Stay Connected in NZ: A SIM Card Guide for International Visitors
Phones and the internet play a huge part in how we travel these days, so staying connected while travelling New Zealand is essential, especially when you're unfamiliar with a routes in a new country and need GPS, needing data for work if you're a digital nomad or needing to call and book a hotel for the night.
I definitely use my phone A LOT when we're on the road for listening to music, using the GPS to get around unfamiliar areas (we know most of the roads in the South Island like the back of our hands now!) and to call our insurance company to organise a tow truck... yes, we have broken down MANY times now!
Please note that this is intended as a helpful guide only. While I do my best to keep the information current, prices and details can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a decision and purchasing.
Let's break down their features to help you decide which one will suit you best for your trip to New Zealand.
I definitely use my phone A LOT when we're on the road for listening to music, using the GPS to get around unfamiliar areas (we know most of the roads in the South Island like the back of our hands now!) and to call our insurance company to organise a tow truck... yes, we have broken down MANY times now!
Please note that this is intended as a helpful guide only. While I do my best to keep the information current, prices and details can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a decision and purchasing.
Let's break down their features to help you decide which one will suit you best for your trip to New Zealand.
In this guide:
- Pricing & Features
- eSIM options in New Zealand
- Where to buy a NZ travel SIM pack
- How to activate your NZ travel SIM
- Compare NZ travel SIM packs
- Which NZ travel SIM pack is best for you?
- Data speeds & network performance
- Tips for staying connected
- Where to access free WIFI
Pricing & Features
The 3 main SIM card options for travellers to New Zealand are the 2degrees Unlimited Travel SIM, the One NZ Travel SIM and the Spark NZ Travel Pack. They all offer competitive plans tailored for tourists, so let's check them out.
2degrees Unlimited Travel SIM
If you want a simple option without worrying about running out of data, 2degrees is a great choice.. Plans start at $24 NZD for 3 days. You’ll get unlimited data (with fair use), plus unlimited calls and texts to New Zealand and Australia. You can even use your data as a hotspot for your laptop or other devices. Just pick the plan that fits the length of your trip, and you’re good to go.
Click here to visit the 2degrees website
One NZ Travel SIM
One NZ (formerly Vodafone) offers a range of plans starting at $29 NZD for 30 days. The lowest plan comes with 2GB of data and 200 minutes and texts to selected destinations and standard NZ numbers. If you need more data, they offer 10GB, 40GB and 100GB plans which include unlimited NZ calls and texts.
Click here to visit the One NZ website
Spark NZ Travel Pack
Spark’s (formerly Telcom) travel packs start at $29 NZD for 90 days that gives you 2GB of data with 200 NZ minutes and texts. They also offer 10GB, 50GB and 120GB with the highest price being $129. Or you can choose a plan that is just data, with no minutes and texts, and this is a cheaper option. It looks like Spark NZ only offers eSIM and not a physical SIM card if you want to purchase the data only pack.
Click here to visit the Spark website
Remember, you can always purchase additional data or extend your travel pack when it runs out!
2degrees Unlimited Travel SIM
If you want a simple option without worrying about running out of data, 2degrees is a great choice.. Plans start at $24 NZD for 3 days. You’ll get unlimited data (with fair use), plus unlimited calls and texts to New Zealand and Australia. You can even use your data as a hotspot for your laptop or other devices. Just pick the plan that fits the length of your trip, and you’re good to go.
Click here to visit the 2degrees website
One NZ Travel SIM
One NZ (formerly Vodafone) offers a range of plans starting at $29 NZD for 30 days. The lowest plan comes with 2GB of data and 200 minutes and texts to selected destinations and standard NZ numbers. If you need more data, they offer 10GB, 40GB and 100GB plans which include unlimited NZ calls and texts.
Click here to visit the One NZ website
Spark NZ Travel Pack
Spark’s (formerly Telcom) travel packs start at $29 NZD for 90 days that gives you 2GB of data with 200 NZ minutes and texts. They also offer 10GB, 50GB and 120GB with the highest price being $129. Or you can choose a plan that is just data, with no minutes and texts, and this is a cheaper option. It looks like Spark NZ only offers eSIM and not a physical SIM card if you want to purchase the data only pack.
Click here to visit the Spark website
Remember, you can always purchase additional data or extend your travel pack when it runs out!
eSIM options in New Zealand
An eSIM is a digital SIM on your phone or device, so you don’t need to use a physical SIM card. This is a great option for travellers as it means you can purchase one BEFORE you arrive in New Zealand which saves a lot of time fluffing around when you land (who has time for that nonsense when you've got a beautiful country to explore?!).
