One NZ SIM Cards and eSIM Detailed Guides for Tourists

Connectivity is important for any tourist in New Zealand. The best way to stay connected is with a local SIM card like One NZ, one of the top network providers. It offers good coverage nationwide at competitive prices for tourists. This guide details how to get and use One NZ SIM cards or eSIM plans for your New Zealand vacation.

1. Quick Facts about One NZ

The New Zealand’s telecom One NZ Telecom was developed in 2016 after a merge between Vodafone NZ and Spark. This is the biggest telecommunication company in New Zealand, with more than 50% market share.

One NZ Telecom delivers a variety of telecommunication service, for example, mobiles, broadband, fixed lines and cloud services. Additionally, it is also in control of largest 4G and 5G networks in New Zealand.

Here are some quick facts about One NZ Telecom:

• Founded: 2016
• Ownership: Spark and Vodafone NZ
• Market share: Over 50%
• Services: Mobile, broadband, fixed line, and cloud services
• Networks: Operates the largest 4G and 5G networks in New Zealand

One NZ telecom is a major player in the New Zealand telecommunications industry, and it plays an important role in the country’s economy. It is committed to providing New Zealanders with access to the best possible telecommunications services.

2. Why One NZ When You’re Exploring New Zealand – Coverage and Speed

Reliable coverage and fast data are essential for exploring New Zealand, and here’s why One NZ is a great choice in that regard.

2.1. One NZ Coverage in New Zealand

The Opensignal Report October 2023 Mobile Network Experience for New Zealand ranks One NZ as having the second-best coverage experience in the country, scoring 7.6 points out of 10. It is only 1.2 points short of Spark, the first New Zealander operator to bag this Coverage Experience Award.

• The coverage of One NZ is excellent, specifically for the rural areas. Interestingly, it scores the best in rural coverage, with 7.3 points. It is more than 6.9 points for Spark and 6.8 points for 2degrees.
• Urban areas are also well covered by one NZ. Its second-best coverage experience in urban areas is a seven-point eight. This trails Spark only by 0.8 points on its scale.

One NZ provides reasonable coverage in both the rural and urban zones. It can be a perfect choice for users who want to ensure that they have a dependable network with broad coverage irrespective of where they are in the country.

2.2. One NZ Speed

According to the Opensignal October 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report for New Zealand, One NZ has the second-fastest average overall download speeds in the country.

• One NZ’s average overall download speed has risen from 36Mbps to 38.8Mbps – this means an increase of 2.8Mbps from last year’s average report.
• The speed of one NZ’s 5G is also fast. However, it has the third-fastest average 5G download speeds in the nation at 215.7Mbps. Secondly, this speed lies after 2degrees (311.3 Mbps) and Spark (230.4 Mbps) and is still good enough for most users.

One NZ provides good speed all over New Zealand. This offers a better solution for users seeking speedy networks, irrespective of where they are in the country.

3. One NZ Connectivity Options for Travelers to New Zealand

One NZ offers several connectivity options for short-term visitors to New Zealand, making it easy to stay connected during your travels:

An affordable prepaid One NZ SIM card or Tourist eSIM are great choices for enjoying local connectivity while exploring New Zealand.

4. Best One NZ SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

One NZ does have any SIM specialized for tourists. You can buy a One NZ SIM costs 2 NZD (~1 USD) and then choose a Prepay plan from One NZ or ONE NZ Travel SIM.

Here are some of the best One NZ SIM card plan options for tourists along with estimated costs. First is One NZ Travel SIM:

ONE NZ SIM with Prepay Plan

Costs for tourists start around 9 NZD for a starter SIM with a small amount of data. For heavier data usage, there are larger data packages up to 15GB available for 24 NZD valid for 28 days.

5. Does One NZ Support eSIM in New Zealand?

Yes, One NZ offers prepaid tourist eSIM plans for visitors to New Zealand.

One NZ tourist eSIMs provides plans valid for 30 – 60 days from activation, same plan with. They allow you to enjoy local connectivity on your dual SIM or eSIM-compatible smartphone.

With a One NZ eSIM, there is no need for a physical SIM card. You simply scan a QR code on your phone to download and activate your prepaid plan instantly upon arrival in New Zealand.

6. Where Can You Buy a One NZ SIM card and eSIM?

If you’re interested in getting a One NZ SIM card or eSIM to enjoy their network coverage and services during your travels around New Zealand, it’s good to know the various options for obtaining one.

