The 1997 Perrier Best Newcomer award winner hosted this year's comedy gala during the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, in Auckland, in April.
He has made many appearances on American late night talk shows, as well as starring in his own special on HBO produced by Comedy Central. He is regularly seen on Australian television shows including Spicks & Specs, Rove, and Thank God You're Here.
However, Kiwis know him best as the laid-back self-styled ladies man Dave, the best friend of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, otherwise known as New Zealand's fourth most popular folk parody duo, Flight of the Conchords.
Barker said although he did not work in a shop, he was "pretty laid-back" like his character.
"This is a laid-back sort of country and I think Australia is too, so I think that's why I spend a lot of time in the southern hemisphere, because I feel comfortable down here."
The 37-year-old Californian had Wellingtonians and Aucklanders in hysterics a few times over the years, but his will be his first regional tour of the country.
"I thought it was about time I went to some other cities. There's a lot of comedy fans around the country and Queenstown is a particular treat, so we're ending the tour there and really enjoy it.
"I'm hopefully going snowboarding this time. I've done the bungys there, the Nevis, gone out to dinner, been on the lake there. I've enjoyed it, it's beautiful."
Asked if he ever needed to change his material to suit different international audiences, Barker said: "I think New Zealanders appreciate subtlety, which is good because I appreciate subtlety too and there's a lot of subtlety in my show.
"I think there's good fit here, that's why I'm excited to get out there and see how it works."
Win Arj Barker tickets
The Queenstown Times has two double passes to give away to the eagerly-awaited comedy show Arj Barker - Live! in the Queenstown Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 10.
To be in to win, tell us the three things Barker's Flight of the Conchords character Dave says women like the most.
Email your name and cellphone telephone number to news@queenstowntimes.co.nz, with "Arj Barker" in the subject line.
The winners will be announced in the Queenstown Times on Monday.
• Tickets, which range from $34.90 to $39.90, are now on sale from Ticketek.
