Guns N' Roses announce Auckland and Wellington shows

It's the hard rockin' news that hard rock fans have been hanging out for: Guns N' Roses are on their way to rock New Zealand.

The legendary rock giants have announced that they will play two shows here early next year as part of their Not In This Lifetime world tour.

First, the Gunners hit Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Thursday, February 2.

The band then turn it up to 11 a couple of days later at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium on Saturday, February 4, Waitangi weekend.

The shows will be the first time the original GNR members, vocalist Axl Rose, axeman Slash and rocksteady bassist Duff McKagan, have played together in New Zealand since 1993's Use Your Illusion tour.

The band, currently touring North and South America, has received rave reviews for their recent shows.

Rolling Stones magazine wrote that: "This was the real thing, the thing we'd all been waiting for: the triumphant return of one of the most important bands to cross rock music history. And it happened in our lifetime."

Guns N' Roses were also praised by LA Weekly, who called the show "everything fans could hope for."

The Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote that "watching how Guns N' Roses appear to legitimately enjoy playing together, you had to shake your head thinking about all of the years wasted. But at least they wised up in time - and came ready to play as professionals."

New Zealand fans can expect to see many Guns N' Roses classics performed, with Civil War, Sweet Child O' Mine, It's So Easy, and Welcome to the Jungle making appearances on the band's recent set lists.

Guns N' Roses are set to perform live in New Zealand.

Tickets for both shows go on sale Wednesday, August 31, at 10am.

For tickets to Wellington's show visit ticketek.co.nz, or call 0800 842 538.

And for Auckland's show go to ticketmaster.co.nz, or dial 0800 111 999.