I have a Criminal record and i want to goto the Uk

I want to go to the Uk for a holiday visiting a close mate of mine but i have a criminal record for asult charges not something im proud of
but yeah thats it a few assult charges about 6 years ago does anyone have any idea if im able to enter the uk?.
i dont want to live there lol i just want visit my mate who lives there now ? really could use some help never travelled before i live in new zealand help please

[ Edit: Edited on 31-Aug-2011, at 00:12 by Lovingit ]

Hey how's it going? I'm kind of in a similar situation. I'm wanting to travel to the UK for 2 weeks to visit family. I have a record in the US but am not on probation or anything. I'm wondering if you were able to get into the UK with kut any projectoblems or what you went threw at the border. Any info would help-anything is appreciated.