Elton John adds third Auckland show

Elton John has moved three of his New Zealand dates, while adding a third and final Auckland show. Photo / supplied

Sir Elton John has added a third Auckland show to his 2020 New Zealand tour, while delaying three of his New Zealand dates by a week due to an "unforeseen scheduling conflict".

The international superstar's second show at Mission Estate Winery, Hawke's Bay, has been moved from Saturday, February 8, 2020, to Sunday, February 15. The first Mission Estate show on Thursday, February 6 will go ahead as planned.

His first sold-out Auckland show at Mt Smart Stadium has been moved from Sunday, February 9 to Sunday, February 16, while the second has been moved from Tuesday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 18.

Elton John will also play a third and final show at Mt Smart Stadium on Thursday, February 20, 2020, to satisfy demand after the first two sold out.

In a statement, he said: "Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, we have been forced to move the dates on some of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road New Zealand shows by a week. It's unfortunate, but I hope to be able to see you all there on the new dates.

"I'm so pleased to be able to announce today a third Auckland show at Mt Smart Stadium on 20th February! I've always loved playing in New Zealand, and I can't wait to return to your beautiful country in 2020 to perform for you for the last time."

Elton John's tour promoter says his show delays are due to the star attending the Oscars.

Tour Promoter Michael Chugg told Mike Hosking Breakfest the Oscars were brought forward and they had no choice.

He says Elton's biographical movie Rocket Man is coming out soon and is tipped to be quite successful.

They have known for a while but decided to hold off on releasing the news after the events in Christchurch.

All previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new dates. Those unable to make the new dates can secure a refund from their point of purchase.

The reschedule is set to cause problems, with ticket holders having likely already booked flights and accommodation for the events.

However, Air New Zealand has promised to waive service fees for customers travelling to the Elton John concerts.

A spokesperson for the airline said they have also introduced special flexibility fares.

"As a gesture of goodwill, customers have the option to cancel their flights and hold their fare in credit for up to 12 months.

"Service fees associated with the change will be waived but any fare difference when booking new flights will apply."

A Mission Estate Winery Concert statement on its website said members who could make the new date would be able to indicate in a tick box they could attend.

However, if the new date did not work, ticket holders could cancel their bookings and receive a full refund, the statement said.

Both of Elton John's concerts sold out in an hour in February, leading to a flood of complaints from punters frustrated they were unable to secure tickets.

Sir Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour consists of more than 300 shows across five continents. The tour, which concludes in 2021, marks the last of his career, and fans can expect a full musical and visual production that delves into the singer's 50-year career.

The New Zealand leg of his tour begins at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.