Prince ready to reign in NZ

His Royal Purpleness, pop star Prince, will play in Auckland for the first time on February 24. Photo / Ian Dickson

He has never stepped foot on New Zealand shores before, but Prince promises to make up for that.

The pop star brings his Piano and A Microphone tour to New Zealand for two back- to-back performances at Auckland's ASB Theatre on February 24 - one at 6.30pm and another from 10pm.

Audiences can expect songs spanning a 39-album catalogue alongside "special interpretations" of hits and some new material.

The show, which launched on January 21 at his US recording studio, tells how Prince stepped out from the shadow of his jazz pianist father, John L. Nelson.

In addition to classic songs from albums including Purple Rain, and Sign o' the Times, the set list features covers of tracks by Joni Mitchell, Paul Robeson and Ray Charles.

Tickets go on sale for his New Zealand shows at noon tomorrow through Ticketmaster, starting from $99, including booking fee, and reaching $389.90.

To deter scalpers, fans are limited to two seats per person, and they won't be issued right away. Tickets must be collected at the venue from noon on the day by the purchaser and guest when both will be given a wrist band required for entry.

• Tickets available from Ticketmaster New Zealand: ticketmaster.co.nz