Barack Obama says the fact he hasn't visited the country before is a sign he holds us in high esteem.

The former US president has opened up about his thoughts on New Zealand, during an exclusive dinner at Auckland's waterfront last night.

During a Q&A with actor Sam Neill, he joked he was on a "scoping" mission for his wife Michelle.

He says he hadn't visited New Zealand before now, because the country was a true friend and ally which had never caused issues during his presidency.

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Revealed: Obama's speech Hosking labelled 'bland'

Obama singled out Sir John Key for particular praise for his support during their respective tenures.

However, not everyone was impressed with Obama's appearance on Auckland's waterfront last night.

Mike Hosking told Kate Hawkesby he thought Barack Obama's performance was four out of 10.

"He brought nothing to the table. He looked tired, like desperately tired. I swear to god, at times I wondered if he had fallen asleep."

He says having actor Sam Neill as a moderator is one reason for the lack lustre performance.

"Obama's low energy, so what you then do as a moderator is realise that. Say something provocative, get in his face and remind him he needs to pick himself up and get on the edge of his seat."

While he says there's no question there's a magic to the former president, Hosking says, having been Commander in Chief for eight years, Obama should have a lot of stories about places he's been or people he's met.

During the dinner, Obama opened up about the rise of China.

According to guests, Obama said Chinese president Xi Jinping was starting to understand the critical role the country played as superpower.

He reportedly said China had been somewhat of a free-riding country on the back of globalisation, and moves such as its ascendancy to the World Trade Organisation.

The former president also implied China had to do more to step up, especially on issues like the South China Sea Dispute.

Obama leaves New Zealand today after one final engagement.

He's meeting with members of Wahine Toa, a programme run by the US Embassy to promote young Maori female leaders.

The programme includes Maori women around the country who give back to their iwi or community in varied and often extraordinary ways.

Details of when and where the meeting will take place are being kept a closely guarded secret.

The plans for Obama's final departure are also being kept strictly confidential.

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