New Zealand – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for New Zealand, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

New Zealand’s assigned telephone country code is +64, and callers dialling out of the country use 00 as the international access prefix. To reach a New Zealand number from overseas, dial your own country’s international exit code, followed by 64, then omit the leading zero from the area code before adding the local number. As an illustration, a number written locally as 09 700 1234 would be dialled internationally as +64 9 700 1234.

New Zealand landline numbers consist of eight digits in total, not counting the leading zero: a single-digit area code paired with a seven-digit subscriber number — for instance, 09 700 1234. The country uses five regional area codes altogether: 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9. These codes cover the whole country, with area code 3 serving the entire South Island and the remaining four codes dividing the North Island between them.

The table below shows the area codes for cities and regions that attract the highest numbers of expats and newcomers:

Mobile numbers must always be dialled in full, with no digits dropped. New Zealand mobile numbers start with 02 — most commonly 021, 022, 027, or 029 — followed by seven to nine digits. This applies whether you are calling from within the country or from abroad. Toll-free numbers begin with 0508 or 0800, usually followed by six digits (though seven are used in some cases). These calls are free when placed from a landline but may incur charges from a mobile phone depending on the plan you hold.

Who are the major landline providers in New Zealand, and how can you contact them?

Historically, fixed-line telephone services ran over copper-based infrastructure, but fibre connections now account for the majority of residential services. Spark New Zealand, One NZ, and 2degrees dominate the market, though several smaller providers also compete. In practice, the great majority of home phone services today are delivered via fibre or wireless broadband connections rather than the legacy copper network.

The leading providers of landline and home phone services for residential customers are:

• Spark New Zealand — The country’s largest and longest-established fixed-line provider, operating formerly as Telecom New Zealand. Home phone plans are available bundled with broadband. Website: spark.co.nz. Customer service: 0800 800 123.
• One NZ — Previously trading as Vodafone NZ. A broadband subscription with One NZ is a prerequisite for accessing one of their home phone packages. Website: one.nz/home-phone. Customer service: 0800 438 448.
• 2degrees — Provides home phone services as part of bundles with fibre broadband plans. Website: 2degrees.nz. Customer service: 0800 022 022.
• Mercury — An energy and broadband company that includes landline add-ons within its service offering. Website: mercury.co.nz. Customer service: 0800 10 18 10.
• Nova Energy — Home phone can be added to a Nova broadband plan. The entry-level package covers unlimited calls to standard New Zealand landlines, call waiting, and caller ID. Website: novaenergy.co.nz. Customer service: 0800 668 236.

Much of New Zealand’s underlying telecommunications infrastructure is owned by Chorus Limited, with numerous retail providers selling connectivity services on top of it. Chorus operates as a wholesale network company and does not offer services directly to end users. As a result, the provider you choose may well be using Chorus infrastructure beneath the surface — this is entirely standard and nothing to be concerned about.

As of 2023, providers such as Spark offer landline add-ons to existing broadband plans. Spark offers no-contract broadband plans that come with a landline option, and you can also add a landline to an existing broadband connection. Always refer to providers’ official websites for up-to-date pricing and plan availability, as tariffs are subject to change.

Telecoms regulation in New Zealand sits with the Commerce Commission. For consumer rights information, complaints guidance, and regulatory details, visit comcom.govt.nz. The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) scheme provides a free, independent channel for resolving unresolved disputes between consumers and their providers: tdr.org.nz.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in New Zealand, and how can you contact them?

New Zealand’s three primary mobile operators are Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ. Spark is the largest carrier, with more than 2.4 million customers, and offers prepaid, postpaid, and business plans alongside broadband, home phone, and TV services. 2degrees serves over 1.4 million customers and provides prepaid, postpaid, and business plans as well as broadband, home phone, and power. One NZ is the third major player with more than 2.5 million customers, offering prepaid, postpaid, and business options across its range.

