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Mobile Internet in New Zealand for Travelers: 5 Ways to Get Data & Cost
Wondering if you could get mobile internet in New Zealand as a tourist? There are multiple options to stay online in New Zealand, but knowing which one to choose to enjoy your trip to the fullest requires tests. This article will do it for you and reveal the finest ways to access the mobile internet while traveling in New Zealand. Let’s dig into!
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in New Zealand – Coverage and Speed
The three main major network operators in New Zealand are Spark, 2degrees, and One (former Vodafone). Below is an overview about coverage and speed of mobile internet carriers in New Zealand.
1. New Zealand Mobile Internet Coverage
From the coverage maps of main operators in New Zealand, we can see that:
- Spark has the most extensive coverage nationwide. Their network covers major cities and towns very well. In rural and remote areas, Spark’s coverage is still quite comprehensive compared to the other two providers. 5G is accessible in many locations.
- 2degrees’s coverage map is robust in main urban centers like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and also extends to many provincial towns.
- One, formerly known as Vodafone, has a coverage footprint similar to 2degrees. Their network is not as readily available as Spark’s when you head deeper into the countryside. 5G is accessible in several places.
▶ Our recommendation: Choose Spark because of its strong coverage across most cities and towns in New Zealand.
2. New Zealand Mobile Internet Speed
Overall, New Zealand ranks the 43th in the world for cellular internet speeds according to the Speedtest Global Index data.
- Average download speed is 61.57Mbps, average upload speed is 9.97Mbps, and latency is 32ms.
- In terms of median download speed in Q4 2023, One NZ delivered the fastest speed at 73.52Mbps, Spark at 70.23Mbps, and 2degrees at 64.86Mbps.
- In terms of consistency, 2degrees had the highest consistency (91%), followed by One NZ (84.5%), and Spark (83.4%)
▶ Our recommendation:
For the fastest speeds and reliable coverage, you may choose to use the networks of Spark or One NZ. For the most consistent performance, you may use 2degrees networks.
II. What are the Connectivity Options for Travelers to New Zealand?
There are 05 major connectivity options that tourists can choose to stay connected while traveling in New Zealand: prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, Pocket Wifi, roaming, and Wifi.
Here is a comparison table of these options:
Option | How it works | Price | Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
SIM card | Insert SM card into phone to get cellular data and calls | Varies, depending on the carrier, data package | Kiosks at major airports, telecom stores | Flexible usage, can be used as a hotspot | Compatible phone needed |
New Zealand eSIM | Activate digital eSIM profile on compatible phones | Slightly cheaper than SIM cards | Online from New Zealand telcos or from eSIM providers | Fast activation, no physical SIM | Limited phone compatibility |
Roaming with home provider | Use existing home cellular plan internationally | Very high roaming rates, check plan carefully | Via home carrier | Same number works, no need separate plan | Expensive roaming fees |
Pocket Wifi | Rent Wifi hotspot device | Rather expensive | Rental shops | Portable Wifi anywhere, can be shared, no per GB charges | Rental cost, limited data in some plans |
Public Wifi | Free Wifi at places (cafes, stations, malls,…) | Free | Available in main cities, towns | No cost, easy access, no extra purchase or rental needed | Limited availability, security issues |
▶ Our recommendation:
- Choose to buy a SIM card for New Zealand if you prioritize convenience and reasonable rates.
- Choose eSIM if you have a SIM-compatible device.
Pro Tip:
- Ensure your device is unlocked before buying a SIM card for New Zealand.
- Confirm that your phone supports eSIM if you want to download eSIM profiles. Check out our latest list of eSIM-embedded mobile devices.
III. Mobile Internet Rates in New Zealand – Is It Expensive?
The table below displays the internet fees of the five options for mobile internet in New Zealand.
