New Zealanders pay some of the highest mobile prices in the OECD relative to income — but only if they stick with the default. Switching to the right plan can cut your phone bill by $20–50/month without changing your number or losing coverage.
Skinny Mobile is consistently the cheapest option in NZ, with 4G plans starting at $12–16/month for light users. They run on Spark's network, so coverage is the same. Most NZers don't need more than 10–15GB/month. If you're spending $60–100/month on a plan with an included handset, switching to SIM-only and keeping your phone saves $400–800/year.
SIM-Only Plans Compared — June 2026
Prices are for monthly postpay or recurring prepay SIM-only plans. Phone included plans cost more — this guide covers SIM/data only.
Skinny Mobile (runs on Spark network)
| Plan | Data | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 5GB | $12 | Light users |
| Popular | 10GB | $16 | Best budget pick |
| Mid | 20GB | $24 | Most users |
| Large | 40GB | $34 | Heavy users |
| Unlimited | Unlimited (full speed) | $49 | Streaming/heavy use |
Skinny is a Spark subsidiary. Same 4G/5G network, significantly lower prices. eSIM supported.
2degrees
| Plan | Data | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5GB | $19 | — |
| Essential | 15GB | $28 | — |
| Popular | 30GB | $39 | — |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | $59 | — |
2degrees has its own nationwide network. Good coverage in cities; rural coverage has improved significantly.
One NZ (formerly Vodafone)
| Plan | Data | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 10GB | $25 | — |
| Standard | 20GB | $35 | — |
| Large | 40GB | $50 | — |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | $65 | — |
One NZ has strong city and regional coverage. Often includes some roaming inclusions at higher tiers.
Spark
| Plan | Data | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10GB | $29 | — |
| Everyday | 20GB | $39 | — |
| Large | 40GB | $55 | — |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | $65 | — |
Spark has the best rural coverage in NZ. Worth paying more if you travel regularly outside main centres.
What Most People Actually Need
Most New Zealanders are on plans far larger than their actual usage. Before signing up to 40GB, check your actual data use for the last 3 months.
Typical usage patterns:
- Light user (social, email, maps): 3–6GB/month
- Average user (video calls, streaming occasional): 8–15GB/month
- Heavy user (daily video, gaming, hotspot): 20–40GB/month
Wi-Fi offloading: If your home has fibre broadband, most of your data use is on Wi-Fi anyway. A 10GB mobile plan is often plenty.
Prepay vs Monthly Plans
| Type | Best for | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly (postpay) | Regular users who want autopay | Month-to-month, can cancel |
| Prepay (recharge) | Irregular users, budget control | Top up manually or auto-recharge |
Skinny’s prepay combo plans (e.g., $19/28 days) offer good value and no lock-in.
eSIM — Is It Available in NZ?
Yes. All four main carriers support eSIM on compatible devices (iPhone XS+, recent Android flagships).
eSIM benefits:
- No physical SIM needed — useful when switching or travelling
- Can run dual SIM on many phones (e.g., local data + international number)
- Instant activation
Coverage: Who’s Best Where?
| Area | Best coverage |
|---|---|
| Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch CBDs | All carriers equivalent |
| Regional cities (Hamilton, Dunedin, Tauranga) | All carriers good |
| Rural NZ (Northland, Southland, West Coast) | Spark best, 2degrees improving |
| Highways between cities | Spark best |
| Remote tramping/DOC areas | Spark most coverage; no carrier is complete |
Skinny runs on Spark’s network — so Skinny customers get Spark coverage at Skinny prices. This is the main reason Skinny is the recommended choice for most NZers.
How to Switch and Port Your Number
- Sign up with your new carrier (Skinny, 2degrees, etc.) — get your new SIM or activate eSIM
- Keep your old SIM active until the port completes
- Request a port — give your new carrier your current number and account number (from your old carrier’s bill)
- Port completes in 1–3 business days (sometimes same day)
- Your old account closes automatically once the number ports
You don’t need to call your old carrier to cancel — porting transfers and closes the old account.
The Savings Case
| Scenario | Current | Switch to | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60/month plan → Skinny $24 | $720/yr | $288/yr | $432/yr |
| $80/month plan → Skinny $34 | $960/yr | $408/yr | $552/yr |
| $45/month plan → Skinny $16 | $540/yr | $192/yr | $348/yr |