RedEx
RedEx offers a 15-day/10GB New Zealand data-only eSIM for $18. It connects to Spark’s 4G base stations, providing approximately 98% population coverage.
Since data is routed through a Singapore node, the network latency (Ping) is usually around 150ms. This plan does not include a local number starting with +64 and only supports internet calls such as WhatsApp and Skype.
Over a 14-day itinerary, the average daily available data is about 700MB.
Network Access: Uses the local New Zealand Spark 4G network, providing signal coverage for 98% of populated areas.
Data Capacity: A total of 10GB of 4G data, which averages to about 700MB per day over a 14-day trip.
Traffic Limitations: The network disconnects automatically after the 10GB of data is exhausted; no speed-limited unlimited data service is provided.
Hotspot Sharing: Supports device hotspots, allowing data to be shared with companions’ phones or iPads.
Voice Features: This is a data-only package and does not include a +64 local number; calling New Zealand landlines requires using VoIP software like Skype.
Routing Latency: Data is routed through servers in Singapore; the 150ms Ping value is sufficient for Google Maps navigation and Instagram image loading.
Installation & Activation: After purchasing online, receive a QR code via email; the validity starts when you land at a New Zealand airport and enable data roaming in your settings.
Device Requirements: Only for unlocked smartphones that support eSIM functionality; a few devices may require manual entry of the APN name from the email to connect.
Package Price: The 15-day/10GB data plan has a fixed price of $18.
Daily Cost: Based on an actual 14-day itinerary, the average daily cost is approximately $1.28.
Renewal Options: Does not support recharging top-up bundles on the original eSIM profile; a new configuration must be purchased once data is used up.
Suitable Target Users: Light to medium mobile users who are accustomed to using WhatsApp for contact and consume less than 1GB of data per day.
Applicable Travel Scenarios: Tourists mainly active in Auckland, Christchurch, and towns along Highway 1 who do not enter remote areas without signal.
Spark Travel Pack
Spark Travel Pack is a native prepaid product from New Zealand’s largest telecommunications operator, priced at 49 NZD for 10GB of high-speed data. It boasts 98.5% population coverage across the country, with signals directly connected to local 5G/4G base stations, and latency is typically below 30ms.
The package includes a local mobile number starting with +64, providing 200 minutes of New Zealand domestic calls and 200 SMS, making it convenient to contact car rental companies or restaurants.
Users can automatically obtain an additional 1GB of free WiFi data daily when near Spark phone booths located throughout towns, making the actual total available data far exceed the nominal value.
Network Access: Direct connection to Spark’s local 4G/5G network without passing through overseas roaming nodes, enjoying the highest priority signal bandwidth.
Data Capacity: The 49 NZD package provides 10GB of general data, averaging about 730MB per day for a 14-day trip.
Extra Traffic: Automatically get 1GB of free WiFi data daily when near over 1,000 Spark phone booth areas across New Zealand.
Local Number: Includes a real New Zealand mobile number starting with +64, capable of receiving Uber verification codes or activity booking confirmation SMS.
Calls & SMS: The package comes with 200 minutes of New Zealand domestic calling time and 200 local SMS; receiving calls is free.
Network Latency: As a local native card, the Ping value for accessing local New Zealand websites and services is extremely low, with faster loading speeds than roaming eSIMs.
Hotspot Sharing: Allows sharing mobile data through a personal hotspot with laptops or companions, with no limit on the number of devices.
Installation & Activation: After purchase, download the Spark NZ app, follow the instructions to download the eSIM profile, and verify passport information to activate.
Package Price: The 10GB travel package is typically priced at 49 NZD (approximately $30).
Renewal Options: Extra data bundles or calling minutes can be purchased anytime within the Spark App using a bound credit card.
Suitable Target Users: Self-drive tourists who need to make local New Zealand calls to book activities, require high network response speeds, and plan to visit remote scenic areas.
Applicable Travel Scenarios: Long-distance self-driving around the South Island, traveling in signal-fringe areas such as Mount Cook or the fjords, and itineraries requiring frequent contact with local merchants.
One NZ Visitor eSIM
One NZ’s (formerly Vodafone NZ) Visitor eSIM is priced at 49 NZD and includes 10GB of high-speed data and a +64 local number. It utilizes One NZ’s 4G/5G base stations, covering 98.5% of New Zealand’s populated areas and providing superior 5G access speeds in urban areas compared to roaming cards.
A key feature of the package is the inclusion of 200 minutes of international long-distance calls to 15 countries/regions including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, while providing unlimited SMS to New Zealand and Australia. Data connects directly to the local network, with latency stable within 30ms, suitable for apps sensitive to network response speeds.
Network Access: Connects to One NZ’s local 4G/5G network, supporting faster 5G band access in large city centers.
Data Capacity: The 49 NZD package includes 10GB of data, with an average daily allocation of about 730MB for a 14-day trip.
