Prime Minister John Key is hoping to visit Katikati again this year after making a surprise stop there on Thursday.

Many residents were stunned as they bumped into him and his entourage walking down the main street.

National Party Coromandel candidate Scott Simpson, Young Nationals member Jesse Hawkeswood and Prime Minister John Key in Katikati on Thursday.

He chatted to locals shopping in the town centre and later talked with invited guests at the Katikati War Memorial Hall.

John Key also met 16 year old Young Nationals member Jesse Hawkeswood in Katikati.

The student was allowed to travel with the Prime Minister and the National Party's new Coromandel candidate Scott Simpson as they toured the electorate.

John's visit to the region was a campaign drive in the build-up to the election and to also personally endorse Scott's candidacy.

'What was really interesting was his commitment to make the day happen,” says Scott.

He says the Prime Minister was scheduled to fly from Auckland to Tauranga, but early morning fog prevented air travel so he decided to drive to Katikati.

'He arrived only a few minutes after he was scheduled to so we were pretty chuffed.”

After spending time meeting Katikati locals, John travelled to Paeroa, Ngatea and Thames.

Scott says the Prime Minister's personal endorsement has given him a big boost going into the election.