Controversial former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been granted a visa to enter New Zealand, immigration officials say.

Tyson, who has been convicted and jailed for rape, is planning to visit Auckland in November as part of a motivational roadshow.

Earlier this week Tyson's tour promoter said a visa had been granted, but this was denied by Immigration New Zealand.

However, an Immigration New Zealand spokeswoman told AAP on Saturday afternoon that Tyson's visa had since been confirmed from Los Angeles.

Officials earlier said they would allow Tyson to apply for a visa under a section of the Immigration Act that allows exceptions for people not normally eligible for visas.

New Zealand immigration laws stipulate that no one who has been sentenced to five years or more in prison can be given one. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992.

The Day of the Champions event is scheduled to be held at Auckland's Vector Arena on November 15.

Tags: Mike Tyson