She was greeted by University Chancellor Chris Kelly who then presented her with the degree in a formal ceremony.
Kelly said it recognised her contribution to performing arts, as well as education and health programmes - she is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education.
She is also an Adjunct Professor of Peking University which Massey has academic agreements with.
In a speech through a translator she said it was a "tremendous honour".
"It reflects the goodwill of the New Zealanders towards the Chinese people and their strong desire to further grow the relationship between New Zealand and China."
She even managed to slip in a reference to the All Blacks, saying the head coach was a distinguished alumni of Massey.
After the ceremony Madame Peng returned upstairs where she toured an exhibition of university design projects.
She was gifted a foldable cardboard desk and took an interest in a portable kitchen, though commented it would need more space for Chinese cooks to allow for noodle dishes.
Design student Yanna Petter displayed her fashion art with an outfit that turns into bags modelled by Harrison Lister.
The First Lady was interested in the materials and whether they were recyclable, Petter said.
"It was incredible. It's not very often that you get to meet someone that powerful in the world and show them your work."
The whirlwind event ended with another gift exchange.
Madame Peng left with a traditional Maori shawl, a history of Weta from Sir Richard Taylor and a set of Massey University books. In return she gave some figurines of women playing traditional Chinese instruments and a set of music fit for those instruments.
As she departed the birthday celebrations continued outside as the crowds serenaded her with Happy Birthday in Chinese.
