Lady Gaga lands in NZ

Lyle McMahon

Lady Gaga greets fans waiting outside her Auckland hotel.

Lady Gaga arrived like a little ray of sunshine in soggy Auckland this afternoon ahead of her three New Zealand shows.

Dressed in a vibrant orange dress, giant sunglasses and beehive-styled hair, Lady Gaga - real name Stefani Germanotta - met around 80 fans outside the Stamford Plaza in the central city.

She shook hands, gave hugs and signed album covers for the crowd who braved the rain to catch a glimpse of the award-winning singer.

Emma Lake was at the front of the crowd and had her photo taken with the superstar.

"I can't believe I had my arm around her," she said.

However she smudged the pink autograph the singer had given her.

Lady Gaga will perform three shows at Auckland's Vector Arena as part of her Born This Way Ball world tour.

She arrived in New Zealand earlier than expected, after she cancelled shows in Indonesia when Islamic groups objected to her performances.

The arena show features a stage that is reportedly the largest structure ever built to tour. Designed by the singer's creative team, Haus of Gaga, it is modelled on a Gothic castle and includes towers, carving and an enclosed area next to a catwalk stage dubbed the monster pit.

Entry to the special access pit is given to those fans who arrive extra early for the show and are "dressed to ball".

Lady Gaga - Born This Way Ball

June 7, 8 and 10 - Vector Arena, Auckland

Tickets are still available from Ticketmaster.

- Fairfax NZ News