Connecting to the internet in New Zealand
Internet speeds and connectivity vary all across New Zealand, thanks to its mountainous and remote regions. However, as technology is improving, so are internet speeds. According to the 2021 Akamai State of the Internet report, New Zealand ranks 27th in the world for average internet connection speed, with an average speed of 26.7 Mbps (megabits per second). In 2022 the government completed its Ultrafast Broadband Plan (UFB), which has greatly increased internet speeds in most parts of the country.
Internet service providers in New Zealand
When you go to set up your internet in New Zealand, you will find a range of different providers to choose from. They all offer different plans, internet speeds and types, so it's worth shopping around to try and find the best deal.
Most providers will offer different data limits, from 20 GB up to 100 GB, and unlimited data. There are high charges for going over your data limits, so it's usually worthwhile going for an unlimited plan, especially if you have a large family or require high bandwidth use. The main internet providers in New Zealand are:
- Spark: One of the largest internet providers in New Zealand, Spark offers a range of broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks.
- Vodafone: A major telecommunications company in New Zealand, Vodafone offers broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks, as well as mobile broadband plans.
- 2degrees: A mobile and broadband provider in New Zealand, 2degrees offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networks, as well as mobile broadband plans.
- Slingshot: An internet provider based in New Zealand, Slingshot offers broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks, as well as a range of add-on services such as phone and TV packages.
- Orcon: A New Zealand-based internet provider, Orcon offers broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks, as well as a range of add-on services such as phone and TV packages.
- Trustpower: A utility company based in New Zealand, Trustpower offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networks, as well as a range of add-on services such as phone and electricity.
It's worth comparing the different plans and packages offered by these providers to find the best one for your needs. It may also be helpful to speak with friends, family, or locals to get their recommendations or experiences with different internet providers in New Zealand.
Connection types in New Zealand
There are several different types of internet connections available in New Zealand, including:
Fibre
Fiber-optic internet uses a network of thin glass or plastic strands to transmit data using light signals. It is often considered to be the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps (gigabits per second) available in some areas.
Cable
Cable internet uses a network of coaxial cables to transmit data. It can offer faster speeds than DSL (digital subscriber line) internet but may be less reliable and may not be available in all areas.
DSL
DSL internet uses a telephone line to transmit data and is generally slower than fiber or cable internet. It is widely available in New Zealand but may not be suitable for heavy internet usage or online gaming.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband uses a mobile network to connect to the internet and is generally available through a SIM card that can be inserted into a device such as a smartphone or a laptop. Mobile broadband can be convenient as it allows you to access the internet while on the go, but speeds may vary, and it may not be suitable for heavy internet usage.
Satellite
Satellite internet uses a satellite to transmit data and is generally available in areas where other types of internet are not. It can be slower and more expensive than other types of internet and may have data usage limits.
Good to know:
Of the above options, fiber is the fastest. The New Zealand government has set itself a target to have ultra-fast broadband available for around 87 percent of New Zealanders by 2022 – this program is called the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) program. To see whether your destination is included in this plan, you can consult a map of UFB locations. Satellite is usually costly and tends only to be used in extremely rural areas, where it's not possible to use alternative means. If you move into an apartment block, there's a good chance you will have built-in WiFi connections, and you just need to connect and pay a fee per month to use it.
Internet costs in New Zealand
As with most countries, the cost of a WiFi plan in New Zealand can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of plan, the speed and data allowance, and the provider. Some providers may also offer discounts or promotions for new customers or for bundling the internet with other services such as phone or TV.
According to the 2021 Consumer NZ broadband price survey, the average cost of a standalone broadband plan in New Zealand is around NZ$80 per month. This figure includes a range of plan types, including fiber, cable, and DSL (digital subscriber line), and includes a range of speeds and data allowances.
The same report determined that the cheapest standalone internet providers in New Zealand are:
- Flip: Flip offers a range of broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks, starting at NZ$49.90 per month for a basic fiber plan with unlimited data and speeds of up to 100/20 Mbps (megabits per second).
- MyRepublic: MyRepublic offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networks, starting at NZ$59.95 per month for a basic fiber plan with unlimited data and speeds of up to 100/20 Mbps.
- Skinny: Skinny offers broadband plans over fiber, cable, and DSL networks, starting at $59.95 per month for a basic fiber plan with unlimited data and speeds of up to 100/20 Mbps.
- Trustpower: Trustpower offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networks, starting at NZ$60 per month for a basic fiber plan with unlimited data and speeds of up to 100/20 Mbps.
Public WiFi in New Zealand
Public WiFi is widely available in New Zealand, with a number of options available for accessing the internet in public places. Some options for accessing public WiFi in New Zealand include:
- WiFi hotspots: Many cafes, restaurants, and other public places offer free WiFi to their customers. These hotspots may have a range of security measures in place, such as password protection or data usage limits.
- Libraries: Most public libraries in New Zealand offer free WiFi to library members, and some also offer WiFi to non-members for a fee.
- Public WiFi networks: Some local authorities in New Zealand offer free WiFi in public areas, such as parks, downtown areas, or iSites (information centers). These networks may be available on a limited basis or may have data usage limits in place.
- Mobile data: If you have a mobile device with a data plan, you may be able to access the internet through your mobile network while on the go. This option may be more expensive than accessing public WiFi, but it can be convenient if you're traveling and need to access the internet in areas where public WiFi is not available.
It's worth noting that the availability and quality of public WiFi can vary, and it may not always be reliable or secure. It's a good idea to be cautious when accessing public WiFi and to take steps to protect your personal information, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) or not accessing sensitive accounts or data while connected to a public network.
