Stephen Colbert in Wellington with Lucy Lawless and Bret McKenzie

US chat show host Stephen Colbert in Wellington with Lucy Lawless and Bret McKenzie
Kate Green
Oct 14 2019


They talked Kiwi slang, and sampled some staple New Zealand foods like Marmite and pavlova.

Stephen Colbert was filming outside the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa in Wellington today.

The talk show host was sitting by the waterfront, overlooking the parked boats eating a selection of classic New Zealand foods with actors Lucy Lawless and Bret McKenzie at lunch time on Monday. They were spotted sharing Marmite on toast, Kiwi Onion dip and a pavlova. They were heard discussing classic Kiwi lingo, such as what "yeah nah" means, before taking off on an alligator bike around the city. Colbert could be heard asking if all our modes of transport were based on whimsy.  

Colbert arrived in the country last week, as promised, to film sections for The Late Show, which will air in November, according to Tourism New Zealand.


Stephen Colbert was spotted on the Wellington waterfront early this afternoon with some familiar faces, Bret McKenzie and Lucy Lawless.

Anna Calver, the general manager of WellingtonNZ said this was an opportunity "money can't buy".

"The size of The Late Show's audience in the US is substantial, you really can't get this kind of international exposure," Calver told Stuff

"It's great for Wellington to get this opportunity when most people in the US won't even know where Wellington is."

A crowd of about 20 people gathered to watch as Colbert spoke with Lawless and McKenzie.

One couple said they weren't sure what exactly was happening, but they recognised Colbert.

Another man had noticed the food trucks stationed nearby and tried to buy a mussel, and was disappointed to be told the food was reserved for the crew.


Colbert, Lawless and McKenzie chose a more "whimsical" mode of transport for their day of filming.

Colbert made a splash last Friday when he was spotted with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Ardern met him at the airport and later the duo were seen at the Kind Cafe and Eatery in Morningside, Auckland.

He posted to Twitter, sharing a a photo of the pair and saying "Just hanging out in Auckland with the PM".


With Stephen and Lucy at the wheels, the trio took to an alligator bike and set off along the waterfront.


Stephen Colbert up front with Lucy Lawless and Bret McKenzie in the back, as the trio ride an alligator tuktuk around town.

Jimny_Firestorm2 wrote:Can the entire thing he's filming have Bret on it? Even if he's just mostly standing around in the background like on Diagnosis: Death ;D.

Also, I love that crocodile bike thing so much!

Prominent New Zealand celebrities Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess") and Bret McKenzie ("Flight of the Conchords") show Stephen around the town of Wellington and offer him tips on how to blend in as a local. #Colbert #LSSCinNZ #NewZealand

Just 3 Kiwis enjoying our native cuisine. #LSSCinNZ

Who's up for a bike ride tonight with Lucy Lawless and Bret McKenzie?

Cheers to another night of #LSSCinNZ. Tonight @stephenathome becomes a Kiwi.

Apparently the Late Night Show can't beat Wellington on a good day either! First day of work done well. I will happily be an extra for you again @StephenAtHome