Compare Mobile SIM Plans in New Zealand

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69 live offers compared from 6 providers, from NZ$4.95 /month. Updated daily.

What are mobile SIMs in New Zealand?

A mobile SIM plan gives you calls, texts and mobile data over one of New Zealand's cellular networks. Plans come as prepaid (pay-as-you-go, top up when you like) or on-account (monthly billing), and increasingly as eSIMs you activate digitally. With three network operators and a growing set of low-cost resellers, New Zealanders can choose anything from a cheap SIM-only data plan to a premium bundle with international minutes, entertainment perks and large data allowances.

How the New Zealand market works

Three companies own mobile networks in New Zealand: Spark, One NZ (formerly Vodafone) and 2degrees. Alongside them sit MVNOs — resellers that run over a host network — including Skinny (on Spark's network), Warehouse Mobile (on 2degrees) and Kogan Mobile. This gives budget-conscious Kiwis genuinely cheap options while still using national coverage. The market has shifted strongly toward SIM-only and prepaid plans with generous data, and all three networks now run 5G in main centres alongside near-universal 4G.

Benefits

Choice of price point — From budget MVNO SIMs to premium unlimited-data plans, there is a tier for every user.

No lock-in on SIM-only — Prepaid and SIM-only plans let you switch or pause without a contract.

Number portability — You can keep your existing mobile number when you change provider.

Rollover and perks — Several plans roll unused data forward or bundle streaming, international minutes and roaming.

How to choose

Start with your real data use — check your last few months rather than guessing. If you rarely stream on cellular, a small prepaid plan or a budget MVNO like Skinny, Kogan or Warehouse Mobile will be far cheaper. Heavy users should compare "endless" or unlimited-data plans across Spark, One NZ and 2degrees. Consider coverage where you live and travel — the three networks differ in rural reach — plus perks like included Australian roaming, entertainment subscriptions and family or multi-SIM discounts. Confirm whether you want prepaid flexibility or on-account convenience.

Leading providers in New Zealand

Spark is the largest operator with wide coverage and premium bundles. One NZ competes closely on network and has launched satellite-to-mobile text coverage for remote areas. 2degrees built its brand on value and is strong on data-heavy plans. Among resellers, Skinny (Spark network) is a long-standing favourite for cheap prepaid, Warehouse Mobile (2degrees network) offers low-cost plans sold through The Warehouse, and Kogan Mobile targets the budget end. Plan pricing in the market spans roughly NZ 2 for an entry prepaid plan up to NZ$500 for annual or premium bundles.

What it costs

Budget prepaid and MVNO plans start around NZ 2 to NZ$20 a month for a modest data allowance. Mid-tier SIM-only plans with large data and unlimited local calls and texts typically sit between NZ$25 and NZ$50. Premium unlimited-data plans and bundles with roaming or entertainment reach higher, and some providers sell annual prepaid packs up to around NZ$500 that lower the effective monthly cost. Paying yearly, bundling multiple SIMs, or choosing an MVNO are the main ways to cut your bill.

Protections and regulation

Mobile services are overseen by the Commerce Commission under the Telecommunications Act, and providers must comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act. Most belong to the free, independent Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) scheme for unresolved complaints. Number portability is a regulated right, so you can take your number with you. The Commission monitors competition and pricing across the three networks, and mobile providers must also meet emergency-calling obligations, ensuring 111 reaches you regardless of plan or credit balance.

Common questions

Can I keep my current number? — Yes, number portability is a regulated right; your new provider arranges the transfer.

Are MVNOs like Skinny reliable? — They run over the same physical networks as the majors (Skinny uses Spark, Warehouse Mobile uses 2degrees), so coverage matches the host network.

Prepaid or on-account? — Prepaid suits those wanting control and no contract; on-account suits heavy users who want billing and bundled perks.

Mobile SIM Plans in New Zealand — FAQ