Internet in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Overview of Connectivity Options

New Zealand has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with a high penetration rate of around 85% of the population.

The country's internet speeds are among the fastest in the world, with average download speeds of over 50 Mbps.

Mobile internet is also widely available, with many providers offering 4G and 5G coverage across the country.

Chorus, the country's primary telecommunications infrastructure company, has invested heavily in upgrading its fibre-optic network to meet growing demand.

The internet infrastructure in New Zealand is quite impressive, with a large portion of the population having access to fast and reliable internet.

The country has a fibre-optic network that spans over 1.2 million kilometres, making it one of the longest in the world.

New Zealand's fibre-optic network provides speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is significantly faster than the average global speed.

Chorus, the country's largest internet infrastructure company, has been working to expand its fibre-optic network to cover 87% of New Zealand's population by 2025.

The country's internet infrastructure is also supported by a robust network of data centres, with major providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure operating in the region.

The Government has invested heavily in broadband initiatives to improve internet access across New Zealand. The Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative has committed NZ$1.35 billion to roll out fibre-to-the-home connections in main towns and cities, aiming to deliver speeds of at least 100 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload to 75% of New Zealanders by 2019.

The Rural Broadband Initiative has brought broadband to 86% of rural customers, with Vodafone installing 154 new cell towers and upgrading 387 towers. This has added 250,000 addresses to its 3G coverage.

The Government has also launched a $100 million investment to expand the Rural Broadband Initiative, in addition to the original $300 million contract awarded to Vodafone and Chorus. This expansion aims to bring broadband to even more rural areas.

In 2015, the Government extended the Ultra-Fast Broadband programme by $152 million to $210 million, aiming to increase coverage from 75% to 80% of New Zealanders.

Here's a breakdown of the broadband types and their average speeds in New Zealand:

The Government has also introduced initiatives to make internet access more affordable, such as the Skinny Jump programme, which provides subsidised broadband services to eligible New Zealanders for just $5 a month.

Ultra-fast broadband capable of at least 100 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload is available to 75% of New Zealanders as part of the Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative.

The Rural Broadband Initiative aims to bring broadband of at least 5 Mbit/s to 86% of rural customers by 2016, with Vodafone installing 154 new cell towers and upgrading 387 towers.

You can check the availability of fibre broadband in your area using the National Broadband Map or Chorus Network Capability Map.

The Ultra-Fast Broadband scheme rolled out fibre to the home to urban areas of the country via GPON technology, bringing high-speed fibre broadband to 412 towns and cities.

Fibre plans offer speeds ranging from 30/10 Mbit/s to 8000/8000 Mbit/s, with 8000 Mbit/s services made available to approximately 150,000 premises in Auckland and Wellington.

Here are some common types of broadband services in New Zealand:

You can experience speeds as high as 100 Mbit/s with the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative, which aims to deliver at least 100 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload to 75% of New Zealanders by 2019.

To get the most out of your broadband, consider your modem's performance and location of the server or exchange you're connected to. These factors can impact your speeds, which may be higher or lower than the national averages.

One way to make the most of your limited bandwidth is to turn off syncing for Google Photos and iCloud, online backups, and automated podcast downloads. This can help reduce your internet usage and ensure a smoother online experience.

The Commerce Commission's Measuring Broadband New Zealand (MBNZ) report shows that 4G wireless broadband has an average download speed of 44 Mbps and an average upload speed of 20 Mbps.

To give you a better idea of the different broadband options available, here's a summary of the average download and upload speeds for each type of broadband:

Maps are a fantastic resource for understanding the broadband landscape in New Zealand. One NZ's DOCSIS 3.1 hybrid fibre-coaxial network covers parts of Kapiti, 85% of Wellington, and almost two-thirds of Christchurch.

You can access various maps online to get a better understanding of the broadband infrastructure in New Zealand. Some of the notable maps include the National Broadband Map and the Chorus Network Capability Map.

For a more detailed look at cell towers and Chorus cabinets, the GIS Geek map is a useful resource. Additionally, the Telecom New Zealand map shows the submarine cables connecting New Zealand and Australia.

Here are some notable maps related to broadband in New Zealand:

You can also explore other resources like Down To The Wire, Connecting the Clouds – the Internet in New Zealand, and Hill, Holes & Poles Rural broadband to gain a deeper understanding of broadband in New Zealand.

Free WiFi is a great perk, but it's not as common as you'd think in New Zealand. Approximately 10% of the places we stayed at in the past two months offered free WiFi.

Libraries and government facilities are the best places to find free WiFi, with many locations throughout the country offering this service. You can catch up on your online backups and sync your Dropbox at places like the Te Papa Museum in Wellington.

Telecom has set up "Free Telecom Wi-fi Zones" in tourist areas, which are actually payphones with WiFi hotspots. You'll need a mobile phone number to sign up for the service, which allows you to connect up to five devices and download up to 1GB/day for each.

