Are you traveling to New Zealand and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Let this guide help you to pick the best prepaid sim card for your trip to New Zealand.
Find below a comparison of the New Zealand prepaid sim cards, up to date prices and info as perJanuary 2025, the best 4G/5G network, my recommendation, info about eSIMs for New Zealand, where to buy a prepaid sim card for New Zealand and more.
Getting connected is the first thing I do when traveling to a new country. In the past I always used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival, but more and more I simply use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad. Super convenient, easy and fast.
Since Traveltomtom is already a full time nomad and travel blogger since 2012, buying prepaid sim cards and eSIMs is part of my life, especially since Traveltomtom is also aiming to travel to every country in the world.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for New Zealand
- Where to buy a sim card for New Zealand
- Mobile internet providers in New Zealand
- Registration process
- Prices New Zealand prepaid sim cards
- Best 4G/5G data network in New Zealand in 2025
- Best sim card for New Zealand
- Best eSIMs for New Zealand
- Order a prepaid sim card for New Zealand online
- My experience buying a sim card for New Zealand
If you are flying into Auckland and you would like to buy a tourist sim card for traveling in New Zealand straight on arrival at Auckland International Airport then click on the link and check out my specific guide for Auckland Airport, including a vlog of what arriving looks like.
Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for New Zealand are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is atabsolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommendsa Spark prepaid sim card for New Zealand. Spark has the best 4G/5G network in New Zealand and it has a sim card deal for tourists with 4 GB data for $17 USD.
The Spark prepaid data plans are slightly more expensive compared to 2degrees and One (former Vodafone), but losing signal as soon as you travel off the beaten path in New Zealand is also very inconvenient.
But only 4 GB data for $29 USD!? Yes, buying a prepaid sim card in New Zealand is expensive.
Ordering an eSIM for New Zealand is significantly cheaper than a local prepaid sim card. AJetpac eSIM for New Zealandwith 15 GB data is only $24 USD.
Check out my list of thebest eSIMs for tourists in New Zealand in 2025.
Not every phone is eSIM compatible so for those it is also worth it looking into ordering an international prepaid sim card for New Zealand as they are also cheaper than local prepaid sim cards. There is a 10 GB travel sim for just $24.90 USD.
Be aware that new sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If your phone is locked then you can't use an eSIM, an international prepaid sim card or a local prepaid sim card before unlocking your phone. If you are not sure about this then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country before traveling to New Zealand.
Why buying a sim card for New Zealand
No one wants to get stuck with slow overseas data roaming plans. These data plans from your mobile internet provider in your home country reduce the data speed and are much more expensive than eSIMs or local prepaid sim cards.
The last thing we want is to get stuck with high data roaming charges, which in 2025 are still ridiculous and providers often charge up to $3 USD per MB, which means opening the Instagram app can easily cost you $100 USD. Not kidding! Always make sure you switch off data roaming when traveling internationally.
Very important when traveling to New Zealand is to stay connected. Why? What about ordering a taxi through an app or getting directions from Google Maps. Ever thought about what to do in emergencies and not being able to use data on your phone? Or killing time on long train, bus or car rides, accessing your banking apps, etc.
Don't rely on WiFi, there is no guarantee your hotel has good and fast WiFi and another reminder that being connected to the internet through public WiFi is on an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.
On Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 prepaid and eSIM guides from all over the world: Australia, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Fiji, Nadi, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Hong Kong, China, Shanghai, Thailand, Bangkok, Indonesia, Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Turkey, Europe, London, USA and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the most up to date and detailed advice about prepaid and eSIMs for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!
Where to buy a sim card for New Zealand
International Airport on arrival
Buying a sim card on arrival at an international airport in New Zealand is easy. All the major international airports in New Zealand have sim card shops that sell sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom recorded a vlog what it is like arriving and buying a sim card at Auckland Airport.
Here is a link to my detailed article about buying a sim card at Auckland Airport.
Phone store in city center
All around the big cities in New Zealand there are sim card stores from the main mobile internet providers. Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card in an official retail store over a random phone shop. In an official retail store of the mobile internet providers you get the best service and discounted deals and before you walk out of the store, the staff will make sure your data connection is working properly.
If you buy a sim card at a gas station or convenience store you will have to activate and register the sim card yourself. At these kind of stores they also sell prepaid sim cards from MVNO's: Warehouse Mobile, Kogan Mobile and a couple others.
Online
You can also buy a sim card for traveling in New Zealand on the internet and as mentioned before it is actually much cheaper than local prepaid sim cards.
