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New Zealand plug type: Complete adapter guide for travelers
New Zealand plug type is I and uses 230 voltage. Find out if you need a travel adapter and a voltage converter, and how to stay connected with an eSIM.
New Zealand uses type I plugs with 230V, similar to Australia. This means overseas travelers need a travel adapter and maybe a voltage converter.
This guide explains the specifics of the New Zealand plug type, voltage, and whether your devices will work without a converter. Plus, we tell you how to stay connected using an eSIM during your trip.
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What plug type does New Zealand use?
New Zealand plug type is I, which is the same as the Australian and other Pacific Island nations outlets with three flat pins in a triangular pattern.
Type I plugs have two lower pins that carry current, with a grounding top pin. In some cases, a two-pin version is also found, but it’s not the standard.
Voltage and frequency in New Zealand
New Zealand voltage is 230 at 50Hz, the same as in Australia and Europe, making it easy for travelers from these regions to use their electronics there.
However, travelers from the US, Canada, and regions where 110-120V is the standard might need a voltage converter to use their electronics while in New Zealand.
Travel tip: Check the power supply label of your electronic devices to verify whether they are single-voltage or dual-voltage before buying a voltage converter.
Do you need a travel adapter for New Zealand?
If you’re traveling from Australia or another country that uses type I plugs, you won’t need a travel adapter.
Travelers from Europe, the US, Canada, the UK, and other regions will need a travel adapter, as none use the New Zealand plug type.
Do you need a voltage converter for New Zealand?
New Zealand’s 230-volt standard is similar to Australia’s and Europe’s, as well as to other countries like Hong Kong, so travelers won’t need a voltage converter to use New Zealand outlets.
Travelers from 110-120V regions might need a voltage converter if they have single-voltage electronic devices, such as hair appliances and older devices.
But many modern devices, like phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, and chargers, are now dual-voltage, meaning only a New Zealand plug adapter is needed.
Still, always keep an eye out for the power supply label on your devices to avoid surprises while traveling.
Where to buy New Zealand travel adapters
Due to the New Zealand plug type, a travel adapter is needed, and you have different options to buy one:
- Before you travel (US): Buy it online at stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, or your preferred electronics store. Ideally, get a universal adapter with a Type I plug support. Price ranges from $8 to $25.
- At the airport: Upon arrival at the Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airports, you can find where to buy one, but prices are usually doubled.
- In New Zealand: Easily found at convenience stores like Z Energy Stations, supermarkets like New World, and malls, with prices ranging from NZD $10 to 30 (~$5.20 to $17.50 USD), but better to come prepared from your home country if not heading to major cities.
Stay connected in New Zealand with eSIM
Once you’re done packing your travel adapter and maybe a voltage converter, it’s time to choose the best way to stay connected in New Zealand.
Using a New Zealand SIM card is a good idea, but you’ll need to find local stores from operators such as Vodafone NZ, 2degrees, or Spark, and deal with the registration process before getting internet access.
Another option is to use roaming in New Zealand, but Verizon and AT&T roaming passes can cost $140 for a 2-week trip.
That makes eSIM an affordable alternative that you can buy and install before traveling, meaning you’ll get internet as soon as you land, and it’ll be easy to walk around Auckland, Wellington, or translate Māori phrases.
Your best option is to use the Holafly eSIM for New Zealand with unlimited plans starting at $3.90 for 1 day. Alternatively, you can use Holafly Plans, a monthly subscription with unlimited data and up to unlimited hotspot data, depending on your preferred plan.
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Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