Free WiFi is also available at some cafes and restaurants, but it really depends on the city or town you're in. Finding unsecured WiFi will be very tricky, so you'll likely have to stay for a while with a drink or meal to see if it's any good.

Additional reading: Free Web Backup

By 1978, a national network had been established at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) linking campus "mainframes" around the country via PDP/11 and LSI/11 machines.

The DSIR was not able to link all research institutions together due to the Telecommunications Act, but this changed in the mid-1980s with the advent of the Post Office's packet-switching network based on X.25.

The UK's Joint Academic NETwork (JANET) "Blue Book" standard was chosen over the US's ARPANET standard, and the Coloured Book protocols were developed as interim X.25 standards.

These Coloured Book protocols gained international acceptance, with several years of lead over other countries, and paved the way for New Zealand's research network development.

The push for development came from the DSIR and the Universities, particularly the University of Waikato and John Houlker, who worked tirelessly to bring everything together by 1987.

Here's an interesting read: Why Are Internet Protocols Important

Dial-up connections were less than 1% of all connections in NZ by 2018, a significant decline from 7% in 2012.

Spark NZ announced plans to replace all PSTN exchanges with new IP equipment within 5 years in April 2017, effectively ending dial-up support.

Spark NZ withdrew dial-up services in May 2018.

One NZ, formerly Vodafone, followed suit by withdrawing dial-up services in May 2021.

By 1978, a national network had been established at the then Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), linking campus "mainframes" around the country via PDP/11 and LSI/11 machines.

However, due to the Telecommunications Act, the DSIR was not able to link all the research institutions together. The universities and other non-DSIR research institutions were left out.

In the mid-1980s, the Post Office introduced a packet-switching network based on X.25, which allowed for the linking of various institutions at a cost. This was a major breakthrough in the development of a national research network.

The UK's Joint Academic NETwork (JANET) "Blue Book" standard was chosen as the basis for the new network, rather than the US's ARPANET standard. The Coloured Book protocols, an "interim" X.25 standard, were used until international agreement was reached on an international standard.

The push for development came from the DSIR and the Universities, particularly the University of Waikato and John Houlker. Everything was in place by 1987, except for the last key component – international traffic.

New Zealand's first international internet connection was established in 1989 from Waikato University through IBM, thanks to the efforts of John Houlker. This connection had a capacity of 64 kbit/s.

Take a look at this: Fb Messenger No Internet Connection

As we move into the current state of New Zealand's internet connectivity, it's clear that significant progress has been made. Most of New Zealand's current international connectivity is provided by three under-sea fibre optic cables with a combined total throughput of 73 terabits per second.

The Southern Cross Cable is one of these cables, and it's been a major player in connecting New Zealand to the internet backbone since 1997. Completed in February 2001, it has a current capacity of 5.4 Tbit/s and spans an impressive 30,500 km.

The Tasman Global Access cable, completed in March 2017, is another significant player in New Zealand's international connectivity. With a current design capacity of 20 Tbit/s, it's a vital link between New Zealand and Australia.

The Hawaiki Transpacific Submarine Cable System, which came into service in July 2018, is the newest addition to New Zealand's international connectivity. With a capacity of 43.8 Tbit/s, it's a major upgrade to the country's internet infrastructure.

Here's a brief summary of the three under-sea fibre optic cables that provide most of New Zealand's current international connectivity:

New Zealand's internet speeds and coverage have made significant progress in recent years. The country ranks 43rd in the world for cellular internet speeds, with an average download speed of 61.57Mbps and an average upload speed of 9.97Mbps.

Spark has the most extensive coverage nationwide, with 5G accessible in many locations. In rural and remote areas, Spark's coverage is still quite comprehensive compared to the other two providers.

The three major network operators in New Zealand are Spark, 2degrees, and One (formerly Vodafone). One NZ delivered the fastest median download speed in Q4 2023 at 73.52Mbps, followed by Spark at 70.23Mbps, and 2degrees at 64.86Mbps.

For the fastest speeds and reliable coverage, you may choose to use the networks of Spark or One NZ. For the most consistent performance, you may use 2degrees networks.

Here's a summary of the average download speeds for different types of broadband connections in New Zealand:

Ultra-fast broadband is being rolled out across the country, with the goal of delivering speeds of at least 100 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload to 75% of New Zealanders by 2019.

There are several connectivity options for travelers to New Zealand, including prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, Pocket Wifi, roaming, and public Wifi.

Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice, offering flexible usage and can be used as a hotspot. You can buy them at kiosks at major airports or telecom stores.

For those with compatible devices, eSIMs are a convenient option, offering fast activation and no physical SIM required. They can be purchased online from New Zealand telcos or eSIM providers.

Here's a comparison of some of the major carriers' SIM card plans:

Note that these plans are subject to change, so it's best to contact the carrier for the most accurate details.

