Less than 12 hours into his debut visit to New Zealand, Barack Obama has had a Kiwi cup of joe and flown in style to our version of the Hamptons - Northland's Kauri Cliffs.

The 44th president of the US has caused quite the stir since he landed in New Zealand early this morning by private jet.

He stayed at the Sofitel last night, the front doors of which were guarded by three police officers overnight and into this morning.

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Two sedans were followed by a 4WD from the underground car park shortly after 8.30am. The 4WD, which had tinted windows, was followed closely by two police cars.

A handful of office workers stood around the carpark entrance as the motorcade left, hoping to catch a glimpse inside the car.

He was escorted to Mechanics Bay on Auckland's waterfront and from there, flew north to join former Prime Minister Sir John Key and his family for a golfing rendezvous.

A Herald reporter at Northland's prestigious Kauri Cliffs golf course said the Keys and Obama were playing golf well away from cameras.

Barack Obama at Mechanics Bay just before his chopper flight to Kauri Cliffs. (Photo / Brett Phibbs)

It's anyone's guess how today's game is going, but Sir John was in fine form in a practice round over the weekend.

According to Key's player profile on golf.co.nz, the former PM played a round at the exclusive Northland course Tara Iti, shooting a 79 off the middle markers.

He has a handicap of 8 and Obama revealed in 2016 that he had a registered handicap of 13.

Hitting the green with Obama was former US Ambassador Mark Gilbert, who had returned to New Zealand for Obama's visit.

Gilbert said the trip would emphasise the growing relationship between NZ and the US.

Speaking to Mike Hosking Breakfast, Gilbert said he had met Obama around 13 years ago and had stayed in contact since.