I already showed you everything about ordering an eSIM for New Zealand, but you can also buy physical prepaid sim cards for traveling in New Zealand. These international sim cards will be delivered to your home address before traveling to New Zealand. On arrival it is plug and play! More about it later.
Mobile internet providers in New Zealand
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in New Zealand: Spark, 2degrees and One. Some New Zealand prepaid sim card comparisons are still talking about Vodafone but since the beginning of 2023 Vodafone is taken over by One.
All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Prices for prepaid sim cards for tourists are more or less the same, the big difference between the mobile internet operators is the mobile data network coverage.
Registration process
When buying a prepaid sim card in New Zealand in any sim card shop you will need to bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taken in the phone store and your new New Zealand sim card will be registered on your name and your passport number.
You will receive a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIMs that comes with a New Zealand phone number that starts with +64.
Prices New Zealand prepaid sim cards
All prices and info are updated as per January 2025. Prices are in New Zealand Dollar and $1 USD = $1.8 NZD and $1 NZD = $0.56 USD.
Prepaid sim card plans in New Zealand come with an embarrassing low data volume! Another reason to simply order an eSIM for traveling to New Zealand.
2degrees
At 2degrees you are getting charged $5 NZD ($3 USD) extra for the registration of the sim card and you can choose from one of the following plans that are valid for 1 month and come with unlimited sms:
- 250 MB data + 100 minutes = $10 NZD - $5.5 USD
- 1.5 GB data + 200 minutes = $19 NZD - $10.5 USD
- 3 GB data + 300 minutes = $30 NZD - $17 USD
The calling and texting credit of the 2degrees prepaid sim card plans can also be used to call/text to Australia. The 2degrees sim cards are 5G ready. For more specifications check out the 2degrees website. In 2degrees shops there are eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards available.
One
One offers the following prepaid combo plans that come with unlimited texting and are valid for 28 days:
- 1 GB data + 100 minutes = $15 NZD - $8.5 USD
- 1.5 GB data + 200 minutes = $20 NZD - $11 USD
- 3 GB data + 300 minutes = $30 NZD - $17 USD
- 8 GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms = $40 NZD - $22.5 USD
One also has a cool options that allows you to build your own prepaid sim card plan.
The One sim cards plans also allow calling/texting to Australia at no extra cost. One does not specify if their prepaid plans are 5G ready. For more specifications see the picture above or check out the One NZ website. In Oneshops there are eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards available.
Spark
Spark has 3 prepaid sim card plans for tourists valid for 28 days:
- 2 GB data + 300 minutes = $20 NZD - $11 USD
- 4 GB data + 500 minutes = $30 NZD - $17 USD
- 40 GB data + unlimited calling minutes = $80 NZD - $45 USD
Spark does not specify if their prepaid plans are 5G ready. Also don't pay too much attention to the free ‘socializer' GB's, that only is for Facebook and X (Twitter).
For more specifications see the picture above or check out the Spark NZ website. In Sparkshops there are eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards available.
Best 4G/5G data network in New Zealand in 2025
To determine the best prepaid sim card for traveling in New Zealand let's compare the mobile data network coverage of all the mobile internet providers. New Zealand is famous for being an off the beaten path country and traveling around New Zealand is all about getting disconnected, right?
Therefore don't have high expectations when it comes to the mobile data network in New Zealand. There is definitely not a 4G/5G signal everywhere.
Is there 5G in New Zealand?
Yes, there is 5G in New Zealand, but especially when traveling off the beaten path, don't expect to find 5G in New Zealand. The 5G network in New Zealand is still pretty limited.
In fact, depending on which mobile internet operator you choose you might not even find a signal at all.
Let me show you why the network coverage is so important when choosing the best prepaid sim card for New Zealand in 2025.
2degrees 4G/5G network coverage map New Zealand
One 4G/5G network coverage map New Zealand
Spark 4G/5G network coverage map New Zealand
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for2025 they are definitely not 100% accurate but it is a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in New Zealand.
From the above New Zealand 4G/5G coverage maps we can clearly see that 2degrees is the smallest mobile network operator in New Zealand.
The Spark and One (former Vodafone network) do not differ so much and may be in the South Island One has an even slighter better network coverage, but it is hard to tell. Based on the available data Traveltomtom rates Spark as the best 4G/5G network in New Zealand in 2025.
Best sim card for New Zealand
Local prepaid sim cards in New Zealand are expensive and have small data packs. All mobile internet providers in New Zealand have a $30 NZD plan, which is $17 USD. One and 2degree give you 3 GB data and Spark gives you 4 GB data. That is about $5 to $6 USD per Gigabyte.