Satellite broadband is a reliable option for those in rural areas. Farmside uses IPSTAR to provide coverage throughout the country.

Gravity's satellite broadband is powered by JCSAT-3A, with the option to switch to Kacific-1 when it was launched in late 2019.

Having a stable internet connection is crucial for work and leisure, and satellite broadband can provide that.

Additional reading: Satellite Internet Backup

If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, staying connected is a must. You have five major connectivity options to choose from: prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, Pocket Wifi, roaming, and Wifi.

Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice, offering flexible usage and the ability to use your phone as a hotspot. You can find them at kiosks at major airports or telecom stores. However, you'll need a compatible phone.

eSIMs are another option, which can be activated digitally on your phone. They're slightly cheaper than traditional SIM cards and offer fast activation. However, not all phones are compatible with eSIMs.

Roaming with your home provider is also an option, but be aware that the rates can be very high. You'll need to check your plan carefully before traveling.

If you're looking for a more portable option, Pocket Wifi is a good choice. It allows you to share your internet connection with others and can be used anywhere. However, the rental cost and limited data in some plans are drawbacks.

A different take: No Internet Connection on Wifi Iphone

Public Wifi is also available in many places, including cafes, stations, and malls. It's free, but be aware that security issues can arise.

Here's a comparison of these options:

For many New Zealanders, accessing the internet can be a challenge due to the cost barrier. Approximately 130,320 homes across New Zealand don't have an internet connection.

The government has taken steps to address this issue through initiatives like Skinny Jump, which provides subsidised broadband services to eligible New Zealanders for just $5 a month. This includes seniors, people with disabilities, and those living in social housing, among others.

If you're on a Spark, Skinny, OneNZ, 2degrees, Warehouse Mobile, Slingshot, or Orcon mobile network, you can access key health sector websites for free via the Zero Data initiative through the www.zero.govt.nz website.

You can also consider purchasing a data SIM card for affordable rates to tourists, with options starting from USD $9 for 1GB data + 100 minutes from One (former Vodafone) for 28 days.

The cost of mobile internet in New Zealand can vary greatly, with prepaid physical SIM cards from main carriers offering budget-friendly fees. A prepaid eSIM may also be a great choice for tourists, with prices from $10.50 – $141.50 for 3-20GB of data, valid for 5-30 days.

For your interest: Internet Data Center

Data caps were once a common feature in New Zealand, with over 90% of connections having caps in 2014. Most retail service providers (RSPs) now offer unlimited data plans, but some still have caps.

In 2014, about 11% of connections had data caps under 5 GB/month, while 26% had caps between 20-50 GB/month. Only about 6% of connections had data caps over 100 GB/month.

As of June 2018, less than 30% of internet connections had a fixed data cap. This is a significant decrease from 2014.

Most mobile phone data plans have set caps, with any excess paid for per MB. Some RSPs offer extra data blocks to avoid expensive casual data pricing.

On average, each household uses 265 GB of data per month, as of August 2019. This is a notable increase from the data caps that were once common.

Pricing can be a significant concern when traveling to New Zealand. A prepaid SIM card from the main carriers in New Zealand can cost as little as NZD $19 for 1.5GB data and 200 minutes.

The prices of mobile internet rates in New Zealand vary depending on the option chosen. A New Zealand SIM card costs around USD $11.7 for 1.5GB data and 200 minutes, while a New Zealand eSIM can cost between $10.50 and $141.50 for 3-20GB of data, valid for 5-30 days.

The Commerce Commission performed a comparison of broadband prices in New Zealand with prices in OECD and OECD-like countries. According to their data, a 10Mbit/s DSL/Cable plan with 30GB data cap costs NZ$75, which is ranked 17th out of 28 plans compared.

A dedicated broadband comparison website, glimp, was launched in January 2016 to help consumers compare broadband plans and find the best deals. This website was the first of its kind in New Zealand and has made it easier for people to find affordable broadband options.

The prices of broadband plans in New Zealand vary depending on the technology used and the data cap. A 100Mbit/s fibre plan with 150GB data cap costs NZ$139 per month, while a mobile plan with 1.5GB data costs NZ$29 per month.

Here is a summary of the prices of different connectivity options in New Zealand:

Overall, the prices of connectivity options in New Zealand vary depending on the option chosen and the amount of data needed.

Using a mobile hotspot is a great option for staying connected in New Zealand. XCOM Global mobile hotspots are a good choice, as they roam on the Vodafone network and allow up to five devices to connect at once.

These hotspots are particularly useful for travelers who don't want to deal with Wi-Fi or unlocked phones. They offer good value for a short-term stay, with a daily rate of $15 for "unlimited" data, although the actual limit is about 400MB or two days.

This can be a cost-effective option for someone staying in New Zealand for a week or two, as it eliminates the need to purchase a local SIM card or worry about data limits.

For your interest: How Good Is Spectrum Internet