The Best eSIM Plans for traveling to New Zealand (2024)

New Zealand is filled with breathtaking, surprisingly varied terrain, gorgeous blue waters, and a rich, fascinating culture that's waiting for you to come and learn. When you visit the spectacular country, you're sure to experience some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. In fact, wherever you are in New Zealand, as you look outside, the view is awe-inspiring.

From mountains and fjords to active volcanoes and glaciers – there's so much beauty to see!

To get the most out of your experience in New Zealand, you should most definitely venture outside the major cities. But as you'll find out, the country's free WiFI services are quite limited. While you may find free WiFi around Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Dunedin, in some more remote places, it will be much trickier.

One solution is to connect to the local cellular network. But to do this, you will need a local SIM from one of the country's providers – Spark, Skinny, One NZ, or another. Unfortunately, mobile data in New Zealand can be expensive.

For this reason, it's best to choose an eSIM, ideally from third-party mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This way, you'll get access to the internet and, in some cases, even a phone number, which allows you to send texts and make phone calls.

But how can you know which are the best eSIM plans for New Zealand? In this article, we'll compare several different plans to help you make your decision.

The best eSIM providers and plans for New Zealand

Our top recommendation: Instabridge '20 GB New Zealand'

When looking for the best eSIM for New Zealand, you won't find a better deal than Instabridge's 20 GB New Zealand plan.

This means you can get an eSIM with 20GB of data (which should be more than enough for a week-long trip) for just $19.20.

We also love that the eSIM plans by Instabridge offer two activation options: using a QR code or installing it directly from Android and iOS apps.

Data

20 GB

Validity7 day(s)

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Data only

Special Offer: 20% OFF

Instabridge - 20 GB New Zealand

$19.20

$24.00

$0.96/GB

Learn more ›

The most affordable option: Jetpac 'Globetrotter 1GB'

If you're visiting New Zealand for just a few days, you won't need as much data. In this case, you might want to look for cheaper options than the Instabridge's plan we talked about before.

As far as price goes, the best choice will be Jetpac's eSIM plan, Globetrotter 1GB. With this package, you'll get 1GB of data that must be used up within four days. What's great is that this is a regional plan. If you're planning to visit Australia, you'll be able to use the eSIM there, as well.

Data

1 GB

Validity4 day(s)

100 countries

Data only

Jetpac - Global 1GB

$1.00

$1.00/GB

Learn more ›

Travelers who stay in New Zealand for more than four days can opt for Instabridge's plan '1 GB New Zealand.' This eSIM is valid for seven days, so you'll be able to use it for a longer time. Plus, with our current promotion, you can get it for an attractive price—just $1.60.

Data

1 GB

Validity7 day(s)

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Data only

Special Offer: 20% OFF

Instabridge - 1 GB New Zealand

$1.60

$2.00

$1.60/GB

Learn more ›

For more data, you can also choose Instabridge's plan '3 GB New Zealand'. This package has a longer validity time – you can use it for 15 days.

Data

3 GB

Validity15 day(s)

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Data only

Special Offer: 20% OFF

Instabridge - 3 GB New Zealand

$4.00

$5.00

$1.33/GB

Learn more ›

Best plans for New Zealand + Australia: Jetpac 'Asia-Pacific 20GB'

If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, why not kill two birds with one stone and visit both New Zealand and Australia? Each country has something different to offer, so you'd definitely have a blast!

When planning on traveling to both New Zealand and Australia, you need to look for a regional or global eSIM that works in several countries.

The best option for this is Jetpac's plan 'Asia-Pacific 20GB'. The eSIM is valid for 15 days and works in 13 other countries, not just Australia and New Zealand.

Data

20 GB

Validity30 day(s)

17 countries

Data only

Jetpac - Asia-Pacific 20GB

$39.00

$1.95/GB

Learn more ›

Although more expensive, another great option that's especially convenient for digital nomads and people traveling for a longer time is Airhub's eSIM 'Global 30GB Data with Calls 30Days.' With this package, not only do you get access to 30GB of data but also unlimited local calling and SMS (you'll get a UK phone number at no additional cost).

