Barack Obama saw guests leave his exclusive dinner on a high, with MPs and well-known New Zealanders praising the Former US President for his charismatic manner and "inspiring" speech.
"It was a fantastic night," said National Party leader Simon Bridges.
"Barack Obama, as you'd expect, was incredibly inspiring, he was very gracious and what came through very clearly was his values and also his enjoyment while he's been here, seeing Kiwis, talking a bit about rugby."
Mr Bridges said his highlight was the meet and greet with Mr Obama.
Westpac's Simon Power and Pacific youth leader Bhavna Lata recount the night.
"American presidents like Barack Obama are tall and slender and he seemed like a very... gracious, down to Earth guy."
Earlier that day Mr Obama and Mr Bridges had spoke on the phone.
Mr Bridges said the conversation was "warm and brief, but what comes through is a really good guy who has enjoyed his time here, enjoys a bit of sledging of Sir John Key and has a bit of sense of this place".
"Whatever your political colours are, you have to say he's a very inspiring guy."
Health advocate and former New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan said Mr Obama talked about the importance of youth.
He said Mr Obama said young people were his greatest inspiration, "that was the highlight for me".
Dr O'Sullivan quoted Mr Obama on his Facebook page as saying:"If we can create pathways for them to be a part of the public debate on the big issues such as global inequality and climate change we will be fine."
"We need to move the old folks on. If you are in a position of leadership for too long you get stale."
He also said Mr Obama spoke about being kind.
"It was an inspirational moment for me, I'm just so excited to have been here tonight."
MP Shane Jones called him a "tremendous speaker".
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