Community member Jan Christiensen said she hoped to meet the president yesterday.
"We've got a lot of family back there and we think it would be very special," she said.
Mr McClay planned to talk trade with Ms Grabar-Kitarovic, because Croatia had been a vocal supporter of a Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the European Union.
A Fair Trade Agreement is currently being negotiated.
Croatia was also an ally to New Zealand during our ultimately successful bid to reclaim a seat on the United Nations' Security Council.
Mr McClay said he was hoping to strengthen New Zealand's bilateral trade relationship with Croatia.
Two-way trade has fluctuated in the past few years but remains at modest levels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported on its website.
The potential to expand trade and economic links was ripe.
Croatia had farming machinery and vehicles New Zealand was interested in importing, and our fishing industry was of great interest to them, Mr McClay said.
The president enjoyed lunch with Mr McClay and other officials inside a marquee at Te Puia before continuing on.