6.1. Where to Buy One NZ SIM for New Zealand?

As a tourist, you can easily purchase a One NZ SIM card on arrival at these locations:

• One NZ stores: OneNZ is a nationwide chain that has outlets in major urban centers like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, among others even Queenstown. One NZ website provides a list of locations of One NZ retail outlets.
• Airports: In New Zealand, one NZ SIM card is sold in the following airports: Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown Airport. Check the SIM card in New Zealand Airports guide to know more about where to buy One NZ SIMs at airports.
• Online: Similarly, you can buy One NZ SIM card from the One NZ website.
• Retailers: Some of the retailers include Warehouse Mobile and Noel Leeming.
• Gas stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many accommodations can also order you a SIM card on arrival

6.2. Where to Buy One NZ eSIM in New Zealand?

You can buy a One NZ eSIM in New Zealand in the following ways:

• Online: You can visit the One NZ website and choose your preferred One NZ eSIM plan. Create an account, and enter your details.
• In-store: Find an employee of One NZ to assist you in starting an eSIM at any of their outlets or any airport. They will require your details and you should also show your current ID card.

7. How to Activate One NZ SIM/eSIM in New Zealand?

Activating your One NZ SIM card or eSIM is a simple process once you have obtained one, allowing you to quickly start enjoying reliable connectivity while exploring New Zealand.

7.1. How to Use One NZ SIM Card in New Zealand?

Activating your One NZ SIM card is straightforward:

1. Insert your One NZ SIM card into your mobile.
2. Check to ensure you are in mobile coverage.
3. Call 777.
4. Follow the voice prompts that will guide you through activating your SIM.

7.2. How to Activate One NZ eSIM?

To use a One NZ prepaid tourist eSIM:

1. Make sure you’re connected to Wifi or a hotspot. 
2. Go to Settings.
3. Click on Mobile Data.
4. Click Add Mobile Plan.
5. Use the camera to scan the QR code provided to you.
6. Click Add Mobile Plan. 
7. Your eSIM should now be active and ready to use.

8. New Zealand One NZ Call & SMS Rates

Here are the typical calling and text rates that apply with One NZ prepaid SIMs and tourist eSIMs in New Zealand:

Please note that these currency conversions are approximate, and may vary depending on the exchange rate.

Rates can vary slightly for different prepaid packs and promotions. But these prices give you a general idea of call and text costs with One NZ.

For international calls beyond Australia, Using VoIP apps like Skype, WhatsApp or FaceTime can be cheaper than calling directly through your SIM.

9. Useful USSD Codes for One NZ SIM/eSIM

USSD codes allow you to check balances and other info directly from your phone keypad. Here are some handy One NZ USSD codes:

• Dial 777 – Check Prepay  balance
• Text BAL to 777 – Check the balance

Enter these codes and press call/send to check your prepaid One NZ SIM details instantly without needing to use the app or website.

10. How to Top-up One NZ SIM/eSIM

When your One NZ prepaid SIM or eSIM balance runs low, you can easily top up again in a few ways:

• Vouchers – Purchase top up vouchers from stores and petrol stations. Dial *140*CODE# to redeem.
• Online – Use credit/debit card to top up online via Your One NZ Account.
• App – Top up data packs through the One NZ eSIM app if using eSIM.
• Stores – Visit electronics retailers like Spark stores to top up in person.
• Phone – Call *123# and use a credit card to top up directly from your One NZ SIM.

Monitor your usage and top up well before expiry to avoid losing your remaining balance. Most top-up options add data instantly.

11. Alternatives to One NZ

Some popular alternatives to One NZ for tourist SIM cards and plans in New Zealand:

• Spark – One of the major telecom providers in NZ. Offers prepaid SIM cards for international visitors that provide data, texts, and calls. Plans start around $10-15 NZD for 7-30 days.
• 2degrees – Another major telco. Similar prepaid SIM options to Spark but usually cheaper plans. Coverage may be slightly less nationwide than Spark.
• One NZ – The third major carrier. Also offers Travel SIMs for travelers on a pay-as-you-go basis. Plans and prices are comparable to Spark.
• esimnewzealand.com – Sells eSIM profiles that activate on your device without a physical SIM. Compatible with iPhones and some Android phones. Easy online purchase and activation.

In general, Spark and 2degrees will have the most reliable coverage nationwide. One NZ can save you a few dollars with One NZ Travel SIM. eSIM is convenient if your device supports it and offers various options range of data and validity. Just make sure to verify coverage for your intended travel areas. All should have abundant data options suitable for tourists.

Forget fussing with plastic SIMs – go digital with an eSIM from esimnewzealand.com. As the top provider of travel eSIMs for NZ, we make staying connected effortless. Purchase your plan online and receive instant activation via the QR code. No roaming fees, just reliable data across NZ and Aus. Ditch the plastic hassle – revolutionize your travel with an eSIM from esimnewzealand.com.

12. FAQs about One NZ in New Zealand

12. Final Words

A One NZ prepaid SIM card or tourist eSIM provides an easy, affordable way for travelers to stay conveniently connected across New Zealand. It provides wide coverage, fast speeds, and affordable tourist rates. You can surf the internet with One NZ and make calls as well.

You can have One NZ’s network either using a physical SIM card or an eSIM that is readily available for your use once you arrive in New Zealand. Just follow the simple activation steps as outlined above.