To make matter worse for the 30,000 fans in attendance, it started raining, drenching those in the queues.
* Read a full review of last night's Guns N' Roses show here.</strong>
The Stadium took to Twitter to apologise, blaming the issue on "weather related technical difficulties".
"Gates are now open," it wrote on social media at 6.39pm. They were due to open at 5pm.
"We sincerely apologise for the delay which was due to weather related technical difficulties."
Fans faced further delays once inside the stadium, as fans needed to exchange their tickets for a wristband.
Another fan said queues for drinks lasted up to 45 minutes.
A Herald reviewer said Guns N' Roses appeared on stage an hour past their scheduled 8pm start time, with the delay "unexplained".
Being locked out in the driving rain left fans dispirited. Matt told the Herald queuing in the rain wasn't the best way to spend his evening.
"I'm keen to see the show, but it's pretty cold," he said. "Hope they get those gates open soon, because I didn't bring a jacket."
Guns N' Roses perform at Western Springs in Auckland on Saturday night.
