This is also the Last gig added to this tour

The petitions have paid off - Metallica will perform a show in Christchurch as part of their upcoming New Zealand tour.

The heavy metal band, fronted by James Hetfield and with a hard rocking history of more than 20 years, will perform at the CBS Canterbury Arena on September 22.

That's three weeks before the band's two sold out shows at Auckland's Vector Arena on October 13 and 14.

Metallica, who released their latest album Death Magnetic two years ago to rave reviews, received much criticism from New Zealand fans south of Auckland for missing them out on their tour.

Letters were written, petitions were signed and Christchurch mother Andrea Grom even set up a Facebook page, attracting more than 11,000 Christchurch fans.

The band cited "overwhelming" demand as the reason a one-off Christchurch show was scheduled.

"When we got wind of the massive petitions for us to come to Christchurch we just had to check it out  ... and wow, the number of requests were overwhelming," a band statement released to Stuff.co.nz said.

"The moral of the story is to be careful what you wish for because 'Tallica is coming to your town on September 22 at CBS Canterbury Arena."