The Late Show host Stephen Colbert wants to officiate at Jacinda Ardern's wedding

US talk show host Stephen Colbert wants to officiate at Jacinda Ardern's wedding. 

The Late Show frontman  - who joked about becoming a Kiwi citizen - recently spent a week in New Zealand.

He was picked up by the prime minister at the airport before enjoying a "New Zealand state dinner" of barbecued sausages and sliced white bread at her Auckland home.

Jacinda Ardern picked up a jetlagged Stephen Colbert from Auckland Airport.

And in an episode of his show aired on Tuesday night, the comedian had a big offer for Ardern and her fiance Clarke Gayford.

"You recently got engaged to your partner, Clarke - mazel tov," Colbert told the politician. "When is the wedding?"

Stephen Colbert enjoyed a Kiwi barbecue with Jacinda Ardern, Clarke Gayford and Lorde.

"We don't know... We haven't planned anything yet," Ardern admitted with a smile. 

"Do you need an officiant? Because I can legally marry people, I have married people before in the United States," Colbert replied. "I'd be thrilled to."

Ardern seemed keen on the idea. "Can you? That would be really something if you came back and..."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is engaged to her long-term partner Clarke Gayford.

She shouted to Gayford, who was off camera - but got a somewhat unenthusiastic reply. "I mean sure, let's, let's... let's talk," he called back.

"Let's talk! He hates the idea! Colbert laughed. 

"That's a bit awkward," Ardern agreed. "That's us, honest to a fault."

Later, Colbert pranked singer Lorde with "snakes in a can" - after Arden repeatedly dodged the gag - and announced he wanted to become "President of New Zealand."

It's "New Zealand week" on Colbert's CBS show, with clips from the host's visit being aired every night. 

Colbert said he was dedicating the time to the country as a way of diluting news about US President Donald Trump. It comes after Ardern formally invited him during an appearance on his show.

Stephen Colbert pranked Lorde and Jacinda Ardern during their barbecue. 

Taxpayers forked out more than $100,000 on expenses for Colbert and his crew, including $58,000 in accommodation and $19,000 on attractions and activities.

However, Tourism New Zealand was expecting a "significant return on investment" of $5 million in estimated advertising revenue from the trip.

Stuff