Best eSIM New Zealand – We have compared the best eSIM cards, providers and data plans for you so that you are connected to the appropriate mobile data package immediately after your arrival in New Zealand. In our eSIM comparison New Zealand we show you which is the best eSIM for New Zealand.
Whether for short trips, digital nomads or long-term travelers, everyone will find the ideal travel eSIM in our overview.
We thoroughly checked the providers and compared prices, network coverage, connection, installation, activation, additional functions and advantages and disadvantages.
In this article we share our own eSIM experiences in New Zealand and tell you which virtual map is particularly suitable for rural regions – and which works optimally in cities like Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
Best eSIM Providers New Zealand
- Saily – Best provider overall
- eSIM.sm – Cheapest card for New Zealand
- Holafly – Best eSIM Unlimited Data
- Airalo – Easy to use
eSIM Comparison New Zealand
Saily
- Data volume: 10GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5 G/4 G/LTE network
- Hotspot: No restrictions or limitations for hotspots.
- Price: $22.99
Saily is a relatively new provider of eSIM data plans launched by Nord Security. The low-cost data plans make Saily one of the best eSIM solutions for both short-term and long-term travelers. With its virtual maps, Saily covers over 190 countries, working with renowned local mobile phone providers.
Installing and activating the eSIMs is easy and convenient.
Compared to many other providers, Saily offers additional security features such as integrated VPN and ad blockers.
Saily offers the following data plans for New Zealand:
Fixed data packages
- 1 GB – 7 days → $3.99
- 3 GB – 30 days → $8.99
- 5 GB – 30 days → $13.99
- 10 GB – 30 days → $22.99 (including NordVPN base as a gift)
- 20 GB – 30 days → $36.99 (including NordVPN Plus as a gift)
- Unlimited – 15 days → $48.99 (including NordVPN Complete as a gift)
Network: One NZ (Vodafone) and Spark
Network coverage: Very good
Here’s how Saily works:
- Make sure your phone is eSIM enabled
- Choose an appropriate data volume and the term of the tariff
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Activate the card with one of the variants offered (QR code, manual)
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Security features such as integrated VPN and ad blockers
- Affordable prices compared to many other providers
- Use of well-developed local networks
- Wide range of data plans – from smaller packages to unlimited tariffs
- Unlimited use of hotspots possible
Cons ❌
- No plans available that include text messages and calls
Conclusion: Saily - Best eSIM New Zealand
In our experience, Saily is one of the best eSIM providers for New Zealand. The easy-to-install eSIMs are very affordable and offer fantastic extras such as a built-in ad blocker and VPN.
There is a good selection of data plans available – from 1 GB to unlimited rates with different validity periods.
Well-developed New Zealand mobile networks are used to ensure a stable and reliable data connection.
eSIM.sm - Cheapest eSIM New Zealand
- Data volume: 10GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5 G/4 G/LTE network
- Hotspot: No restrictions or limitations for hotspots.
- Price: €11.50
eSIM.sm is the cheapest provider in our comparison. In addition, the company from San Marino works with four local mobile network providers, which guarantees good network coverage in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch but also in remote regions.
The selection of data plans is very comprehensive and ranges from various limited tariffs to unlimited tariffs for different periods of time.
Network: Vodafone
Network coverage: Good
How eSIM.sm works:
- Choose the New Zealand data plan that suits you
- Install the virtual card using the QR code sent to you, manually or at the push of a button in the app
- The eSIM is automatically activated after the first connection to a local network
- Manage your data in the app
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Very cheap rates
- Good selection of different data plans
- Use of multiple local mobile networks in New Zealand
- Stable connection with good network coverage
- Hotspot use allowed
Cons ❌
- No rates available with SMS and calls
Conclusion: eSIM.sm
eSIM.sm is an absolute top provider that impresses with its large selection of tariffs, use of various well-developed New Zealand mobile networks and affordable prices.
Added to this is the simple and quick installation as well as the possibility of unrestricted hotspot use. This means that eSIM.sm has truly earned a top position in our comparison.
