Whether you’re exploring New Zealand’s picture-perfect landscapes, connecting with nature in some of the best hikes in the world, or planning your road trip around the South Island, having a well-connected SIM or eSIM in New Zealand is crucial, especially as public WiFi is hard to come by in remote areas as well as city centres, too. 

From navigating New Zealand’s iconic windy and hilly roads to taking sunset pics of the city skyline from the Sky Tower, having a SIM card during your trip in New Zealand will ensure you can get from A to B easily while also having the convenience of updating your friends and family back home as you go. 

Planning a quick trip across the ditch? International roaming on your existing Australian plan is easy and convenient. While international roaming rates are generally more expensive, the convenience (especially for a short trip) is well worth it. Plus, there are some Australian telco providers that offer pretty competitive international roaming packages for New Zealand. 

Nonetheless, like most places you’ll travel to, getting a local SIM is still the most cost-effective and reliable. And, as mentioned, while free public WiFi exists in New Zealand, it’s hard to come by, and speed and connectivity can be a gamble. 

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand for more than a few days, consider getting a local SIM for better connectivity and cheaper rates. 

You can get a SIM card at major airports in New Zealand (like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown). There will be kiosks featuring New Zealand’s top telco providers, including One NZ, 2degrees, and Spark. You’ll need to register with your passport, and activation is instant. 

You can get an eSIM online and begin the setup process before you arrive in New Zealand. If you book your flights or hotels in New Zealand with Traveloka, you’ll also get a free eSIM with your booking. It doesn’t get easier than this!

Getting a SIM card in advance is actually cheaper when travelling to New Zealand. While purchasing at the airport is simple and offers convenience, if you know you’ll need a SIM card as soon as you land, buying in advance is both more cost-effective and convenient. 

If you’re purchasing in advance, it means you’ll need to plan accordingly, especially if you’re getting a physical SIM sent to your home address in Australia. Make sure you factor in shipping times (and extra for any unprecedented delays). 

You can also purchase an eSIM in advance, which is a more streamlined option, and there’s no need to wait for a physical SIM to arrive. You just need to ensure your mobile device is eSIM compatible before making your purchase. 

There are several providers to choose from when selecting your SIM card or eSIM for New Zealand. Below are some of the best ones in New Zealand right now, particularly for tourists:

When getting an eSIM or physical SIM in New Zealand, the difference can be minimal. One is, well, physical, which means you’ll need to remove your existing Australian SIM card and swap it for a New Zealand SIM card when you arrive. 

At times, you may need to pay a few dollars for a physical SIM card, and you may also need to visit a store at the airport or in town to register and activate it. 

An eSIM, on the other hand, is entirely digital. Simply buy online and set up before you travel, and you’re connected instantly. Choosing between the two is up to personal preference — eSIMs from local providers are slightly more convenient as you won’t need to take out your existing SIM from your phone, and you’ll be instantly connected as you touch down. 

Prices for an eSIM in New Zealand depend on how much data you’re buying. Typically, you can expect to spend around AU$20-30 on an eSIM in New Zealand with a 28-30 day validity period. You can get a 4GB GoHub eSIM for New Zealand on Traveloka from AU$6.40. Or better yet, if you purchase your flight to Japan or book a hotel in Japan via Traveloka, you’ll get a free eSIM with your booking. 

A multi-country eSIM is excellent if you’re hitting a few countries in one trip. However, for a trip to New Zealand, it’s probably easiest and cheapest to just get a local SIM card or eSIM.