Heading to New Zealand soon and wondering how to stay connected? Buying a SIM card for New Zealand is the best way to get the Internet for navigating maps, browsing social media, or keeping in touch with your loved ones. Check out this guide to learn where and how to buy New Zealand SIM cards, rates, and the best data packages.
In this article
Yes. Prepaid New Zealand SIM cards are the most convenient and budget-friendly way to keep you connected in New Zealand. They will give you the fastest data connection.
To further understand why New Zealand SIM cards are the best choice for Internet access, follow this table:
| Criteria | SIM Card | Pocket Wifi | International Roaming |
| Availability | – Robust coverage- Various carriers | Battery life concerns | Coverage depends on home carrier |
| Convenience | – Easy online purchase and activation- Immediate use- Cellular data anywhere | Multiple devices connected | Use your existing numbers; Roaming charges |
| Price | Affordable | Daily rental fees | Pricey fees for calls, texts, and data usage |
| Device | Any unlocked device | Additional rental device, extra accessories to carry | Your phone |
| Privacy | Private connection | Device controls your data | Provider tracks your usage |
Important Note:
New Zealand SIM cards may be classified:
Based on their forms:
Based on their function:
Now let us dig into the two types: prepaid physical SIM and prepaid tourist eSIM for New Zealand.
A physical New Zealand SIM (nano SIM, micro SIM & mini SIM) is a SIM that exists in the tangible form and may be inserted into or removed from your phone. Travelers to New Zealand may pick a data-only SIM or a voice & data SIM, depending on their needs.
eSIM is a chip directly embedded into a cell phone. Unlike a physical SIM, you cannot install or remove a real SIM when switching carriers or packages. eSIM is virtual and has two types of plans (data-only & data + voice).
This table will help you understand more about these types of New Zealand SIM cards for visitors:
| Physical prepaid New Zealand SIM | Prepaid New Zealand eSIM | |
| Pros | – Provided by all carriers in New Zealand – Reasonable prices | – Online purchase at any time – Easy online setup – No risk of damage or loss |
| Cons | – Risk of SIM loss or physical damage when uninstalled – Unlocked device required- Need to buy offline or wait for delivery | – eSIM-supported smartphones needed |
▶ Our recommendation:
Choose a prepaid New Zealand eSIM with data-only plan if you have an eSIM-supported phone and want Internet for entertainment or to stay online via communication apps.
A prepaid local SIM card is great for those who want to keep in touch with loved one in a traditional way (calls, SMS, Internet) at the most reasonable rate.
Three major mobile network carriers in New Zealand offer prepaid SIM cards for travelers: Spark, 2degrees, and One (formerly known as Vodafone).
Good to know: NZD 1 = USD 0.62; USD 1 = NZD 1.62 (updated in February 2024)
Insight: Spark provides the most data at a reasonable price. It offers the free “socialiser GBs” that is for X (Twitter) and Facebook.
Insight: One gives more data than the other carriers for a similar price at NZD 40. This carrier allows calling/ texting to Australia at no extra cost. It also has cool options that let you build your own NZ prepaid SIM plan.
Insight: 2degrees’ plans offer decent data and minutes for the price. Tourists get charged NZD 5 extra for the SIM card registration. This carrier’s New Zealand SIM cards are 5G ready.
Note: The data plans above are subject to change over time so it is advised to confirm with your carrier for the most updated details.
▶ Our recommendation:
While 2degrees and One offer competitive plans, Spark has the most extensive 4G/5G network coverage across New Zealand. Spark also offers generous data plans. Just choose the data plan and carrier that best suits your priorities, needs, and budget.
Now that you know the three major carriers in New Zealand and the data plans offered, it is time to explore where to purchase a New Zealand tourist SIM card. There are several ways to buy a tourist SIM card for New Zealand, as follows:
Getting an eSIM for New Zealand online from reliable providers like Gigago is a great option. You can download and activate eSIM profiles online on your phone via a QR code. This helps save time when you land in New Zealand.
Pros: No store visit, time-saving, instant Internet upon arrival
Cons: eSIM-supported device required
You may choose to get a physical SIM card for your New Zealand trip at main carrier stores or kiosks at major airports such as Auckland or Christchurch.
Pros: easy to get Internet upon arrival
Cons: limited data plan options, higher rates compared to stores outside airports
You may order a physical SIM for New Zealand from the websites of major carriers or reliable third-party providers. Then they will deliver your SIM to your home address before your trip. After that, they will let you select the plan and activate your SIM online.
