Buying One NZ SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists in 2024

Many tourists visiting New Zealand choose to get a local One NZ SIM card or eSIM to stay connected during their trips. 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. This guide will uncover the best option, how to buy and activate, and the best alternatives to One NZ SIMs.

I. Quick Facts about One NZ

One NZ is the biggest mobile carrier in New Zealand. Here are several key facts about One NZ you may need to know:

• Founded: in 1998, formerly known as Vodafone New Zealand, officially One NZ in early 2023
• Full company name: New Zealand Group Limited
• Types of services: mobile phone services, home Internet, business connections, mobile Internet services, MVNO
• Coverage: around 99% of the population
• Number of users: over 2.4 million users
• Distribution: over 100 One NZ stores across the nation; thousands of other businesses also sell One NZ plans
• Customer support: 24/7 live chat on One NZ’s official website
• Language: English

II. Why One NZ When Visiting New Zealand – Coverage and Speed

One NZ has extensive coverage across New Zealand and delivers fast data speeds.

1. One NZ Coverage in New Zealand

• One NZ’s networks span the islands from North to South;
• Cover around 99% of the land from cities to rural towns;
• Major population hubs like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have especially strong and speedy 4G/5G connectivity.

2. One NZ Speed

• Average download speed: 38.8Mbps
• Average upload speed: 8.9Mbps
• Consistency: 69.2% (Spark 68.2% and 2degrees 69.6%)

► So in summary, One NZ has reliable network coverage from the North to South islands and fast mobile service. Thus, tourists can feel confident when using this carrier’s networks during New Zealand trips.

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

Tourists visiting New Zealand can access One NZ’s networks via these three main options:

Option	Pros	Cons
One NZ SIM cards	– Diverse SIM packages to select – Affordable rates for mobile services – Easy to purchase online or at carrier stores	– Need an unlocked phone
Pocket Wifi	– Portable  – Internet sharing between many mobile devices like phones, tablets, laptops	– Extra accessories to carry – High rental rates
Roaming	– Familiar home mobile operator/ package/ phone number – No SIM swap	– Very expensive charges – Network coverage is set based on the agreement between your home operator and One NZ

► Recommendation: Rental pocket Wifi seems risky and roaming costs too much. It is best to buy One NZ SIM cards for affordable and secure connectivity while exploring New Zealand.

IV. Best One NZ SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here are some of the best One NZ SIM cards for travelers to New Zealand and rates accordingly.

Price	Benefits	Validity
NZD 15 – USD 9	1GB of data & 100 call minutes & unlimited texts	28 days
NZD 20 – USD 12	1.5GB of data & 200 call minutes & unlimited texts	28 days
NZD 30 – USD 18	3GB of data & 300 call minutes & unlimited texts	28 days
NZD 40 – USD 23	8GB of data & 100 call minutes & unlimited texts	28 days

V. Does One NZ Support eSIM in New Zealand?

Yes. Definitely! One NZ provides tourists with eSIM – the embedded SIM built into the latest smartphones, watches, and tablets. eSIM is a green and hassle-free alternative to physical SIMs. With an eSIM, you can run two different numbers on your cell phone and do not need to constantly switch between physical SIMs when traveling from country to country.

There are two ways to get a New Zealand eSIM:

• Get NZ eSIM plan directly from One NZ’s website. ID verification is required.
• Buy NZ eSIM plan from a prestigious third-party eSIM provider. Purchase online 100% without identity check.

► Recommendation: It is more convenient for tourists to get a New Zealand eSIM from third-party sellers rather than One NZ directly. However, choosing which seller to go is quite confusing. You can consider buying eSIM from trusted providers like Gigago.

Gigago has multiple eSIM plan options for New Zealand. The starter pack gives you 1GB of data per day for 5 days and only costs $10.50 . Other plans range from $10.50 – $141.50 . Just pick the one that aligns with your priorities and trip duration.

VI. Where to Buy a One NZ SIM cards and eSIM?

It is easy to get One NZ SIM cards and eSIMs. Here are the locations:

1. Where to Buy One NZ SIM Cards for New Zealand?

1.1. Upon arrival at New Zealand airports

One NZ SIM cards are available at:

• Auckland International Airport AKL (at One NZ Store or Relay Bookstore – Both of them are located in the Arrival Hall)
• Christchurch International Airport CHC (at One NZ Shop Arrival Hall)

Pros: convenient instant Internet when you arrive in New Zealand

Cons: higher prices than in cities

1.2. One NZ shops and authorized dealers

One NZ has over 100 One NZ stores across the nation. Besides, you can buy One NZ SIM cards at Countdown supermarkets, Warehouse convenience stores, etc.

Pros: very competitive prices, widely distributed, a wide selection of One NZ SIM options to choose from

Cons: need to locate and get to the stores

2. Where to Buy One NZ eSIM for New Zealand?

Visitors to New Zealand can purchase One NZ eSIM via:

• Online service on One NZ’s official website
• Use My One NZ app
• Get to the nearest One NZ shop

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

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

1. How to Activate One NZ SIM Cards in New Zealand?

Steps to activate One NZ SIM card:

• Put One NZ SIM into your unlocked phone
• Turn on your mobile phone
• Follow the prompts to activate One NZ SIM – The One NZ SIM should automatically activate
• Check mobile data settings if the data does not work
• Now your One NZ SIM is ready for use

2. How to Activate One NZ eSIM?

Steps to activate One NZ eSIM:

• Confirm that your mobile phone supports One NZ eSIM
• Get a One NZ eSIM online, One NZ will email you a QR code
• Scan the QR code using My One NZ app or your phone settings (Settings > Cellular > eSIM/ celluar plan)
• Set up One NZ eSIM profile
• Now you can use One NZ cellular services

VIII. Alternatives to New Zealand One NZ SIM cards

Besides One NZ SIM cards, visitors have other options to get SIM cards for their trip to New Zealand. These include:

• Spark: They have service almost everywhere in NZ. Plans start at only about NZD 20 or USD 13 for 28 days with minutes and data. 
• 2degrees: Their plans provide a good amount of calling and data use for the cost.
• Gigago: Buying an eSIM from Gigago gives flexibility on any compatible phone. It’s also often the best value compared to the carriers’ plans.

IX. FAQs about One NZ SIM cards and eSIM

X. Conclusion

To sum up, One NZ SIM cards and eSIM make staying online while in New Zealand easy and affordable. They provide reliable 4G/5G network coverage wherever you go in the country. Whether you are a light or heavy data user, One NZ’s prepaid plans have an option to suit. Just pick the option that best aligns with your preferences and length of stay in New Zealand.