While all three major operators provide a broad selection of plans, coverage quality can differ between networks, particularly outside urban centres. Spark is widely recognised for delivering the most reliable mobile coverage in rural districts and popular tourist destinations, with its network reaching 98% of the population and performing well in more remote locations. 2degrees offers competitive urban coverage at attractive price points but may be less consistent in rural settings.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) do not own physical network infrastructure but instead lease capacity from the major carriers, often passing on savings to customers through lower pricing. MVNOs active in New Zealand include Warehouse Mobile (a subsidiary of The Warehouse Group), Nova Energy, Slingshot (owned by 2degrees), and Kiwi Mobile (owned by Electric Kiwi), among others. Always verify current plan pricing and coverage maps on each provider’s official website, as offers change regularly.

Spark and One NZ operate expanding 5G networks across all major cities and towns, accessible to subscribers with a 5G-capable device and an appropriate plan. 2degrees also provides limited 5G coverage in main urban centres. For anyone based in or frequently visiting rural or remote areas, checking coverage maps before committing to a provider is strongly recommended. Coverage maps are published on each provider’s website.

How do I get a landline connected in New Zealand?

Arranging a landline connection in New Zealand is a fairly uncomplicated process, though the precise steps vary depending on whether your address is in a fibre-enabled area — which covers most of urban New Zealand — or a rural location. The majority of providers now deliver home phone services over a fibre or wireless broadband connection rather than traditional copper wiring. The typical process unfolds as follows:

1. Check your address for fibre availability. Use the Chorus fibre checker or the address lookup tool on your preferred provider’s website to confirm which technologies are available at your property.
2. Choose a provider and plan. Landline services are almost always sold as part of a broadband bundle. Compare what is on offer from Spark, One NZ, 2degrees, Mercury, and Nova Energy, among others. Pay attention to call rates for national, mobile, and international numbers.
3. Apply online or by phone. Most sign-ups can be completed online in under 15 minutes. You will need to supply a New Zealand delivery address and contact information. New customers with no existing account may be asked for photo identification (such as a passport) and evidence of their current address.
4. Arrange installation if required. Where fibre is already present at the property, activation is generally carried out remotely and completed quickly. If a fresh fibre connection must be installed, a technician visit will be necessary — typically within one to two weeks, though timelines vary by location and provider.
5. Set up your phone equipment. Home phone services today run through a VoIP-enabled modem or router. Your provider will either supply or recommend compatible hardware.
6. Port your existing number if needed. If you are switching from another provider and want to retain your current number, advise your new provider at the point of sign-up. Simply let them know your number and they will handle the transfer on your behalf.

Whether you rent or own your home does not generally affect your ability to obtain a landline, although tenants should confirm with their landlord before any installation work requiring access to building infrastructure is arranged. There is no standard deposit for residential landline connections, though providers may conduct a credit check for postpaid accounts.

One important consideration: as more households move away from copper-network landlines to internet-based phone services delivered through a powered modem, there is an increased risk of being unable to contact emergency services during a power cut. To address this concern, the Commerce Commission introduced the 111 Contact Code. Raise the subject of this code with your provider at sign-up to understand your options and obligations. Full details are available at comcom.govt.nz.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in New Zealand?

Obtaining mobile phone service in New Zealand is a straightforward experience, whether your stay is measured in weeks or years. Both prepaid and postpaid options are readily accessible, each with its own documentation requirements.

Getting a prepaid SIM

To purchase a prepaid SIM card from a New Zealand phone store, you will need to present your passport. A copy will be taken, and your new SIM will be registered to your name and passport number. This approach is broadly comparable to the practice in countries such as Germany and France, where SIM registration is also a legal requirement. There is no option to buy a SIM anonymously in New Zealand — all SIMs must be registered to an identified individual.

SIM card kiosks and stores from Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ can be found at every major international airport, so you can get connected the moment you land. If you miss the airport, prepaid SIMs are also stocked at carrier stores, supermarkets, convenience shops, and many petrol stations nationwide. Prices start from as little as NZ$2 at Skinny Mobile or NZ$5 at Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees (as of 2025).