Benefits of using an eSIM:
It's so easy to set up:
1) Check that your device is compatible with eSIM (the provider you choose will be able to tell you).
2) Choose an eSIM plan that works best for your travels to New Zealand (this will be sent to you via email).
3) Scan the QR code that is sent in the email once you purchase your eSIM and this will activate your sim (the provider should send you full set up instructions, so be sure to check this before your holiday so it's easy as pie when you get here).
You can do this outside of New Zealand but it won't activate until you're in the country and when you arrive in New Zealand, you'll get a notification on your device saying that your eSIM is ready to use. If you activate the eSIM in New Zealand then it will activate straight away.
Click below for info on the eSIMs:
2degrees eSIM info
One NZ eSIM info
Spark NZ eSIM info
Benefits of using an eSIM:
- Your home country SIM card is kept safely in your phone
- If your phone supports dual sims, you might be able to have the NZ eSIM and your home country sim activated at the same time
- You can purchase and activate the eSIM before you arrive in New Zealand, which allows you more time to explore
It's so easy to set up:
1) Check that your device is compatible with eSIM (the provider you choose will be able to tell you).
2) Choose an eSIM plan that works best for your travels to New Zealand (this will be sent to you via email).
3) Scan the QR code that is sent in the email once you purchase your eSIM and this will activate your sim (the provider should send you full set up instructions, so be sure to check this before your holiday so it's easy as pie when you get here).
You can do this outside of New Zealand but it won't activate until you're in the country and when you arrive in New Zealand, you'll get a notification on your device saying that your eSIM is ready to use. If you activate the eSIM in New Zealand then it will activate straight away.
Click below for info on the eSIMs:
2degrees eSIM info
One NZ eSIM info
Spark NZ eSIM info
Where to buy a NZ travel SIM pack
If you're interested in purchasing a physical SIM card for your phone, the best place to get them is from the provider's store which are scattered all around New Zealand and at select international airports, which makes it so much easier for you!
One NZ, 2degrees and Spark NZ all have stores at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown airports.
If you're wanting to get on the road and don't have time to get a SIM card from the airport, you can check out the store locators here:
2degrees store locator
One NZ store locator
Spark NZ store locator
It's important to check the opening times for the stores too as they may not be open 24 hours, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly!
One NZ, 2degrees and Spark NZ all have stores at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown airports.
If you're wanting to get on the road and don't have time to get a SIM card from the airport, you can check out the store locators here:
2degrees store locator
One NZ store locator
Spark NZ store locator
It's important to check the opening times for the stores too as they may not be open 24 hours, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly!
How to activate your NZ travel SIM
Activation for SIM card
Getting your SIM up and running is super easy with just a few steps once you’re purchased it from a store in New Zealand - you’ll be connected in no time!
2degrees: Insert the physical 2degrees SIM into your unlocked phone then call 200 from your 2degrees number to trigger activation.
One NZ: Activate the card by calling 777.
Spark: Insert your Spark SIM card and it should automatically connect to the network.
Activation for eSIM
Setting up an eSIM is so easy as there is no physical card and you will be online really soon once it’s activated. If you purchase the eSIM online, you will be emailed the details on how to activate it (usually by scanning a QR code or calling a number) and if you purchase the eSIM in store, as the customer service rep to help you activate it.
Getting your SIM up and running is super easy with just a few steps once you’re purchased it from a store in New Zealand - you’ll be connected in no time!
2degrees: Insert the physical 2degrees SIM into your unlocked phone then call 200 from your 2degrees number to trigger activation.
One NZ: Activate the card by calling 777.
Spark: Insert your Spark SIM card and it should automatically connect to the network.
Activation for eSIM
Setting up an eSIM is so easy as there is no physical card and you will be online really soon once it’s activated. If you purchase the eSIM online, you will be emailed the details on how to activate it (usually by scanning a QR code or calling a number) and if you purchase the eSIM in store, as the customer service rep to help you activate it.
Compare NZ travel SIM packs
Let's compare the features of the 3 options so you can work out which one will work best for you while you're travelling New Zealand. Some of the packs may offer these features with certain plans, so be sure to check first!
Company 2degrees Unlimited Travel SIM One NZ Travel SIM Spark NZ Travel Pack
Unlimited Data available ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Unlimited Calls & Texts ✅ NZ & AU ✅ NZ ✅ NZ
International Minutes ❌ ✅ 200 minutes ✅ 100 minutes
Data Add-Ons ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Company 2degrees Unlimited Travel SIM One NZ Travel SIM Spark NZ Travel Pack
Unlimited Data available ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Unlimited Calls & Texts ✅ NZ & AU ✅ NZ ✅ NZ
International Minutes ❌ ✅ 200 minutes ✅ 100 minutes
Data Add-Ons ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Which NZ travel SIM pack is best for you?