However, there are a few aspects to consider. Unlike with other eSIMs, the validity of this one starts immediately after purchase. For this reason, it's better to buy it once you're already in New Zealand or Australia.

Likewise, international calls are not permitted within this package.

Best with unlimited data for large data users: Maya

Adventurers who plan on working during their New Zealand adventure and are, therefore, looking for an unlimited data plan have several options to choose from. However, they are all quite expensive.

Our favorite eSIM for browsing the internet seamlessly is 'Asia+ Unlimited STANDARD—30 Days' by Maya Mobile. This plan is valid for 30 days and works only in 11 other countries. What's great is that it supports hotspot sharing, which means you can split the expensive costs between your friends or family.

Data

Unlimited

Validity30 day(s)

12 countries

Data only

Maya Mobile - Asia+ Unlimited STANDARD - 30 Days

$59.00

Learn more ›

For a shorter stay (up to seven days), we advise getting Yesim's plan 'New Zealand.' It's much more affordable but still offers unlimited data. Moreover, with our special promotion, you can get a $7 discount, meaning it will cost you only $16.33

Data

Unlimited

Validity7 day(s)

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Data only

Special Offer: €7 OFF

Yesim - New Zealand

$15.79

$23.14

Learn more ›

eSIM New Zealand FAQ

Can I get an eSIM on arrival in New Zealand?

Unfortunately no. The country has three main mobile network providers – Spark, 2degrees, and One (formerly known as Vodafone). At this moment, none of these companies offer eSIMs for travelers. Your only option is to buy a physical prepaid SIM card, which is more expensive and involves much more hassle.

The good news is that you can buy eSIMs online either before your arrival or after.

Does my device support eSIMs?

Before purchasing an eSIM for your New Zealand trip, make sure to check whether your device is compatible with it. Generally, most new smartphones support eSIMs, but it's important to confirm this regardless.

To do this, have a look at our article here, where we've listed all the devices that support eSIMs.

Can I make calls with my New Zealand eSIM?

Most New Zealand eSIM plans are data-only, which means they don't include calling or testing. However, there are some eSIM providers that offer this, like eTravelSim and GlobaleSIM. If having the option to make calls is important to you, make sure to check the eSIM restrictions before buying it.

You can also use the esims.io search tool to find a plan that allows this.

Is it possible to use 5G on a New Zealand eSIM?

In New Zealand, 5G is not yet available in many areas (you'll find it in parts of Auckland, Hamilton, Taranaki, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, Southland, Queenstown, and Manawatū-Whanganui), so the majority of eSIM providers don't offer it. As you travel around the country, you'll notice the maximum data speed is 4G/LTE.

Still, it is possible to find eSIMs that are 5G ready, like those from Holafly.

Are eSIMs safe to use in New Zealand?

Absolutely! All eSIM providers adhere to the same international security and encryption standards as SIM providers. This means you can have peace of mind knowing your data is safe and secure.

Final thoughts

The beauty of New Zealand is fully experienced when venturing outside the big cities. But going away from the hustle and bustle of urban life means it might be trickier to find access to WiFI. In this case, you'll need to find a solution that allows you to stay connected without costing too much. eSIMs offer just that!

To find the best eSIM for New Zealand, you must consider your specific needs. How much data will you realistically need? Are you planning to visit nearby countries as well?

Our top pick for New Zealand's eSIMs is Instabridge's plan '20 GB New Zealand'. But if you feel like it's not quite what you're looking for, take a look at all the other options here.

Firsty First Class

Firsty

$3.69

New Zealand

GoMoWorld

$18.94

New Zealand

Monty eSIM

$16.99

New Zealand

GoMoWorld

$9.47

20 GB New Zealand

Instabridge

$19.20

New Zealand: Browse more prepaid eSIM plans

🇳🇿 New Zealand: Browse more prepaid eSIM plans

We hope you'll have a thrilling adventure exploring the wilderness of New Zealand !