In New Zealand, there’s one important detail many Kiwis don’t realise: internet providers are mostly just the sales and service layer. The actual infrastructure — the cables, the fibre network, the cabinets in your street — is usually handled by Chorus (or in some areas, Enable, Northpower, or Tuatahi First Fibre). So if your mate down the road has great fibre with one provider, chances are it’s the same physical network yours would use too.
What makes each provider different is the price, speed tier they offer you, customer service, and extras like bundle discounts or mobile perks.
The takeaway: Don’t just look at the logo on your router — look at the deal you're getting. And remember, the cables underground are mostly the same. It's what’s above ground that counts.
Not everyone uses the internet the same way, and your broadband plan should match your lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide to help Kiwis figure out what to look for.
If keeping costs down is your top priority, check out our cheap broadband deals. You might not need the fastest plan, just something reliable for everyday stuff like emails, banking, and watching TV on demand.
If you unwind with Netflix, Neon, or Sky Sport, look at broadband + TV bundles. You’ll often pay less when it’s all in one package, and some deals even include streaming subscriptions or free set-top boxes.
If you're studying and sharing a flat, look for student-friendly plans. Some come with shorter contracts and better deals on unlimited data, so you don’t end up arguing over who is clogging up the broadband with their gaming…ooops! I mean studying!
Many Kiwis still value a good landline. Some broadband providers offer plans designed with seniors in mind, with solid customer support and basic, affordable options. Ask about landline add-ons if you want to keep the home phone connected too. Voice over IP options are becoming far more popular if a landline is needed. This is essentially your landline but operating over your broadband connection.
Got teens gaming, parents streaming, and everyone on their devices? You’ll want a fast fibre plan with plenty of bandwidth to keep things smooth. Use our speed calculator to figure out what your household really needs.
If you’re outside the main centres, you’ve still got solid broadband options. Wireless, satellite, and RBI plans are available across Aotearoa. These connections are made for farms, lifestyle blocks, and small communities — perfect when fibre isn’t available.
There are lots of internet providers across New Zealand, so you’ve got good options to pick from. Here’s how to keep it easy:
There’s a lot to think about when picking a broadband plan in NZ. If you’re not sure where to start, here are the key things to look out for:
Let’s be honest: most of us are trying to save money. The good news is, it's easy to sort plans by price using our comparison tool, so you can see the cheapest ones first.
But don’t just look at the starting monthly price. Keep an eye on:
The right speed depends on how many people are in your house and what you’re all doing online. Gaming, streaming, and working from home need more speed than just checking emails.
The Broadband Compare plan rating is a star rating from 0-100 which is calculated by a complex mathematical algorithm that calculates the best value broadband for your particular broadband requirements.
Most plans in NZ are either 12 or 24 months, but there are some no-contract and month-to-month options too.
If you’re on a fixed-line fibre connection, most plans are unlimited. But if you’re using mobile broadband or rural wireless, check for data caps.
If you're streaming, gaming, or working online all day, go for a plan with no data limits to avoid nasty surprises.
If you watch a lot of TV, it might be worth getting a broadband + TV bundle from the same provider. These deals often work out cheaper than buying your internet and entertainment separately.
Some providers also offer broadband + mobile or broadband + power bundles. Combining your services can make billing easier and sometimes unlock extra discounts or perks, like bonus data or a lower monthly rate.
Always think about what channels you actually watch when you're deciding on a bundle — don't pay for what you won't use.
You can only sign up for providers that cover your area. In New Zealand, most broadband runs on Chorus’ fibre network, but there are other networks too — and not every provider is available everywhere.
The easiest way to check? Pop your address into our broadband checker, and we’ll show you what’s actually available at your place.
