John Key on US election: 'A pretty rocky ride at the moment'

New Zealand will do well no matter who the US elects as its president, Prime Minister John Key said this afternoon.

In his first public comment on the election results, he told reporters at Wellington Airport this evening that it was too early to predict the winner of the contest.

But he added that it was "a pretty rocky ride at the moment".

"You think a landing at Wellington airport is a bit bumpy, well, it's an interesting kind of landing in the United States at the moment."

Key remained optimistic, regardless of the outcome of the election.

"Whatever ultimately happens, New Zealand has got a good relationship with the United States."

In an apparent reference to Trump's promise that he will block the Trans Pacific Partnership, the 12-nation trade deal which New Zealand is a part of, Key said: "If there's a policy change in areas like trade, well we'll have to learn to live with that.

"New Zealand's a very attractive destination, we do things well, and whatever happens in the US we'll learn to work with it."

Asked about whether he could work with Donald Trump as President, he said: "Whoever that is, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, in short the answer is yes."

While not referring to Trump, he appeared to suggest the the American businessman might not follow through on some of his more radical policies.

"And as I've also said, on campaign trails a lot is said. What ultimately plays out when people are in office with the Congress and Senate driving things is sometimes a little bit different.

"But let's wait and see, I think New Zealand's well placed whatever happens."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was more certain of the outcome, saying that Trump was "always going to win".

Peters said he predicted a Trump victory last week at an event in Marlborough, and outlined why he believed he would win.

"His victory results from the establishment treating ordinary Americans with contempt, and they are fighting back with their vote," he said.

Trump's performance was a "dramatic lesson" for political commentators, pollsters and the establishment, Peters said.