Branson parties with Kiwi celebs

Sir Richard Branson is in New Zealand and he's wasted no time in catching up with some famous Kiwi pals.

The 66-year-old billionaire jetted into Auckland on Friday for his event "An Evening with Sir Richard Branson" at Vector Arena on Sunday night.

But on Saturday night, he let loose partying with some of New Zealand's finest at Seafarers Members' Club at Britomart in Auckland.

Among the guests were former supermodel Rachel Hunter, Flight of the Conchords star Bret McKenzie, TV presenter Samantha Hayes, model Casey Radley, Paralympian Liam Malone, Olympian Eliza McCartney, TV personality Brooke Howard-Smith and All Black Beauden Barrett.

Barrett’s partner Hannah Laity posted a series of videos to Instagram showing the group partying together, including Sir Richard taking this candid shot with Liam Malone.

Malone captioned the picture saying: “Four years I turned my life around after drink driving (sic). I gave up my Saturday nights out in pursuit of dreams. One Saturday, four years later and I have the privilege of dining with @richardbranson.

“I started at rock bottom now we're here. I encourage you all to start going after your dreams and celebrate where ever you're starting from. Richard believes in making the most of every moment in life - even when stuck in crutches.”

But it wasn’t just a chance meeting. Brooke Howard-Smith revealed that Branson and his friend, Kiwi entrepreneur Derek Handley had gathered the stars for a private dinner to teach them how to “use their platforms for purpose”.

“This journey…constantly provides epic moments, but Richard surfing the dinner table is right up there,” Howard-Smith wrote.