Telephone Services

Telephone Options

Telecom and Telstra are the main providers of telephone services in New Zealand. New Zealand has an extensive network of payphones with most payphones able to accept major credit cards. There are also approximately 450 coin-operated payphones in the network.
Alternatively the payphone network in New Zealand accepts prepaid phone cards. Each card contains a chip that stores the value of the card. Phone cards can be bought in denominations of $5, $10, $20 and $50. The card phones can be purchased at over 5000 retail outlets in New Zealand with most common options being bookshops, service stations, dairies, supermarkets and convenience stores.
If you are planning an extended stay in New Zealand you can also get a home line connection in your house or flat. Your home line is a residential connection that accesses the telecom and international network. You can also combine your home line with other telecom services, internet and Sky TV. You basic monthly rental covers a telecom network connection, listing in the telephone book and (111) emergency services. There are two payment options depending on use.
For $38.05 including GST a month you get your line rental and unlimited local calling. This home line option offers the best value if you make more than 16 local calls per week.
Or pay a lower monthly charge of $24.75 including GST a month, plus 20 including GST for each local call you make. Calls longer than two hours will be charged at an additional 20 including GST for each two hour period or part thereof. This home line Economy offers the best value if you make fewer than sixteen local calls a week.

The number to call in an emergency is 111.

Local Calls:
Local landline calls in New Zealand are free.

National Calls:
National calls within New Zealand cost around 20 cents per minute off-peak (6pm � 8am), and 60 cents peak (8am � 6pm).

Area Codes:

International Calls:

International calls range in price from around 50 cents to $2.80 per minute, depending on the country you are calling. For definitive prices contact:
� Telecom
� Telstra

0800 and 0900 Numbers:

In New Zealand 0800 (Telecom) and 0508 (Telstra) numbers are toll free � but generally only within New Zealand.
0900 numbers incur a charge � usually between 99 cents and $1.99nzd.

Mobile Phone Systems:

New Zealand has two major mobile phone providers � Telecom and Vodaphone.
Vodafone New Zealand operates on a GSM 900 MHz frequency. If your phone also operates on this frequency, and is not locked to your home network, it should work in New Zealand.
If your phone uses Global Roaming it should work as normal.
Vodafone also makes a Prepay Connection Pack for visitors to New Zealand. The pack contains a local Vodafone Simcard and $15nzd of prepay airtime, and costs $35nzd. To purchase a Prepay Connection Pack call in to any Vodafone branch nationwide.

Emails and Internet Access

Internet access in New Zealand is widespread � in the 2001 census 37% of the population reported having internet access at home (www.stats.govt.nz).
Internet cafes are also prolific and can be found in most major tourist centres. Rates typically range between $5nzd and $10nzd an hour, and many are open 7 days a week.
Most major hotels and backpacker hostels also have internet facilities � generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telecommunication Companies

New Zealand has two major mobile phone providers � Telecom and Vodaphone.
Vodafone New Zealand operates on a GSM 900 MHz frequency. If your phone also operates on this frequency, and is not locked to your home network, it should work in New Zealand.
If your phone uses Global Roaming it should work as normal.
Vodafone also makes a Prepay Connection Pack for visitors to New Zealand. The pack contains a local Vodafone Simcard and $15nzd of prepay airtime, and costs $35nzd. To purchase a Prepay Connection Pack call in to any Vodafone branch nationwide.
Telecom is on the CDMA network, you can buy prepay phones and additional minute cards start at $5. Prepay cards can be brought for most service stations and corner stores. Most areas in New Zealand are now covered by mobile phones. One of the best places to buy a prepay phone is the 'Warehouse' a New Zealand wide chain of large stores.

Important New Zealand Phone Numbers

Emergency services
(and state police, fire or ambulance) - no charge 111

Local operator 010
International operator 0170
NZ Directory assistance 018
International directory assistance 0172
National direct dialing full area code (with the 0 prefix) and local number
International direct dialling 00 followed by country code, area code and local number