All of the SIM providers off great features for travellers to stay connected in New Zealand. Consider your travel itinerary, data usage habits and whether or not you'll need to make calls or text when you're in New Zealand - your choice depends on your specific needs.
Choose 2degrees if you want unlimited data with unlimited calls and texts to New Zealand and Australian numbers.
Choose One NZ if you need international calling capabilities in addition to local services.
Choose Spark NZ if you want a plan that includes both data and international minutes, with the option for unlimited data on the highest-tier plan.
Choose 2degrees if you want unlimited data with unlimited calls and texts to New Zealand and Australian numbers.
Choose One NZ if you need international calling capabilities in addition to local services.
Choose Spark NZ if you want a plan that includes both data and international minutes, with the option for unlimited data on the highest-tier plan.
Data speeds & network performance
It’s important to know that not everywhere in New Zealand has mobile service! Many remote spots like mountains, rural areas and some coastal regions can be blank on the map. We love putting Youtube on in the car and listening to music where ever we go and have definitely noticed lots of blank spots around New Zealand but it doesn't seem to last for too long!
It's the same for cell service - you can't make calls from everywhere in New Zealand but most towns and cities are fine. We broke down on the West Coast region in the South Island once and we had zero cell service to call our insurance company to organise a tow truck! Luckily there are some pretty awesome kiwis who will help out when you need - a couple of guys took us in their van up the road where there was cell service and we got sorted, phew!
It's the same for cell service - you can't make calls from everywhere in New Zealand but most towns and cities are fine. We broke down on the West Coast region in the South Island once and we had zero cell service to call our insurance company to organise a tow truck! Luckily there are some pretty awesome kiwis who will help out when you need - a couple of guys took us in their van up the road where there was cell service and we got sorted, phew!
Tips for staying connected
Download offline maps: Use Google Maps to download your journey before you head out so you’re never lost, even in remote areas. There have been a couple of times my map turned off randomly and we had no idea where to go as we were in a no internet zone!
Keep key info handy: Write down addresses and phone numbers for your accommodation, tour operators and emergency contacts so that you can easily call them if you find yourself in a zero data zone or run out of data.
Use the free WIFI: Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and malls offer free Wi-Fi., which are great to take advantage of if you're on a small data plan.
SIM card prep: If you’re inserting a SIM card, bring the small tool you need to eject your SIM tray as some phones require it but the store you purchase it from will hopefully have one!
Check your phone tech: Many providers are phasing out 3G, so confirm with your provider that the SIM will work if your phone only supports 3G.
Keep key info handy: Write down addresses and phone numbers for your accommodation, tour operators and emergency contacts so that you can easily call them if you find yourself in a zero data zone or run out of data.
Use the free WIFI: Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and malls offer free Wi-Fi., which are great to take advantage of if you're on a small data plan.
SIM card prep: If you’re inserting a SIM card, bring the small tool you need to eject your SIM tray as some phones require it but the store you purchase it from will hopefully have one!
Check your phone tech: Many providers are phasing out 3G, so confirm with your provider that the SIM will work if your phone only supports 3G.
Where to access free WIFI
There are plenty of places across New Zealand where you can connect for free:
Cafes
Hotels, motels, and backpackers
Shopping centres and malls
McDonald’s restaurants
Airports
Public libraries
iSite Visitor Centres (local information centres for tips on what to see and do)
WiFi access is often easy to spot, with signs displaying the network name and password on the wall or it may just appear automatically in your phone’s WiFi settings. If you’re unsure, just ask someone at the front desk, they’re usually happy to help!
Cafes
Hotels, motels, and backpackers
Shopping centres and malls
McDonald’s restaurants
Airports
Public libraries
iSite Visitor Centres (local information centres for tips on what to see and do)
WiFi access is often easy to spot, with signs displaying the network name and password on the wall or it may just appear automatically in your phone’s WiFi settings. If you’re unsure, just ask someone at the front desk, they’re usually happy to help!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has been helpful and makes getting a SIM for New Zealand quick and easy! All of these providers are well-established and trusted in New Zealand, so whether you choose to order an eSIM online before your arrival or pick up a physical SIM at one of the international airports, staying connected during your trip should be simple and hassle free.
Reminder: This is intended as a helpful guide only. While I do my best to keep the information current, prices and details can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a decision and purchasing.
Reminder: This is intended as a helpful guide only. While I do my best to keep the information current, prices and details can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a decision and purchasing.
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
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