A New Zealand eSIM is usually the cheaper choice for Aussies who mostly need a modest amount of data, but roaming is a closer contest here than on many trips. A SIMNOVA eSIM costs A$2.95 for 1GB over 7 days, A$12.45 for 5GB and A$22.45 for 10GB over 30 days. Telstra charges A$5 a day for New Zealand, and Optus charges A$5 on eligible plans. Those rates include calls, texts and 2GB to 5GB of data, so they can suit short or heavy-use trips.
SIMNOVA sells one of the products compared here, so we show the sources and dates, and say where another option is better.
Key Takeaways
- On 5 November 2026, SIMNOVA's web prices were lower than Nomad's and Saily's own New Zealand listings, and Airalo's latest eSIMDB listing, at 1GB, 5GB and 10GB.
- A week of A$5-a-day roaming costs A$35, against A$12.45 for a 5GB eSIM. Telstra and Optus include more data, as well as calls and texts, so compare what you will actually use.
- SIMNOVA's New Zealand plans use One NZ. Nomad and Airalo list Spark, so check your route with both networks.
- Keep your Australian SIM on to receive texts, and turn off data roaming on that line. Sending a text or taking a call can still start a charged roaming day.
Which option should you choose?
| Your trip | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A week or more with normal data use | Single-country eSIM such as SIMNOVA | Costs less overall when you don't need gigabytes every day |
| A few days with heavy data use | Optus Daily Roaming, if your plan is eligible | A$5 for 5GB in 24 hours, with talk and text |
| Taking calls on your Australian number | Telstra, Optus or Vodafone roaming | Includes calls and texts, which a data-only eSIM doesn't |
| Your route has better Spark coverage | A plan listing Spark, such as Nomad or Airalo | SIMNOVA's New Zealand plans use One NZ |
| Phone without eSIM | Roaming or a local SIM | A travel eSIM won't install |
| Carrier-locked phone | Roaming, or ask your carrier to unlock it | Locked phones can't use another provider's eSIM or SIM |
How much does a New Zealand eSIM cost from Australia?
These are SIMNOVA's prices for each kind of trip. The web store and the Simnova app are priced separately, and the app is cheaper on 5GB and larger plans and on unlimited.
| Trip | Plan | Web store | App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Auckland with light use | 1GB / 7 days | A$2.95 | A$2.95 |
| Weekend with more maps and social media | 3GB / 30 days | A$7.95 | A$7.95 |
| A week in Queenstown | 5GB / 30 days | A$12.45 | A$11.45 |
| Two-week road trip, or sharing by hotspot | 10GB / 30 days | A$22.45 | A$19.95 |
| A month, or heavy use | 20GB / 30 days | A$40.45 | A$36.45 |
| A week without counting data | Unlimited / 7 days | A$17.45 | A$16.45 |
Web prices read from the SIMNOVA store on 5 November 2026, and app prices from the current app plan list on 6 November 2026. The trip suggestions are our rule of thumb, not measurements.
Unlimited plans include up to 1GB a day at full speed, then drop to 512 Kbps, which is too slow for most video. To choose a plan size, see how much data different apps use.
Hotspot is supported on every plan. Only the app offers top-ups and a data balance check. Plans bought on the website can't be topped up, so you would buy another eSIM if you ran out.
New Zealand eSIM price comparison
All figures below are US dollars for New Zealand-only plans, because that is how Nomad and Saily list them and how the comparison data is published. Regional and global plans also work in New Zealand, but they are different products, so they are left out. We chose these three rivals because they are widely recognised brands that sell New Zealand-only plans.
| Plan | SIMNOVA | Nomad | Saily | Airalo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB / 7 days | US$2.00 | US$4.50 | US$3.99 | US$4.00 for 3 days (no local 7-day 1GB plan) |
| 5GB / 30 days | US$8.00 | US$13.00 | US$13.99 | US$14.00 |
| 10GB / 30 days | US$13.00 | US$18.00 | US$23.99 | US$24.00 |
SIMNOVA, Nomad and Saily prices read from their own sites on 5 November 2026. Airalo figures from the eSIMDB New Zealand table, updated 2 November 2026. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Price is not the only difference. Nomad's site lists Spark, and Airalo's site shows Spark as its primary network. SIMNOVA's New Zealand plans list One NZ.
Check which currency you will be charged in as well. SIMNOVA shows AUD to Australian buyers, while a provider that charges in US dollars can leave you with a currency conversion and any fee your bank adds.
New Zealand eSIM vs roaming from Australia
Telstra puts New Zealand in its cheaper A$5 zone rather than its A$10 zone, and Optus and Vodafone also offer A$5 options on eligible plans. These rates come from each carrier's own website, read on 5 November 2026.
| Carrier | Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra | Day Pass, Zone 1 | A$5 a day | 2GB of data, unlimited standard calls and SMS |
| Optus | Daily Roaming, on Choice Plus, Plus Family or Plus Promo | A$5 for 24 hours | 5GB of data, unlimited standard talk and text |
| Optus | Roaming Pass, on selected postpaid plans | A$10 for 24 hours | 1GB of data, unlimited national talk and text |
| Vodafone | $5 Roaming, on eligible plans | A$5 extra a day | Your plan's included data, calls and texts |
Vodafone says $5 Roaming covers more than 100 destinations and the list can vary, so confirm New Zealand on its destination list. Telstra says to turn on Day Pass before you fly, as it can take up to 2 hours to activate.