Pros: Convenient, no New Zealand address needed, instant Internet access upon arrival
Cons: delivery fees, delivery delays may occur
Visit retail stores of major network carriers like Spark, 2degrees, and One in cities across New Zealand to buy a physical SIM card. Many convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Caltex, etc.
Pros: Widely accessible, multiple choice, affordable prices, staff at major carriers’ official stores have deep knowledge about SIM cards
Cons: Need to locate and then commute to the stores, convenience store staff may not know exactly about New Zealand SIM cards
▶ Our recommendation:
When choosing the best mobile data plan for a trip to New Zealand, estimating how much data you may need is critical. So what can be done with 1GB of data?
The amount of data needed can vary for each tourist depending on their trip duration and their usage habits.
Pro Tip:
Travelers to New Zealand can access the Internet using international roaming, pocket Wifi, free Wifi, physical NZ SIM, etc. Nevertheless, eSIM for New Zealand possesses outstanding perks compared to those options:
Getting a New Zealand eSIM from a prestigious provider like GIGAGO will ensure a cost-effective and smooth Internet connection while traveling.
Gigago’s eSIM data plan options for New Zealand start at 1GB data/ day for 05 days at only $10.50 , much more affordable than international roaming services. What is incredible about Gigago eSIM is that plan prices range from $10.50 – $141.50 . Thus, regardless of how long your New Zealand trip is and how much GB of data you consume, Gigago always offers the best plan for you.
We already know that there are three major mobile network operators in New Zealand: Spark, 2degrees, and One. Now let us look at the coverage of each carrier to see which one is the best for visitors.
| Criteria | Spark | 2degrees | One (former Vodafone) |
| Coverage | Best | Great | Great |
| Speed | Fast | Fast | Super Fast |
| Price | Affordable | Affordable | Cheap |
| eSIM available | No | No | No |
Rank #1
Spark has the most extensive 4G/ 5G coverage across both the North and South Islands according to the map. It has the strongest and most advanced mobile network in New Zealand. Spark’s networks reach major cities as well as most small towns. However, there are still some very remote rural areas that do not get coverage.
Rank #2
One New Zealand ranks second with great coverage across New Zealand. Most small towns are covered but the maps still show gaps compared to Spark. The network may sometimes be patchy even in smaller rural communities.
Rank #3
2degrees has the most limited coverage. Their signal is stronger in major population centers like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Some countryside and coastal regions may only get coverage on the major highways.
▶ Our recommendation:
In terms of having the strongest signal, Spark is the best carrier to go with. You can stay connected to your maps app or contact people with a robust network signal. For hassle-free Internet access, get a SIM card from Spark. You may also use networks of 2degrees and One as these operators offer great data plans at competitive rates.
You have selected the best network carrier and data plans for your visit to New Zealand. Here is how to get Internet with New Zealand SIM cards and eSIMs.
First, purchase a prepaid New Zealand SIM card. Then:
Major airports and city centers have stores where you can purchase New Zealand SIM cards. The major providers are Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees – their starter packs are usually under NZD 20 and include data.
All three major providers have extensive coverage across the country including remote areas. Spark and Vodafone tend to have the widest coverage while 2degrees often provides better value plans.
A local number is not essential but can be helpful for transportation bookings and checking in remotely for accommodation. Hotels and rental companies can also contact you if needed. Having a local SIM means you can stay connected.
To wrap up, whether you are staying for a few days or traveling around the country for several weeks, getting New Zealand SIM cards is key to staying connected while exploring New Zealand. The major carriers like Spark, One, and 2degrees all offer affordable plans at the airport or online so you can easily navigate and share the best moments with your loved ones. eSIM is also an excellent option to help you get the most out of your trip to this stunning country.
One NZ SIM cards and eSIM provide visitors with an affordable and effective way to check updates from home, share the best moments, and navigate their way around New Zealand while on the go.
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.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about renting pocket Wifi for New Zealand travel: how to rent, rates, the best options, and some alternatives to stay connected while exploring New Zealand.
If you are planning to visit New Zealand and land at Auckland Airport, getting a SIM card to stay connected is not a bad idea. Buying a SIM card at Auckland Airport (AKL) ends up being very easy.
For tourists landing at Christchurch Airport (CHC) from another country, one of the first things to do is get a prepaid SIM card with reliable cellular data. This will help you stay connected with your loved ones back home, use Google Maps and transport apps, etc while exploring all the stunning destinations in New Zealand. […]
Getting a prepaid SIM card is an excellent way to stay online while exploring the city of Wellington, New Zealand. It allows you to access reliable Internet on your phone for convenient navigation around the city.