Option | Rate (USD) |
New Zealand SIM card | 1.5GB data & 200 minutes: NZD $19 – USD $11.7 |
New Zealand eSIM | 3-20GB, valid for 5-30 days, prices from $10.50 – $141.50 |
Roaming with the New Zealand operators | Depending on your home plan, carrier, and country |
Public Wifi | Free |
Pocket Wifi | Expect to pay $10-$15 per day |
Note: The details in table above is for indicative purposes only. Confirm with your carrier for the most up-to-date information.
▶ Our recommendation:
A prepaid physical SIM card from the main carriers in New Zealand or a prepaid eSIM may be a great choice for tourists who want an instant Internet connection upon arrival at budget-friendly fees.
- Good to know: NZD 1 = USD 0.62; USD 1 = NZD 1.62 (as of February 2024)
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in New Zealand
A data SIM card for New Zealand offers great data packages at affordable rates to tourists. Follow the table below for several SIM card plans from major carriers in New Zealand.
Spark, 2degrees, and One are the three major network carriers in New Zealand
Network | Price | Data | Validity |
Spark | USD $13 | 2GB data + 300 minutes | 28 days |
Spark | USD $19 | 4GB data + 500 minutes | 28 days |
Spark | USD $51 | 40GB data + unlimited minutes | 28 days |
One (former Vodafone) | USD $9 | 1GB data + 100 minutes | 28 days |
One (former Vodafone) | USD $23 | 8GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms | 28 days |
2degrees | USD $11 | 1.5GB data + 200 minutes | 30 days |
2degrees | USD $18 | 3GB data + 300 minutes | 30 days |
Note: The SIM packages above are just several of the SIM card options available for visitors to New Zealand and may change over time. It is best to contact the carrier for the most accurate details.
V. Data eSIM for New Zealand – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet in New Zealand for Tourists
Once your phone supports eSIM, purchasing an eSIM is the best way to connect to the mobile internet in New Zealand. This solution has various outstanding perks compared to a physical SIM card:
- Online download and activation process
- No store visit, no SIM slot needed, no risk of physical damage or loss
- Immediate Internet access when you reach New Zealand
- Multiple eSIM profiles on a single phone
Visitors to New Zealand can decide to buy eSIMs from major New Zealand network carriers or get them from prestigious eSIM suppliers like GIGAGO.
Why select Gigago?
Gigago is a trusted eSIM provider that offers quality eSIM services to more than 200 countries and territories around the world. The eSIM service for New Zealand from Gigago is a popular choice among tourists traveling to this country for many reasons:
- Online eSIM profile download and activation
- Easy setup within just several minutes
- No identity check required
- Multilingual customer support, available 24/7
- Multiple plans to choose: Gigago eSIM plans for New Zealand start at 1GB of data per day for 5 days at just $10.50 , much affordable than roaming services. What is incredible about Gigago eSIM is that the rates of packages range from $10.50 – $141.50 . Thus, regardless of how long your trip in New Zealand is and how much data you consume, Gigago always has the best solution for you.
How to purchase New Zealand eSIM package with Gigago?
Just take the following steps to get an eSIM plan for New Zealand with Gigago:
- Choose the eSIM package (data, validity) that suits your prioritizes, trip duration, and budget;
- Pay online using e-wallets or credit cards;
- Check your email for a QR code or activation key to activate your eSIM
- Toggle on the data roaming function in the settings menu of your phone and your eSIM is ready to use.
VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in New Zealand
What are the major mobile internet providers in New Zealand?
The three major nationwide mobile providers are Spark, One (former Vodafone) and 2degrees.
How can I purchase a prepaid SIM card for data in New Zealand?
Prepaid data SIMs can be purchased from the major providers’ stores, supermarkets and airports. Look for temporary visitor SIM cards.
Is 5G available in New Zealand yet?
5G is still being rolled out across New Zealand’s larger cities. Coverage remains limited for now compared to 4G networks nationwide. Spark has switched on 5G in over 60 locations.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, travelers have different options to get mobile internet in New Zealand. Purchasing a local SIM card or using an eSIM profile gives you the most convenient cost-effective Internet access. Remember to choose the option and data plan that best aligns with your needs and trip duration.