Here is the cost of a whole trip, using your phone every day:
| Trip | SIMNOVA eSIM, web price (data only) | A$5-a-day roaming | Optus A$10 pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | A$2.95 (1GB) | A$15 | A$30 |
| 7 days | A$12.45 (5GB) | A$35 | A$70 |
| 14 days | A$22.45 (10GB) | A$70 | A$140 |
| 30 days | A$40.45 (20GB) | A$150 | A$300 |
These aren't like-for-like products. Over 7 days, Telstra's Day Pass includes up to 14GB and Optus's Daily Roaming up to 35GB, as well as calls and texts. On a 7-day trip at A$35, the eSIM costs less up to 10GB (A$22.45), but 20GB (A$40.45) costs more. So if you would use well over 10GB a week and your plan is eligible, A$5-a-day roaming can be the better deal.
Our full eSIM vs roaming comparison covers other destinations.
When roaming is the better choice
- You need calls on your Australian number. Data-only travel eSIMs, including SIMNOVA's, have no voice service.
- You use a lot of data on a short trip. Five gigabytes in 24 hours for A$5 is hard to beat if you are on an eligible Optus plan.
- You will use your phone on only a few days. Telstra and Vodafone charge only for days you use the service, so you may prefer to pay the fee and skip the setup.
- Your phone can't take an eSIM or is carrier-locked. Check our device compatibility page first.
Will a One NZ eSIM work where you are going?
SIMNOVA's New Zealand plans connect to One NZ, with 5G where it is available. Check the actual places on your route, particularly if you are driving between towns or heading into national parks.
One NZ's coverage map predicts outdoor coverage and doesn't guarantee a connection, so reception indoors can differ. Check Spark too, using its network and coverage page. If Spark looks better for your route, choose a plan that lists it. SIMNOVA's Australia and New Zealand regional plan uses Spark in New Zealand, but it costs more, at A$28.95 for 5GB on the web store or A$16.95 in the app.
One NZ also runs a satellite service, but SIMNOVA's plans list only One NZ's mobile network, so don't count on satellite coverage. Download offline maps before you set off, as no eSIM can connect where there is no network.
How to keep your Australian number working in New Zealand
Most recent phones can run two lines at once, so you can use the eSIM for data and keep your Australian SIM on to receive texts.
- At home, on Wi-Fi: install the eSIM, but keep using your Australian SIM for mobile data until you leave.
- Before you board: turn data roaming off on your Australian line. This stops background data starting a charged day when you land.
- When you land: switch the eSIM on, set mobile data to it, and turn data roaming on for the eSIM only.
The carriers' terms cover more than data:
- Telstra applies its Day Pass charge when you make or receive a call, send an SMS or use mobile data.
- Vodafone charges its A$5 when you use your included data, make or receive a call, or send an SMS.
- Optus activates its roaming add-on automatically in eligible destinations on Choice Plus, Plus Family and Plus Promo plans. Check its terms if you rely on calls.
Banks can send verification codes to your Australian number while your data runs through the eSIM. Delivery still depends on your carrier and the bank, so set up your bank's app-based login or approval before you leave if it offers one.
Telstra's roaming FAQ also covers VoLTE, so check your phone supports it if you plan to use your Australian number for calls.
When to buy and install your eSIM
Buy and install your eSIM before you fly, while you are on home Wi-Fi. The plan doesn't start until your phone connects to a network in New Zealand, so installing early doesn't use any of your days. You have 180 days from purchase to install it.
Step-by-step instructions are on our eSIM installation guide. Your phone needs to support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eSIM for New Zealand from Australia?
No. Telstra and Optus offer roaming from A$5 a day with calls and texts, on eligible plans for Optus. Vodafone's A$5 option also applies if New Zealand is on its list for your plan. An eSIM usually costs less if you only need data, with a SIMNOVA plan starting at A$2.95 for 1GB over 7 days.
Which network does a SIMNOVA New Zealand eSIM use?
One NZ, with 5G where it is available. Check One NZ's coverage map for your route. If Spark looks better where you are going, a plan that lists Spark may suit you better.
Can I keep my Australian number?
Yes. Leave your Australian SIM on to receive texts, use the eSIM for data, and turn data roaming off on your Australian line. Making or answering calls, or sending texts, can still trigger your carrier's roaming charge.
Should I buy an Australia and New Zealand eSIM?
Usually not if you are travelling from Australia. Your Australian plan already covers you at home, so a New Zealand-only plan is cheaper for the same trip. A regional plan can make sense if you specifically want Spark in New Zealand.
Can I get a refund?
You can request a refund within 7 days of purchase if the eSIM has not been installed, scanned or activated. Check your phone is compatible before buying, because an installed eSIM can't be refunded. See our refund policy.
Get your New Zealand eSIM
Browse SIMNOVA New Zealand eSIM plans from A$2.95, usually delivered by email within seconds. To top up and check your data balance on the road, buy through the Simnova app on Google Play or the App Store.
About this guide: SIMNOVA is a New Zealand-based travel eSIM store run by Venture Bytes Limited in Auckland. The SIMNOVA team writes and checks these guides, and we haven't field-tested each rival's network for this comparison. Read about us or contact us with a correction.
Last updated: 5 November 2026. SIMNOVA prices, carrier rates and Nomad and Saily listings were read on this date. Check them again before you travel.
