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Top 6 Best eSIM for New Zealand in 2024
Are you getting to know more about the best eSIMs in New Zealand? Here's all you need to know about it to stay connected while traveling!
July 1, 2024
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You don’t want to be data roaming in New Zealand, no matter where you’re traveling from. You need the best eSIM for New Zealand. Unless you are 100% sure how much data you are spending in every minute of every day, you should forget about using your SIM card for mobile data while traveling. Instead, choose one of the best eSIMs New Zealand has to offer, especially if they come with unlimited data plans.
More precisely, once you decide that you don’t want to risk it with your physical SIM card, you have two options. You can choose an eSIM data plan for New Zealand from one of the global virtual SIM card operators, or you can try to get an eSIM from local mobile carriers. Either way, ditching physical SIM cards and using eSIM services to stay connected is how people travel in 2024.
So, let’s explore the offer for the best eSIM for travel to New Zealand.
Which eSIM Is Best for NZ?
The best eSIM for New Zealand is the one that suits your needs and matches your mobile data usage while traveling. You can check your data usage on your phone easily at any time and learn more about which apps consume the most data. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Will I be using Google Maps a lot?
- Do I want to stream music and videos on my travels?
- Am I going to be watching Netflix on my mobile data?
- Will I be making many video calls?
- Do I need constant Internet access for rideshare apps?
These answers will help you choose the best eSIM for New Zealand because if you want to be care-free with your data usage, your best option is one of the virtual SIM cards without data limits. That’s the hassle-free connectivity that can make your trip better and smoother.
On the other hand, if your phone stays in your hotel for the better part of the day, and you don’t care about Internet connection or even occasional data roaming sessions, you might want to choose a different, more limited plan.
Here’s the best offer for choosing digital SIM cards for New Zealand.
1. Holafly
You can’t talk about the best eSIMs in New Zealand without mentioning Holafly eSIM. The company has taken the eSIM market by storm. There are almost 39,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a rating that goes from 4.6 to 4.7 to prove it. Holafly is available in over 170 destinations worldwide, and some of these destinations come with unlimited data plan packages.
That’s why Holafly has become one of the best alternatives for travelers. It is best known for its customizable unlimited data eSIMs and excellent customer support, which is available 24/7 via chat, the Holafly app, and even WhatsApp.
You can get a New Zealand eSIM from Holafly that lasts anywhere from 1 to 90 days. This includes unlimited data and 3G/4G/LTE/5G network coverage where available in New Zealand. Holafly’s eSIM New Zealand unlimited data plans range from $6 for one day to $129 for 90 days.
2. Ubigi
Ubigi has two New Zealand eSIM plans that are exclusively for New Zealand and not a part of a bundle. Both of them are One-Off plans.
- 10 GB that’s valid for 30 days and costs 39 USD
- 3 GB that’s valid for 30 days and costs 19 USD
There are also two plans that cover Australia and New Zealand and one plan that covers Oceania.
- New Zealand + AUS – 1 GB valid for 7 days at 9 USD
- New Zealand + AUS – 3 GB valid for 30 days at 20 USD
- Oceania – 1 GB valid for 30 days for 24 USD
Some global virtual SIM card plans cover New Zealand and the rest of the world.
Usually, Ubigi has individual, regional, and global plans. They also have one-off, monthly, and annual plans. In the case of New Zealand virtual SIM cards, their data plans are all one-off. There are two monthly options, but they are World data plans.
3. GigSky
GigSky has a very specific offer. While it is available to the general public, it has special offers for those on the cruise or working offshore. This makes it stand out from the other mobile carriers, even though its offer is not big or varied.
GigSky also gives you 100 MB for free for seven days so you can test their virtual SIM card and see if it works. That’s a great way to check whether data speed is as promised and if it really helps you stay connected.
| Countries | Data | Validity | Price (USD) |
| New Zealand | 1 GB | 7 days | $5.99 |
| New Zealand | 5 GB | 7 days | $15.99 |
| New Zealand | 10 GB | 30 days | $26.99 |
| New Zealand | Unlimited | 7 days | $28.99 |
| New Zealand | Unlimited | 15 days | $50.99 |
| Asia Pacific | 1 GB | 7 days | $8.99 |
| Asia Pacific | 3 GB | 7 days | $24.99 |
| Asia Pacific | 5 GB | 15 days | $39.99 |
| Asia Pacific | 10 GB | 30 days | $74.99 |
Asia Pacific includes 28 other countries besides New Zealand.
4. Yesim
Yesim’s offer doesn’t include many eSIM data packages for New Zealand, but it is still an interesting company, especially due to its virtual numbers. Let’s look at their virtual SIM card offer for New Zealand first:
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) |
| 3 GB | 7 days | $12.10 |
| 5 GB | 15 days | $18.70 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24.29 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $34.10 |
| Unlimited | 1 day | $7.70 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $27.50 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $49.50 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | $74.80 |
Now, let’s talk some more about those virtual numbers. Namely, Yesim lets you choose your digital SIM card, and just like other providers, it doesn’t allow calls or texts.
However, Yesim gives you a virtual number, which means you can receive confirmation and registration codes usually sent by SMS. This comes in handy when you want to create an account on Instagram, for example, but don’t want to give away your personal phone number connected to your SIM card.