Getting a postpaid contract

Signing up for a postpaid (monthly billing) plan typically requires proof of identity — either a passport or a New Zealand driver’s licence — along with evidence of a local residential address. Providers will usually run a credit check as part of the application. Newcomers who have not yet built up a credit history in New Zealand may find that starting on a prepaid plan and transitioning to postpaid after a few months is the more practical route. This is a common experience for recent arrivals and is not specific to New Zealand.

All three major mobile operators in New Zealand now support eSIM on compatible devices and plans. One NZ, for example, allows customers with eSIM-capable handsets to sign up via their website, receive an activation QR code by email, and get connected without ever visiting a store. In addition to One NZ, Spark, Zeronet Mobile, and 2degrees all support eSIM technology. eSIM is particularly useful for those who wish to keep a SIM from their home country active alongside a New Zealand number simultaneously.

How do I pay my telephone bill in New Zealand?

New Zealand providers make paying your phone bill convenient, whether you are on a landline or mobile plan. Postpaid customers receive monthly bills, and the following payment methods are widely supported:

• Direct debit — The most widely recommended approach. By authorising your provider to draw your bill amount directly from your New Zealand bank account each month, you eliminate any risk of accidentally missing a payment.
• Online banking (internet transfer) — New Zealand’s banking sector is highly digitised, and paying provider invoices via your bank’s bill payment or internet transfer function is simple and reliable. Most major providers appear as pre-loaded payees within the main banks’ systems.
• Credit or debit card — Payments via Visa or Mastercard can be made through your provider’s website or mobile app.
• In-store payment — Certain providers accept payments made in person at their retail locations or through nominated payment agents.
• Prepaid top-up — Prepaid mobile customers can add credit through the provider’s app, by card payment online, or by purchasing top-up vouchers available at more than 6,000 retail outlets across the country.

Late payment policies differ between providers, but the typical sequence involves a reminder notice followed by service restriction and ultimately disconnection if the debt remains unpaid beyond a defined period. Some providers also levy a late payment fee — review your contract terms carefully to understand these conditions. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, it is always worth contacting your provider promptly, as many will agree to a payment arrangement. For billing disputes that cannot be settled directly with your provider, the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) scheme offers a free and independent resolution service.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in New Zealand as a newcomer?

Coverage in rural and remote areas

Mobile networks in New Zealand perform well across populated regions, but signal can become patchy or disappear entirely on remote tramping tracks or along the rugged West Coast. If you intend to live in, or make extended visits to, rural areas, it pays to study provider coverage maps thoroughly before choosing a network. Spark is generally regarded as having the strongest rural footprint, though all three major carriers have invested significantly in extending their reach in recent years. Keep your phone fully charged before heading into the backcountry, and consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) for wilderness travel.

International roaming

Each of the three main providers sells international roaming packs. Spark, for example, offers roaming options for travel to Australia, with packs potentially including unlimited outgoing calls to New Zealand and Australian numbers as well as voicemail retrieval. Always review your provider’s roaming pages for the latest country-specific rates and data add-ons ahead of any overseas trip, as roaming costs can escalate quickly without an active pack.

Number porting — keeping your NZ mobile number

Switching mobile provider does not mean losing your existing New Zealand number. Simply request a number port when completing your new sign-up; the process typically takes 1–2 business days to finalise (as of 2025). This is broadly in line with porting timelines elsewhere in the world, though somewhat longer than in certain European markets where same-day transfers are routine. Porting is free of charge, and you can initiate the process online, in a store, or by calling your new provider.

Can you keep your foreign number?

Porting an overseas mobile number directly into the New Zealand network is not possible — each country operates an independent telephone numbering system. Your international number can remain live on your foreign SIM as long as you continue paying that account. Many new arrivals manage both numbers simultaneously by using a dual-SIM handset or setting up a New Zealand eSIM profile while retaining their physical overseas SIM.

eSIM availability

An eSIM is an embedded chip inside your smartphone that replaces the need for a physical SIM card. Rather than inserting a card, you download an eSIM profile — complete with its own number and plan — directly onto the device. This is a particularly handy option for newcomers who want a New Zealand number ready before or immediately upon arrival, without needing to visit a store. Before purchasing, ensure your handset is unlocked and supports eSIM functionality.

