Are you planning to explore the beautiful nature of New Zealand, wander through the nooks of Hobbiton, or work on a farm? Whatever your reason for visiting this country, you’ll definitely want to stay connected during your journey to use maps, social networks, and keep in touch with your loved ones. If you’re contemplating whether to buy a local SIM card or opt for an eSIM New Zealand, the following lines will guide you.
Data eSIM New Zealand: How to choose the best one?
When choosing an eSIM, you need to consider how long you will be there and how much data you approximately need. Wi-Fi coverage in New Zealand is relatively good in cities, but if you often use the internet, opt for plans with more data. Additionally, consider that you will be using some apps you don’t need at home, like maps or a translator, which will also consume some data. If you need help with the selection, check out our article on how to choose the best eSIM.
If you plan to travel more and explore the stunning nature, we definitely recommend getting plans with more data and choosing one that connects to the Spark network. It has the best coverage in New Zealand.
There are 4 operators in New Zealand, we recommend choosing One (formerly Vodafone), Spark (the largest coverage, ideal for remote areas of New Zealand), and possibly 2degrees.

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The Most Affordable Data eSIM for New Zealand
Let’s take a look at the most popular and cost-effective data packages available.
Cheapest Packages
If you plan to purchase a SIM card but want at least some temporary and affordable internet access, a 1 GB package might be the best choice. It’s sufficient if you primarily use the internet as a backup and have maps downloaded on your phone.
The cheapest eSIM is available from Jetpac, offering 1 GB of data for just $1. However, its validity is limited to 4 days, but it also works in Australia.
Another affordable option is from eSIM4Travel, which provides 1 GB for $1.36 with a validity of 7 days.
A slightly pricier package can be found at Mobimatter for $3.49 with a validity of 7 or 14 days. Airalo offers the same amount for $4.50 with a validity of only 7 days.

Moderate Data Usage (5 GB)
If you’re planning to use the internet more frequently in New Zealand but still have access to Wi-Fi, a 5 GB package should suffice.
The most affordable option here is eSIM4Travel, where you’ll pay $5.37 for 5 GB of data valid for 30 days. Mobimatter offers a similar package for $6.99.
Other providers offer similar packages for around $10. For example, Maya Mobile offers a 10-day package for $10.39. You can adjust the validity to longer or shorter periods based on your needs.
Jetpac provides 5 GB for $10 valid for 30 days, and it also works in Australia.
With Nomad, the price is $11, while Airalo offers this package for $16.
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High Data Usage (10 GB)
If you need consistent access to maps, social media, and general internet use, you’ll want at least 10 GB.
The best price is once again with eSIM4Travel, offering 10 GB of data for 30 days at $9.79.
You can’t go wrong with Mobimatter, where you’ll pay $10.99. For an additional $6, you can get 20 GB for even more browsing.
Maya Mobile offers 10 GB with 30-day validity for $14.39, and you can reduce costs if you opt for fewer days.
With Nomad, you’re looking at $13, while Airalo provides this package for $27.
Unlimited Data
If you need constant online access for work or peace of mind that you won’t run out of data, unlimited data packages are the way to go. Keep in mind that “unlimited” often means up to 3 GB per day, after which speeds may slow down. The next day, full speed resumes.
Holafly charges $50.90 for 15 days of unlimited data. If you need 30 days, it’s priced at $74.90, and you can customize the number of days according to your needs.
For longer durations, Maya Mobile offers unlimited data for 30 days at $47.19. For 15 days, it’s priced at $35.19. You can use up to 3 GB daily. If you want hotspot sharing with 5 GB daily, it costs $67.19.
Global YO provides a 15-day unlimited data package for $20.89. Note that you can use up to 1 GB daily before speeds slow, but it’s sufficient for maps and communication apps.
For a package that includes VPN, consider Yesim for $36.30 with 15-day validity.
eSIM4Travel also offers Daily Pass options, such as 2 GB per day for 10 days at $16.38.
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Overview of the Best eSIM Plans for New Zealand
Provider | GB | Price | Validity |
Jetpac | 1 GB | $1 | 4 days |
eSIM4Travel | 5 GB | $5.37 | 30 days |
eSIM4Travel | 10 GB | $9.79 | 30 days |
Global YO | Unlimited | $20.89 | 15 days |
Classic SIM card in New Zealand
If for some reason you need a classic SIM card, you might be surprised that you’ll pay a bit more than for an eSIM.
You can get a SIM card right at the airport at one of the operators’ kiosks. You’ll encounter the same packages in stores in the cities. Be prepared to present your passport when purchasing as the SIM card will be registered in your name. You can easily avoid this process if you opt for an eSIM.
New Zealand has four main operators. The largest is One, which used to be Vodafone. If you want a local number but prefer an eSIM, you can buy it online. For example, you can get a package for about $29 (49 NZD) with 10 GB of data. They also have an app where you can monitor your data usage.
A similar offer is available from the operator Spark, which provides the best signal coverage throughout New Zealand, offering virtually identical packages as One.
The third player is 2degrees. They offer 8 GB of data for about $27 (45 NZD), not particularly impressive.
You might also encounter Skinny, essentially a subsidiary of Spark operating on their network. With them, you can get 5 GB of data for about $24 (40 NZD). After you exhaust your data, you can continue surfing, but at a slower speed.

Orientation prices of operators
- 10 GB with a 90-day validity + calling and texts: $29 (One)
- 10 GB with a 90-day validity + calling and texts: $29 (Spark)
- 8 GB with a 30-day validity + calling and texts: $24 (2degrees)
Summary of eSIM New Zealand
It’s not often the case, but when it comes to New Zealand, purchasing an eSIM really pays off. Providers offer more data for lower prices. Buy a local SIM card if you also need a New Zealand phone number. Nowadays, however, you can often easily communicate via Whatsapp, Messenger, Skype, and other communication apps.
Alternatively, you can choose the cheapest prepaid package from a local operator to have a local number and buy an eSIM for data. It depends on what meets your requirements. With an eSIM for New Zealand, you definitely won’t go wrong.