5. Nomad eSIM
Nomad’s eSIMs are classified into Day Plans and Regular Plans. Both of these can get handy for your trip to New Zealand. Day plans can be 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days long. For that period, you choose whether you can 500 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, or 3 GB a day. Once you hit that cap, your data speed reduces to 512kbps.
Nomad Virtual SIM cards come in all shapes and sizes. There are 11 different plans with different data packages, and different eSIM validity. These plans also vary based on the supported network.
| Data | Validity | Network | Price (USD) |
| 1 GB | 7 days | Spark | $4.00 |
| 1 GB | 7 days | Spark NZ | $4.50 |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 5G Spark NZ | $8.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | Spark NZ | $11.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | Spark NZ | $13.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | Spark NZ | $20.00 |
| 15 GB | 30 days | Spark NZ | $24.00 |
| 20 GB | 45 days | Spark NZ | $30.00 |
| 30 GB | 30 days | Spark | $60.00 |
| 40 GB | 30 days | Spark | $75.00 |
| 50 GB | 30 days | Spark | $90.00 |
6. Maya Mobile
Maya Mobile virtual SIM cards are valid for 5, 10, 15, or 30 days. If you want a virtual SIM card with limited data, you can get it from Maya with data allowance of 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, and 40 GB. These digital SIM cards can have 5 – 30 days validity periods. Their price changes, accordingly, of course.
You can also get an eSIM card with unlimited data from Maya Mobile. The validity periods are the same as for the standard eSIMs, but there are three options: Lite, Standard, and Max. Each of these eSIM profiles has different features. For example. Lite doesn’t have a hotspot option. Unlimited has it, but it only offers 3 GB of daily high-speed internet. Max offers 5 GB.
Which Carriers Support the eSIM in New Zealand?
It’s smart to prepare for the travel beforehand and buy your eSIM while you are still at home. You don’t have to activate it right away. It can stay downloaded to your phone, and you can activate it upon landing in New Zealand.
The other option is to look for an eSIM after you land from the local carriers. Sometimes, they have data packages, SIM cards, and even virtual SIM cards that are worth taking into consideration.
In New Zealand, several major operators support eSIM technology. Let’s check their offers.
Spark NZ
Spark has Travel Packs that are aimed at tourists who want to stay up to three months in New Zealand. These Packs have data allowances, but also calls and and texts. They are available as SIM cards, but they also support eSIM technology. You can share data with their Packs.
| Data | Minutes | SMS | Price (NZD) |
| 2 GB | NZ – 200International – 100 | NZ – 200International – 100 | $29 |
| 10 GB | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 200 | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 200 | $49 |
| 50 GB | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 200 | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 200 | $79 |
| Unlimited with speed cap after 120 GB | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 300 | NZ – unlimitedInternational – 300 | $129 |
One NZ (Formerly Vodafone NZ)
One NZ also offers plans that are valid up to 90 days. It is possible to buy their virtual SIM card online and activate it upon arrival to New Zealand by calling 777. Of course, if you want, you can look for a physical SIM card, but we’ll focus exclusively on their virtual SIM card offer. You have four data plans to choose from to stay connected.
| Data | Minutes | SMS | Price (NZD) |
| 2 GB | 200 to domestic and selected destinations | 200 to domestic and selected destinations | $29 |
| 10 GB | NZ – unlimited International – 200 | NZ – unlimited International – 200 | $49 |
| 40 GB | NZ – unlimited International – 200 | NZ – unlimited International – 200 | $69 |
| 100 GB | NZ – unlimited International – 250 | NZ – unlimited International – 250 | $99 |
Best eSIM plans for New Zealand: Which one to choose?
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and want a travel eSIM, in addition to your SIM card, here’s how to choose one. You have a few great options from global eSIM carriers and local providers.
Holafly is a top pick with its unlimited data and around-the-clock customer support. It’s perfect if you need a lot of data and reliable service.
Ubigi offers flexible and affordable plans, including ones that cover both New Zealand and Australia, which is great if you want to explore the region some more.
GigSky works best for cruise travelers and offshore workers with its special offers.
Yesim provides virtual numbers, which are handy if you need to get SMS confirmations without using your personal number.
Nomad has several different plans supported by Spark’s strong network, so you’ll have reliable coverage wherever you go.
If you are determined to pick a local SIM provider, you can choose from Spark NZ and One NZ (formerly Vodafone). Both of these provide eSIM options that are valid for up to 90 days.
So, depending on how much internet you need and how long you stay, any of these options will keep you connected during your New Zealand adventure. They are just one QR code scan away.
FAQs About Best eSIM for New Zealand
Yes, you can get an eSIM for Australia and New Zealand. Holafly offers regional plans that cover both of these countries.
Yes, you can get an eSIM in New Zealand. Check out the best eSIM options from the global providers listed above. However, even New Zealand mobile carriers offer their own eSIM packages.
Yes, Nomad eSIM works for New Zealand. However, there are other alternatives, as well. If you would rather have unlimited data for your stay in New Zealand, Holafly plans are worth looking into.
Yes, Maya Mobile works in New Zealand. They have standard and unlimited plans. If you want a more flexible alternative with a customizable number of days, you should look into Holafly’s offer.
Vodafone New Zealand is now One NZ. It definitely supports eSIM technology as well as SIM cards. They are a local network, so you most probably need to buy their virtual SIM card upon arrival and not before.