Phone unlocking

If you have brought a device from overseas, establish whether it is locked to your original carrier. In many cases your SIM will begin working as soon as you insert it into the handset. If it does not — especially with devices purchased abroad — you may need to adjust certain settings or request an unlock from your original provider before the phone can operate on a New Zealand network.

Emergency services

The emergency contact number in New Zealand is 111, which puts you through to police, fire, and ambulance services. Dial 111 whenever you need urgent assistance, and the emergency operator will direct your call appropriately. Reserve 111 for genuine emergencies only. For non-urgent police matters, use 105 instead.

The 111 Contact Code and vulnerable users

Households where someone relies on a home phone for health, safety, or disability-related reasons may qualify for additional protections under the Vulnerable Consumer category. When signing up for a landline or home phone service, ask your provider about the 111 Contact Code and what support is available to you. Further information can be found at comcom.govt.nz.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to New Zealand?

No — it is not possible to port an overseas mobile number into the New Zealand network. Every country maintains its own separate telephone numbering plan. That said, you can keep your foreign SIM active in a dual-SIM handset, or use an eSIM for your New Zealand number, so that both numbers remain accessible at the same time. Maintaining your overseas number will require you to keep paying your foreign provider.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in New Zealand?

For a prepaid SIM, a valid passport is typically all that is required — you do not need a local address to buy or activate the card. For a postpaid contract, most providers will request evidence of a New Zealand residential address, as billing correspondence is delivered there and a credit assessment is usually carried out. If you have not yet secured a permanent address, starting on a prepaid plan is the most practical approach.

Can tourists and new arrivals get a postpaid mobile contract in New Zealand?

Postpaid contracts generally require proof of identity, a New Zealand address, and a satisfactory credit check. Short-stay visitors or those who have recently arrived and have no local credit history may find their postpaid applications declined. Beginning with a prepaid plan and transitioning to a postpaid contract after a few months — once a fixed address and some credit history are established — is a widely used and sensible strategy for new arrivals.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in New Zealand?

Where fibre infrastructure is already in place at a property, activation is often completed remotely within a few business days, with no technician visit required. If a new fibre installation is needed, a technician appointment will be necessary, which can extend the lead time to one or two weeks or longer depending on geographic location and provider availability. Always ask your chosen provider for an estimated timeline when you submit your application.

What is the cheapest way to make international calls from New Zealand?

The most cost-effective option for most people is to use internet-based calling apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, or FaceTime over Wi-Fi or mobile data — these calls are effectively free. If you need to dial international landlines or mobiles from a fixed phone, look at providers’ international calling add-ons, many of which offer flat-rate monthly bundles that include popular destination countries. Compare current rates on each provider’s official website before signing up for a package.

Is 5G available in New Zealand, and do I need a special plan?

Spark and One NZ both operate growing 5G networks covering all major cities and towns, and 2degrees provides limited 5G in key urban centres. To access 5G speeds, you will need both a 5G-capable device and a plan that includes 5G access. Before signing up, consult each provider’s 5G coverage map to confirm whether your area is served.

How do I complain about a telephone provider in New Zealand?

Your first step should always be to raise the matter directly with your provider, as the majority of issues are resolved through this channel. If the complaint remains unresolved after a reasonable period, you can refer it to the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) scheme — a free, independent service open to residential and small business customers. Details are available at tdr.org.nz. The Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz handles broader regulatory issues.

Are landline-only plans available in New Zealand, or do I need broadband too?

The vast majority of providers today sell home phone services as part of a broadband bundle, and an increasing number make a broadband subscription a condition of accessing a landline. Standalone copper landline services are becoming increasingly scarce as New Zealand continues its shift away from the legacy copper network toward fibre-based infrastructure. If a landline-only service is what you need, contact providers individually to enquire about availability at your specific address, as options differ from one location to the next.