Since Spark has overall the best mobile data network coverage in New Zealand and the strongest 4G/5G signal it is fairly easy to conclude Spark is the best prepaid sim card in New Zealand.
However, when we include eSIMs and international prepaid sim cards in the comparison we clearly see that ordering a sim card for New Zealand on the internet is much cheaper.
Traveltomtom recommends aJetpac eSIM for New Zealandwith 15 GB data for only $24 USD.
Therefore, if your phone is eSIM compatible go check out my complete guide with a detailedcomparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to New Zealand in 2025.
There are also eSIMs for New Zealand with just 1 GB and they start already from $4 USD. Different travelers, different needs.
If you are traveling off the beaten path or on a road trip in New Zealand then you simply don't want to worry about having a strong phone signal. Go for a Spark sim card or an eSIM that operates on the Spark network in that case.
Spark also has the best prepaid sim card deal in New Zealand for those we use a lot of Gigabyte. For $80 NZD ($45 USD) you get 40 GB data.
Best eSIMs for New Zealand
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to New Zealand in 2025. But keep in mind they only work in eSIM compatible phones.
If your phone is eSIM compatible then you simply order an eSIM for New Zealand on the internet, process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and you are connected in just a couple clicks.
If this raises a lot of questions then check out my complete guide for buying an eSIM for New Zealand in 2025, including a comparison of the best available tourist eSIMs and an answer to the most common FAQ's.
There are many eSIM providers on the internet, below you can find some of my recommendations.
Jetpac
Jetpac has the best value eSIM plans for New Zealand with the lowest rate per Gigabyte on top of that the Jetpac eSIMs for New Zealand operate on the Spark network and are also valid in Australia.
More info about Jetpac in our honest Jetpac review.
Here are the Jetpac New Zealand eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $44 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $54 USD
Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for New Zealand.
The Jetpac New Zealand eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and they operate on the Spark and 2degrees 4G/5G network in New Zealand. Yes the Jetpac eSIMs for New Zealand are 5G ready.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another trusted eSIM provider. Read all about it in our full SimOptions review.
Here are the New Zealand eSIMs from SimOptions for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $4.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $4.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD*
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD*
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $39.90 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $55.90 USD
- 50 GB data for 60 days = $89.90 USD
*valid in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, UK & USA.
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for New Zealand.
The SimOptions eSIMs are also data-only and 5G ready.
Before ordering an eSIM make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible otherwise an eSIM won't work on your phone.
For a more detailed comparison of the best eSIMs for New Zealand click on the link for my guide, including all FAQ's about eSIMs.
Order a prepaid sim card for New Zealand online
If your phone is not eSIM compatible then you can still order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in New Zealand on the internet. These sim cards are valid in multiple countries around the world. After you ordered online, a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip to New Zealand.
On arrival it is plug and play.
SimOptions offers the following physical prepaid sim card for New Zealand:
- 10 GB data-only for 30 days = 24.90 USD
- 10 GB data-only for 14 days = 49.90 USD
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for New Zealand via SimOptions.
The international prepaid sim card from Three gives you 10 GB data for $24.90, that is the cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card in New Zealand.
Last reminder that for those who have an eSIM compatible phone you can just order your eSIM for traveling to New Zealand on the internet and you are all set within just a couple clicks. Check out my New Zealand eSIM comparison.
My experience buying a sim card for New Zealand
Traveltomtom visited New Zealand two times over the last years. Last time very recently and that is how I found out that the local prepaid sim cards are much more expensive. On arrival at the airport in Auckland I was pretty surprised that tourist sim cards with data were so expensive.
Since I was just visiting Auckland and also didn't need that much data I opted for an eSIM. I literally bought my eSIM for New Zealand using the free WiFi of Auckland International Airport.
I bought an Airalo eSIM with 5G data for $16 USD. It worked totally fine and I was more than happy with my data speed and connection. But again, I just stayed in New Zealand.
Also, the reason I didn't buy an eSIM from Nomad is because at that time I didn't hear about them yet. But the same 5 GB data would have cost me only $12 USD at Nomad and their eSIM for New Zealand even operates on Spark, the best mobile data network in New Zealand.
Anyway, I am sure some of the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card for New Zealand were helpful and my information made it easier for you to pick the right sim card for your trip to New Zealand.
Let me know if you still have any questions and I am more than happy to help you out. Leave me a comment below.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like?Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As ofJanuary 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to New Zealand!