Holafly - Best eSIM Unlimited Data
- Data volume: Unlimited
- Validity: 7 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5 G/4 G/LTE network
- Hotspot: Limited to 500 MB per day
Price: €26.90 (€3.84 per day)
The Spanish provider Holafly is known for only offering unlimited data plans. The terms can be selected flexibly and several professional mobile network providers such as SPARK / Two Degrees Mobile Limited and Vodafone are used.
The Holafly plans are ideal for travelers who need unlimited internet at all times:
A single eSIM for over 160 countries, hotspot usage included, flexible billing and no long-term commitment.
Holafly now also offers monthly subscription plans.
Travel limitless. Be connected everywhere.
With the monthly Global data plans you can stay online worldwide at any time – from just €49.90 per month and can be flexibly canceled at any time.
- Light Plan 25GB for €49.90 per month
- Unlimited €64.90 per month
Regular non-binding data plans:
- 1 day: Unlimited dates for €3.79
- 5 days: Unlimited data for €18.90 (€3.78 /day)
- 7 days: Unlimited dates for €26.90 (3,84€ /day)
- 15 days: Unlimited dates for €46.90 (3,13€ /day)
- 30 days: Unlimited dates for €68.90 (2,30€ /day)
Network: SPARK / Two Degrees Mobile Limited and Vodafone
Network coverage: Very good
Here’s how Holafly works:
- Check compatibility
- Choose travel duration and destination
- Install eSIM via QR code or manually
- Activation takes place after arrival in the destination country
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Unlimited data available
- Use of multiple local mobile networks
- Good connection even in more remote areas
- Monthly subscription possible – can be canceled flexibly
Cons ❌
- Hotspot use only possible to a limited extent
- No limited data plans on offer
- No plans with calls and text messages
Conclusion: Holafly
Holafly is an experienced provider and offers one of the best eSIM unlimited data solutions in New Zealand.
The data tariffs are available for up to 90 days, and a monthly subscription is also available.
By using Spark, Two Degrees Mobile Limited and Vodafone, good network coverage is guaranteed not only in large cities such as Auckland and Wellington, but also in more rural areas.
If you surf the Internet a lot, Holafly should be your first choice. The provider is particularly suitable for digital nomads thanks to the stable connection.
Airalo
Here’s an example:
- Data volume: 10GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5 G/4 G/LTE network
- Hotspot: No restrictions or limitations for hotspots.
- Price: €22.00
Airalo was founded in 2019 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading eSIM providers. The easy-to-use app allows travelers to choose from a variety of local, regional and global data plans.
For New Zealand, Airalo offers six different fares. The New Zealand Spark network, which is known for good network coverage, is used for mobile data.
Airalo offers the following data plans:
- 1 GB – 7 days → €4.00
- 2 GB – 15 days → €7.00
- 3 GB – 30 days → €9.00
- 5 GB – 30 days → €13.00
- 10 GB – 30 days → 22,00 €
- 20 GB – 30 days → 34,50 €
Network: SPARK
Network coverage: Good
Here’s how Airalo works:
- Download the app and select the desired data volume
- Install the virtual card via QR code, manually or by clicking in the app
- Your mobile data becomes active as soon as you arrive in the target country
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Easy installation via QR code, manually or directly in the app
- Use of a well-covered local mobile network
Hotspot use allowed
Cons ❌
- No packages available with SMS and calls
- No unlimited data plans on offer
- Use of only one local network (no multiple network coverage)
Conclusion: Airalo
Airalo is one of the leading providers that works with the best local mobile networks. Installing the cards is very easy and the app is user-friendly.
The provider is not necessarily the best for frequent surfers, as there is no unlimited tariff offered, which is rare in our comparison.
To ensure greater security, it would be desirable if Airalo worked with at least one other mobile network provider.
simsolo
Validity: 30 days
Calls and SMS: Not included
Network: Use of the 5 G/4 G/LTE network
Hotspot: No restrictions or limitations for hotspots.
