Superstar Beyonce Knowles managed to sneak past waiting media when she arrived in the country - only to be snapped by a patient fan.

Dressed head-to-toe in black, Beyonce was trying to make a quick getaway from Auckland International Airport when Samantha Bellingham grabbed her chance to ask for a photo.

She was the only fan waiting at a side exit when the singer - escorted by personal security, two police officers and a driver - tried to escape in a waiting car.

A burly bodyguard refused her request but Ms Bellingham - who had been waiting for more than an hour - persisted until the pop singer agreed.

"I had to be quick, they were in a hurry. I think they are trying to keep her arrival a secret," Ms Bellingham said.

Beyonce arrived in Auckland yesterday to see her husband, rapper Jay Z, perform as the opening act for U2 in two concerts at Mt Smart Stadium.

Snapping celebrities has become a hobby for Ms Bellingham, a 19-year-old broadcast journalism student.

"Unfortunately it has become a pastime but at least it keeps me out of trouble," said Ms Bellingham.

Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Pamela Anderson, Jared Leto and the stars of Flight of the Conchords are among the famous faces she has tracked down in New Zealand and when overseas on holiday.

"There's more than I can remember."

Beyonce, a former member of Destiny's Child, is best known for number 1 singles Irreplaceable, Single Ladies and Crazy in Love. She is rumoured to be staying at boutique hotel Mollies in St Mary's Bay.

Tickets are still available for the U2 360 degree concert tonight at Mt Smart Stadium.

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