Internet speeds and connectivity vary all across New Zealandthanks to its mountainous and remote regions. Howeveras technology is improvingso are internet speeds. According to the 2021 Akamai State of the Internet reportNew Zealand ranks 27th in the world for average internet connection speedwith 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 Zealandyou will find a range of different providers to choose from. They all offer different plansinternet speeds and typesso it's worth shopping around to try and find the best deal.
Most providers will offer different data limitsfrom 20 GB up to 100 GBand unlimited data. There are high charges for going over your data limitsso it's usually worthwhile going for an unlimited planespecially 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 ZealandSpark offers a range of broadband plans over fibercableand DSL networks.
- Vodafone: A major telecommunications company in New ZealandVodafone offers broadband plans over fibercableand DSL networksas well as mobile broadband plans.
- 2degrees: A mobile and broadband provider in New Zealand2degrees offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networksas well as mobile broadband plans.
- Slingshot: An internet provider based in New ZealandSlingshot offers broadband plans over fibercableand DSL networksas well as a range of add-on services such as phone and TV packages.
- Orcon: A New Zealand-based internet providerOrcon offers broadband plans over fibercableand DSL networksas well as a range of add-on services such as phone and TV packages.
- Trustpower: A utility company based in New ZealandTrustpower offers broadband plans over fiber and DSL networksas 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 friendsfamilyor 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 Zealandincluding:
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 connectionwith 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 gobut speeds may varyand 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 optionsfiber 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 planyou can consult a map of UFB locations. Satellite is usually costly and tends only to be used in extremely rural areaswhere it's not possible to use alternative means. If you move into an apartment blockthere's a good chance you will have built-in WiFi connectionsand you just need to connect and pay a fee per month to use it.
Internet costs in New Zealand
As with most countriesthe cost of a WiFi plan in New Zealand can vary depending on a number of factorsincluding the type of planthe speed and data allowanceand 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 surveythe average cost of a standalone broadband plan in New Zealand is around NZ$80 per month. This figure includes a range of plan typesincluding fibercableand 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 fibercableand DSL networksstarting 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 networksstarting 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 fibercableand DSL networksstarting 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 networksstarting 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 Zealandwith 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 cafesrestaurantsand other public places offer free WiFi to their customers. These hotspots may have a range of security measures in placesuch as password protection or data usage limits.
- Libraries: Most public libraries in New Zealand offer free WiFi to library membersand some also offer WiFi to non-members for a fee.
- Public WiFi networks: Some local authorities in New Zealand offer free WiFi in public areassuch as parksdowntown areasor 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 planyou may be able to access the internet through your mobile network while on the go. This option may be more expensive than accessing public WiFibut 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 varyand 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 informationsuch as using a virtual private network (VPN) or not accessing sensitive accounts or data while connected to a public network.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. Howeverif you have noticed any inaccuracies in this articleplease let us know in the comments section below.
