Just hanging out in Auckland with the PM. She appointed me President of New Zealand!...I think.": US late night show host Stephen Colbert with PM Jacinda Ardern today. Photo / Twitter

"Just hanging out in Auckland with the PM."

American late-night show host Stephen Colbert appears to have enjoyed his first day in New Zealand so much he's shared a selfie with Jacinda Ardern on social media.

Ardern appeared as a surprise guest on Colbert's chat show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in September. During their chat, the host said he planned to visit New Zealand the following month.

"She even invited me to come to New Zealand to become an official citizen of Hobbiton - not too shabby!" he joked before Ardern joined him on stage.

The comedy superstar has accepted her invite.

RNZ reporting Ardern greeted Colbert at Auckland Airport this morning, as she promised to do when she appeared on his show.

This afternoon, he posted the selfie with Ardern on social media, joking "she appointed me President of New Zealand! ... I think."

Just hanging out in Auckland with the PM. She appointed me President of New Zealand!...I think. I’m pretty jet-lagged. #LSSCinNZ #nosnakes pic.twitter.com/BQNFwbszpN

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) October 11, 2019

Tourism NZ spokesperson Lauren Vosper said the airport welcome was filmed and would be part of the segments produced for the Late Show, which will air next month.

Vosper said Colbert was filming all over New Zealand but wouldn't confirm how long he was in the country for.

Ardern and Colbert were also spotted on the street chatting with New Zealand comedian Alice Snedden earlier today.

The photo was taken by political commentator and Spinoff editor Toby Manhire and posted on his Twitter account. It's thought the photo was taken near Auckland's Morningside.

Jacinda Ardern, a comedy legend and a visitor from America. pic.twitter.com/f7YBcjcRZx

— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) October 10, 2019

Colbert had been scheduled to make a surprise trip in March, but the plans were shelved after the Christchurch mosque shootings, which left 51 people dead.

Shortly after the attack, Colbert expressed his condolences during a taping and urged people to visit.