Price: €25.00
simsolo is a reliable mobile data solution for your trip to New Zealand. There are fixed data packages and unlimited tariffs from 1 to 30 days.
The Austrian provider’s cards are easy to install and ensure a good connection.
Fixed data packages:
- 3 GB – 30 days → 8,00 €
- 5 GB – 30 days → €13.00
- 10 GB – 30 days → 25,00 €
- 20 GB – 30 days → 48,00 €
- Unlimited – 30 days (Fair-Use) → 54,00 €
Network: KA
Network coverage: KA
Here’s how simsolo works:
- As with other providers in our comparison, you should first check whether you can use eSIM technology with your cell phone
- Then you select the appropriate data volume and runtime.
- After purchasing, you will receive an email with a QR code and installation instructions
- Your card will be activated automatically upon arrival in New Zealand
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Flexible selection of different tariffs
- Unlimited data plans available for different periods
Cons ❌
- No information about which local network is used
- No tariffs with SMS and calls
- Fair use policy for unlimited data (speed throttling for very high usage)
Conclusion: simsolo
simsolo is a solid provider whose app and website are easy to use. There is also a good selection of fixed and unlimited data plans.
Installing the cards is uncomplicated and clearly described in the activation email.
In our comparison, we evaluated the providers as follows:
Network coverage: Probably the most important factor when choosing an eSIM is network coverage. After all, you don’t want to suddenly find yourself without mobile data. Most providers in our comparison use at least one mobile network in New Zealand. From our experience, it is advisable to choose a provider that works with several networks in order to guarantee good network coverage.
Speed: A good provider should offer at least 4 G speed, but ideally also support 5 G to ensure a fast and reliable data connection. Not all providers offer 5 G speeds. If you need very fast data transfer, this should also be an important point of criticism for you to choose from
Ease of use: From selection to purchase to installation, activation and use, the entire process should be as simple as possible. The app or website for managing data volume also plays a major role in a positive user experience.
Customer Service: Reliable 24/7 support is essential, ideally with live chat functionality. It’s especially valuable when you can talk to real employees directly instead of just bots. Fortunately, we have had good customer service experiences with most providers
Compatibility: Not every smartphone supports eSIMs. That’s why it’s important that providers ensure broad device compatibility. Many older models are not usable, you can check whether your cell phone is compatible either on the providers’ websites or in your smartphone settings.
What are the advantages of an eSIM?
What are the advantages of using a virtual eSIM over a physical card? We would like to answer your question here:
Multiple tariffs at the same time: You can install multiple eSIM profiles on your smartphone and activate them if necessary. This makes it easy to switch between different offers.
Easy network change: If your provider’s eSIM works with multiple networks, you can easily switch to another mobile network and thus avoid network disruptions and do the whole thing without the hassle of replacing physical SIM cards.
More security: Since no physical card is required, there is no risk of losing or damaging it.
Environmentally friendly: By using an eSIM, you help reduce plastic waste because conventional plastic SIM cards are no longer necessary.
Connected immediately: After arriving in New Zealand, you will be immediately connected to a local network. You can use your mobile data directly and don’t have to go to a store and exchange your card.
No high roaming costs: One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t have to worry about high costs that can arise from roaming abroad: With an eSIM you avoid expensive roaming fees from your home provider and benefit from local tariffs at fair prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which is the best eSIM for New Zealand?
Taking into account all factors such as speed, network coverage, customer service, compatibility and usability, Saily ranks as the best eSIM for New Zealand in our comparison.
Is my phone compatible with an eSIM for New Zealand?
You can check whether your smartphone is eSIM-capable in your device’s settings. Alternatively, you can usually find a list of all compatible models on the providers’ websites.
How do I get an eSIM?
An eSIM is purchased online via the provider’s website. You will then receive an email with all information about the installation. Activation usually takes place via a QR code, manually or by clicking on „Activate“ in the app.
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