SIM cards & internet

For a short trip, a prepaid tourist SIM or an eSIM is usually all you need. You can buy a SIM at the airport on arrival or in any supermarket and phone shop in town.

The three networks

Choose One NZ, Spark or 2degrees by checking their coverage maps along your actual route. Terrain, handset compatibility and indoor reception affect service; no network is promised as a nationwide winner. Spark prepaid SIMs bought from its online shop arrive set up; for a SIM bought elsewhere, insert it and call *333 to activate and select a pack. Follow the provider’s instructions for your product. Do not assume every physical SIM requires passport registration. Check any identity requirements for the particular purchase or account. Spark; Spark coverage; One NZ coverage; 2degrees coverage.

Rough costs

Tourist or prepaid SIM packs aimed at visitors usually run around NZ$30 to NZ$50 and bundle a chunk of data with some calls and texts for a few weeks. Top-ups are easy through each provider's app. If you only need data, look at a data-only plan rather than a full prepaid pack.

eSIM option

If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy and activate a New Zealand plan before you land, so you have data the moment you switch on after the flight. This avoids queues at the airport. Check your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable before you rely on it.

Where coverage drops

• Expect dead spots on remote highways, mountain passes and much of Fiordland.
• Some Great Walks and DOC huts have no signal at all; tell someone your plans before you go off-grid.
• Even popular areas can have black spots between towns, so download maps for offline use.

How much data to buy

• Maps, messaging and email are light on data; a modest plan covers a typical trip.
• Streaming video and video calls use far more, so size up if you rely on them.
• Download offline maps and any key bookings while you have good signal in town.

Calls and emergencies

The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire and ambulance, and it works even with no credit or, in many areas, on another network if yours has no signal. For everyday calls, most travellers use data-based apps rather than minutes. If you are heading into the backcountry, consider a personal locator beacon, which many outdoor shops and DOC offices hire out, because a phone is useless where there is no coverage.

Free Wi-Fi

Public libraries, many cafes, i-SITE visitor centres and most holiday parks and hostels offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. It is fine for messaging and email but do not count on it for large uploads. Prices, data allowances and coverage change over time, so check the current plans on each provider's site before you buy.