International Calls: Provides 200 minutes of calling time to local New Zealand numbers and numbers in 15 designated countries such as the US, UK, and Australia.
SMS Service: Includes unlimited SMS to New Zealand and Australian mobile numbers, convenient for contacting local service providers or travel companions.
Local Number: Assigned a real mobile number starting with +64, which can be used to register local apps or receive restaurant booking confirmations.
Network Latency: Data is not routed through overseas nodes; local access latency is typically extremely low, with rapid response for loading webpages and videos.
Hotspot Sharing: Allows enabling a personal hotspot to share the 10GB of data with laptops or other mobile devices.
Installation & Activation: Scan the QR code after purchase to download the configuration; usually does not require a registration process as complex as Spark’s, but it is recommended to keep your passport ready for inspection.
Package Price: The basic visitor package is 49 NZD (approx. $30), with a high-capacity version available at 59 NZD/20GB.
Renewal Options: Once data is used up, additional data add-ons can be purchased through the One NZ website or app using an international credit card.
Suitable Target Users: Tourists who need to frequently make international long-distance calls home or who mainly stay in well-covered urban areas.
Applicable Travel Scenarios: Mixed itineraries involving significant city sightseeing and a need to frequently contact overseas relatives or local guides.
Airalo
The “Nzcom” series eSIM provided by Airalo is the most popular choice among international tourists, with its 10GB/30-day package priced at just $24. This service roams on the One NZ (formerly Vodafone) 4G/LTE network, which has good signal coverage in cities and along main roads.
Because data traffic is routed through servers in Singapore or Europe, network latency is typically between 150ms and 200ms, which does not affect web browsing but may cause slight lag in video calls. This is a data-only solution and does not include a phone number; all calls must be made via WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Users can monitor data balances in real-time through the Airalo App, which has an intuitive interface and supports one-click renewals.
Network Access: Roams on One NZ’s 4G/LTE network, sharing the operator’s infrastructure coverage throughout New Zealand.
Package Price: The 10GB data bundle is priced at $24, which is about $6 cheaper than similar packages from local operators.
Validity Period: The data bundle is valid for up to 30 days, fully covering a 14-day travel cycle without worrying about expiration.
Calling Features: Provides only data services; does not include a local mobile number and cannot make standard calls or receive SMS verification codes.
App Experience: The Airalo app is designed to be extremely user-friendly, supporting detailed data usage statistics and intuitive installation guides.
Data Top-up: Supports purchasing “Top-up” bundles within the App, allowing continued use by adding data without reinstalling the eSIM profile.
Network Latency: Due to the international roaming routing mechanism, the Ping value is high (about 180ms), making it unsuitable for online games with extreme real-time requirements.
Installation Method: After purchase, click install in the App (for devices supporting Direct Install) or scan the QR code to activate.
Suitable Target Users: Young tourists who are used to using internet calling software, seek convenience, and do not need a local number to make calls.
Applicable Travel Scenarios: Standard sightseeing itineraries using Google Maps navigation and social media sharing; suitable for users who do not want to swap physical SIM cards.
Nomad
Nomad is the top choice for tourists seeking cost-effectiveness, with its 10GB/30-day data bundle often on sale for as low as $15—nearly 40% cheaper than Airalo. The service accesses the One NZ or Spark network via upstream providers like Truphone or CSL (depending on the specific package).
Although rated for 4G/LTE speeds, its aggressive data routing strategy (often via Hong Kong or the UK) means network latency can sometimes exceed 250ms, resulting in a slight sluggishness during the initial stage of webpage loading.
Its app interface is very modern, supporting one-click payment with Apple Pay and real-time usage tracking, making it ideal for price-sensitive users who primarily use social media.
Network Access: Depending on the package, randomly accesses One NZ or Spark’s 4G/LTE network, with coverage consistent with major operators.
Package Price: The 10GB data bundle often has promotional activities, with prices as low as $15, which is only about $1 per day.
Validity Period: Data bundles are typically valid for 30 days, which is more than enough for a 14-day trip.
Calling Features: Data-only eSIM, does not include a local number or voice minutes, and cannot send or receive SMS verification codes.
App Experience: The Nomad App is designed to be clean and aesthetic, supporting various payment methods (Apple Pay/Google Pay) for quick checkout.
Data Add-on: Supports purchasing “Add-on” data bundles within the App, with automatic reminders to renew before data is exhausted.
Network Latency: Long routing paths (usually via Hong Kong) result in Ping values potentially over 200ms, with occasional stuttering in video calls.
Installation Method: After a successful purchase, click “Install eSIM” in the App to configure automatically without scanning a QR code.
Suitable Target Users: Tourists who are extremely price-sensitive, mainly use Instagram/TikTok to share travel updates, and do not care about lightning-fast responsiveness.
Applicable Travel Scenarios: Budget backpacker trips and leisure itineraries mainly involving checking in and taking photos at cities and popular attractions.