Steven Adams' goes viral following humble act at Auckland airport

He might be one of New Zealand's highest-earning sports stars of all time, but Steven Adams left fans stunned after an extremely humble act while in Aotearoa.

On Monday, JUCY Snooze Managing Director Tim Alpe was in Air New Zealand's Koru Lounge waiting for a flight to Rotorua when the Memphis Grizzles NBA star sat down near him.

After Adams tucked into a delicious meal fit for a sporting giant, his next move caught his fellow passenger's attention ...

"At 7 foot Steven Adams is hard to miss, despite being in full camouflage looking like he was about to go pig hunting (in jandals).

"I saw him head up to the self-service food area and proceed to demo a hearty breakfast, befitting someone of his size.

"I then witnessed something really cool. After finishing his breakfast he proceeded to take all his dirty dishes up to the kitchen and thank the staff personally."

While the act might be small, Alpe said it highlighted how humble Adams is and that kindness and respect are not related to a person's pay cheque.

"This is a man who earns $20m+ per annum, could fly private if he wanted and who could easily get used to people doing everything for him. Instead, here he is putting his dishes away, despite the lounge having staff who collect them from your table.

"I thought it was totally cool and just reiterated to me what a legend he is in so many ways. A real credit to Rotorua and New Zealand. He is a perfect example of class having nothing to do with wealth and status. Being respectful and humble costs nothing and goes a long way."

Adams is currently on holiday back home in New Zealand following his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies.