Lewis Hamilton's Auckland joyride
He's used to hitting the tarmac in speedier cars, but for his trip to Auckland Formula One star Lewis Hamilton is being driven around in one of the world's greenest cars.
The racing driver was filmed leaving his hotel and getting into a Toyota Prius this morning, after he blasted SkyCity casino on Twitter for treating him "like dirt".
After the late night visit to the casino which ended on a sour note, Hamilton left his hotel room just before 11.30am stepping into a late model hybrid dual-fuel car.
The black Prius, that left the central city hotel heading towards Victoria St East, was followed closely by a champagne-coloured VW convertible.
Hamilton, who was dressed casually in a blue denim jacket and a cap with the word "prosperity" embroidered above the rim, was accompanied by another man who sat alongside him in the back seat.
He didn't stay long in the Prius. He later posted a video to Snap Chat showing him riding a Harley-Davidson motorbike around Auckland.
In the Snapchat story he said: "This is my bike for the day ..."
Last night Hamilton told his three million followers: "Don't ever go to the sky city casino in Auckland, they treated me like dirt. Can't believe how rude they were. Worst casino experience ever!"
It is not clear exactly what happened to the star, but the tweet was deleted shortly afterwards.
SkyCity management confirmed they had spoken with Hamilton but were keeping mum about what happened at the casino to upset the Formula One champ.
Group communications manager Kelly Armitage said she would not elaborate on the British star's treatment.
This included what prompted the outburst on social media that described being treated "like dirt" and branding it the "worst casino experience ever".
"We have touched base with him to discuss his experience," she said.
"As with any customer we don't talk about the specifics of their stay with us."
- NZ Herald