Buying Spark SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists in 2024

David Smith

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Published: April 2024

Whether you are traveling to New Zealand for adventure or to visit relatives, having a reliable Internet connection is important to stay in touch and navigate the country. Spark SIM cards and eSIM will help you enjoy your trip around New Zealand to the fullest. Let us discuss which option is the best for you and how to purchase and activate affordable prepaid Spark physical SIM and eSIM options.

I. Quick Facts about Spark

Spark is the one of largest mobile network operators in New Zealand. Here are some main facts about Spark you may need to know:

• Founded: in 1987, originally called Telecom New Zealand
• Full company name: Spark New Zealand Limited.
• Types of services: mobile phone services, fixed-line telephone services, broadband services, and digital technology services
• Coverage: 98% of New Zealand
• Number of users: over 2 million mobile users, more than 700,000 customers for Internet at home
• Distribution: 63 stores around New Zealand, 16 of these stores in Auckland
• Customer support: 24/7 support by live chat or by phone
• Language: English

II. Why Spark When Visiting New Zealand – Coverage and Speed

Spark boasts the most extensive coverage across New Zealand and has fast speeds.

1. Spark Coverage in New Zealand

• Spark has the most widespread 4G/5G network coverage across both North and South Islands of New Zealand;
• It has the most robust and most advanced cellular network in New Zealand;
• Its networks reach main cities and most small towns, however, signals may be a bit limited in very remote rural areas.

2. Spark Speed

• Average download speed: the fastest at 44.9Mbps (Opensignal, October 2023), followed by 2degrees (39.8Mpbs) and One NZ (38.8Mbps)
• Average upload speed: 8.0Mbps
• Consistency: 68.2%, led by 2degrees (69.6%) and One NZ (69.2%)

Generally, Spark offers the most complete mobile experience across New Zealand due to its widest coverage and fastest download speeds. Spark allows tourists to New Zealand to stay connected in almost places and use mobile data seamlessly.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Spark for Travelers to New Zealand?

Visitors to New Zealand may access Spark’s mobile networks with three main connectivity options, including:

Spark SIM cards: SIM in a tangible form, can be inserted into unlocked mobile devices

• Pros: attractive rates for mobile services (data, text, and call); diverse plans to choose
• Cons: unlocked phone required

Spark roaming: utilize home carrier while exploring New Zealand

• Pros: no SIM swap, familiar home carrier, home plan, and phone number
• Cons: extremely expensive, shockingly pricey phone bills

Pocket Wifi: portable Wifi hotspot, may be rented from phone stores

• Pros: no SIM swap, Internet sharing between various devices like laptops, phones, tablets, etc.
• Cons: things to carry, costly rental fees

► Recommendation:

We can see that Spark SIM cards are the best choice for tourists to get the Internet. Tourists can easily purchase SIM plans and can rely on it wherever they go. They make staying connected while traveling simple and stress-free compared to roaming or pocket Wifi rentals.

IV. Best Spark SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

This table shows some of the most popular Spark SIM cards for tourists – Spark Travel Packs.

V. Does Spark Support eSIM in New Zealand?

Yes. Spark supports eSIM, an embedded SIM that is built-in to your mobile phone, watch, or tablet. It means that there is no more plastic and swapping physical SIM cards when traveling. 

• Dual-SIM feature: Use two different phone numbers on a dual-SIM mobile device.
• Connect other devices: Phones, tablets, watches, and laptops can all get online with Spark network.
• Smooth connections: Download the eSIM onto your phone. Then switch between networks easily as you travel from place to place.

To purchase an eSIM for New Zealand, you may:

• Download eSIM plan directly from Spark’s website. ID proof is needed.
• Get from a trusted third-party eSIM provider. Onine purchase with no identity check.

► Recommendation:

Buying a New Zealand eSIM from a third-party reseller is much more convenient for visitors. Spark does not guarantee that eSIM will work on devices that were not bought from Spark. So you should consider Gigago – a prestigious eSIM reseller that offers eSIM in over 200 countries around the world.

• No identity check
• No store visit
• Simple online download and set up process
• Gigago eSIM plans for New Zealand are diverse, starting at only $10.50 for 1GB/day over 5 days and varying from $10.50 – $141.50 . It is recommended to choose the eSIM plan that best meets your needs.
• 24/7 multilingual client support

VI. Where to Buy a Spark SIM cards and eSIM?

Getting Spark SIM cards and eSIM is straightforward. Check out the locations below:

1. Where to Buy Spark SIM Cards for New Zealand?

1.1. Upon arrival at New Zealand airports

Travelers may get Spark SIM cards at:

• Auckland International Airport (at Spark Store Arrival Hall or Tax-Free Store Spark)
• Christchurch International Airport (at Spark Shop Arrival Hall)

Pros: immediate Internet when you reach New Zealand, convenient

Cons: higher rates than online or in cities

1.2. Spark shops and authorized resellers

Spark possesses 63 stores around New Zealand, including 16 stores in Auckland. These stores provide a wide range of Spark SIM card options at very competitive rates. You can commute to one of these stores to purchase the most suitable SIM plan for your New Zealand trip.

Pros: budget-friendly prices, widely available

Cons: need to find and visit the locations

2. Where to Buy Spark eSIM for New Zealand?

Tourists to New Zealand may buy Spark eSM via

• Online service on Spark’s official website
• Use MySpark app
• Get to the nearest Spark shop

VII. How to Activate Spark SIM/eSIM in New Zealand?

Follow these steps and you will activate your Spark SIM card or eSIM successfully:

1. How to Activate Spark SIM Cards in New Zealand?

To activate your Spark SIM card:

• Insert Spark SIM into unlocked phone
• Switch on your mobile phone
• Follow prompts to activate Spark SIM – The Spark SIM should automatically activate
• Check the data settings if the mobile data does not work
• Now your Spark SIM is ready to use

2. How to Activate Spark eSIM?

To activate Spark eSIM:

• Check that your phone supports Spark eSIM
• Purchase a Spark eSIM online
• Spark emails you a QR code
• Scan QR code using MySpark app or your phone settings (Settings > Cellular > eSIM/celluar plan)
• Set up Spark eSIM profile
• Now your eSIM is ready and you can use Spark mobile services including data, calling, and texting

VIII. Alternatives to New Zealand Spark SIM cards

In addition to Spark SIM cards, travelers can choose to get SIM cards for their New Zealand trip from other major network providers in the country such as One NZ and 2degrees.

• One NZ: extensive coverage across New Zealand (ranks 2nd after Spark), competitive plans starting at just NZD 15 – USD 9, valid for 28 days.
• 2degrees: Plans from this carrier offer decent data and call minutes for the price.
• Tourists may also choose to buy eSIM from Gigago for the best value and flexibility.

IX. FAQs about Spark SIM cards and eSIM

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Spark SIM cards and eSIM are very convenient options for tourists to stay connected in New Zealand. Whether using a prepaid Spark SIM card or downloading an eSIM plan, visitors gain reliable coverage nationwide at affordable rates. Remember to choose the SIM option and plan that suits your needs and trip duration the most.