After playing 18 holes on a picturesque Northland golf course yesterday, former US President Barack Obama got acquainted up close and personal with a kiwi bird.

Former US President Barack Obama got up close with a Kiwi bird on his first day in New Zealand, March 21, 2018. Source: Instagram / Mark Gilbert

A photo of Mr Obama closely inspecting our national bird was posted to Instagram by former US Ambasador to New Zealand Mark Gilbert.

"President Obama got to meet a 'real' Kiwi!," Gilbert wrote with the snap.

It is not clear where exactly the meeting happened.

Gilbert was one of the companions on the match at Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, alongside former Prime Minister John Key, his son Max and millionaire Kiwi businessman Craig Heatley.

It is believed team NZ won the golf in a playoff, after they were all square after 18 holes.