John Key and Barack Obama's diplomatic bromance

The former US president is in New Zealand for a whirlwind trip, and is spending time with his old mate Sir John Key.

Mar 21, 2018 9:27am

Former US President Barack Obama has landed in New Zealand for a three-day trip.

Obama is spending time golfing with his old mate former prime minister Sir John Key in Northland today. On Thursday night he will be guest speaker at a banquet dinner in Auckland with some of New Zealand's highest-profile political, community and business leaders.

Key was pivotal in securing Obama's visit to NZ. The two struck up a friendship a decade ago and have stayed in touch since they both left their political roles.

Scroll down to see more photos of Obama and Key's bromance.

Chuck a few snarlers on the BBQ, John! Air New Zealand shared this photo of Barack Obama with John Key on their Northland golf trip.

When they both looked a lot younger! Barack Obama meets with then Prime Minister John Key in the Oval Office of the White House July, 2011.

Having the chats! Obama and Key at the White House in 2011.

Golf buddies! Obama and Key playing golf at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course January 2, 2014 in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Both Key and Obama have holiday homes in Hawaii.

Obama listening intently to John Key at the White House.

Key and Obama wearing the ultimate dad uniform on their golf day in Hawaii in 2014.

If their friendship was the movie Mean Girls, Barack is Regina and John Key is Cady.