Anyone who has shopped for a new mobile plan in New Zealand recently knows the market has changed more in two years than in the previous decade. Vodafone is now One NZ, 2degrees has new ownership, and 5G is the new battleground for carriers hungry for your business.
Major operators: 3 (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees) ·
Average plan cost: $30–$80 per month ·
Fastest 5G download: 343 Mbps (2degrees, per Canstar NZ)
Quick snapshot
- Spark is owned by Spark New Zealand Ltd, a publicly traded company (Canstar NZ)
- One NZ (formerly Vodafone) is owned by Infratil and Brookfield (One NZ Newsroom)
- 2degrees was acquired by Vocus Group in 2022 (Canstar NZ)
- Exact current ownership breakdown of 2degrees after the Vocus acquisition and any subsequent changes (Canstar NZ)
- 2020: 5G networks begin rolling out in major cities (One NZ Newsroom)
- 2022: 2degrees acquired by Vocus Group (Canstar NZ)
- 2023: Vodafone New Zealand rebrands to One NZ (Canstar NZ)
- One NZ $1/month deal runs until 6 January 2026 unless withdrawn earlier (One NZ Terms)
- Promotional savings of $350 on eligible $73+ pay monthly plans (One NZ Specials)
The table below shows the key market metrics at a glance.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Major mobile network operators | 3 (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees) (Canstar NZ) |
| Average monthly plan cost (with phone) | $30–$80 (Canstar NZ) |
| Typical contract length | 24 months (One NZ) |
| Urban 5G coverage (approximate) | ~80% (Canstar NZ) |
| Number of mobile connections (2025) | ~6.4 million (Canstar NZ) |
What are the best mobile phone deals in New Zealand?
Top deals from Spark
Spark offers a range of plans, from SIM-only options starting at $30 per month to full phone bundles on 24-month contracts. Its 5G network now covers most urban areas, and it frequently runs promotions like bonus data on select plans. According to Canstar NZ, Spark’s 5G download speeds average 262 Mbps, which is competitive but slightly behind 2degrees and One NZ.
One NZ promotions
One NZ (the rebranded Vodafone) is currently running a $1-a-month deal on selected phones when you sign up to a $73+ pay monthly plan. The promotion, detailed on One NZ’s specials page, also offers $350 in savings over the interest-free term. Its Small Endless Data plan costs $50 per month for 6 GB of max-speed data with 5G access, as listed on MobilePlan.co.nz.
2degrees offers
2degrees currently boasts the fastest 5G speeds in New Zealand — 343 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload, according to the latest Opensignal report cited by Canstar NZ. The carrier also includes 5G access across most of its plans, making it a strong option for data-heavy users. Its contract plans often match the $30–$80 monthly range, with phone bundles available from $0 upfront.
Retailer deals from JB Hi-Fi, PriceSpy
If you prefer to buy a phone outright, retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Noel Leeming occasionally offer deals that bundle a handset with a prepaid SIM. Kogan Mobile NZ also offers prepaid plans starting at $15 for 1.5 GB per month, giving you flexibility without a long-term contract. For price comparisons, PriceSpy aggregates deals across multiple retailers.
Who is offering the best mobile phone deals?
Spark mobile deals overview
- Plans from $30/month (SIM-only) to $99/month with phone.
- 5G included on most postpaid plans.
- Occasional bonus data promotions, especially for students.
One NZ (formerly Vodafone) deals
- $1/month phone deal on $73+ plans (until Jan 2026).
- Small Endless Data $50 plan with 6 GB max speed + 5G.
- Savings of $350 over contract term on eligible plans.
2degrees pricing and perks
- Plans start at $30/month; phone bundles from $0 upfront.
- 5G across all plans (no extra fee).
- Fastest 5G speeds in NZ (343 Mbps download).
MVNOs and discount brands
- Rocket Mobile: $30 plan with endless data up to 10 Mbps; $65 plan with no speed cap (5G ready). $60 credit spread over six months on three prepaid plans (Canstar NZ).
- Kogan Mobile: Prepaid from $15/1.5 GB; annual plans from $160 (18 GB total).
The pattern is clear: the big three innovate at the top, but discount brands like Rocket Mobile and Kogan Mobile offer serious value for users who can bring their own phone.
What is the best mobile phone to buy in NZ?
- Samsung Galaxy: Popular models include the Galaxy S24 series and A-series, frequently available on contract from all three networks.
- Apple iPhone: iPhone 15 and 16 are often featured in One NZ and Spark bundles. Prices range from $0 upfront (on $80+ plans) to $1,500+ outright.
- OPPO and Huawei: Mid-range options like OPPO Reno and Huawei P series are available, but check 5G band compatibility.
- Unlocked vs locked: Buying an unlocked phone from a retailer (e.g., JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming) lets you switch carriers later. Carrier-locked phones typically stay on that network for the contract term.
The implication: for most buyers, the best phone is one that fits your budget and supports 5G on your chosen carrier’s network.
Which mobile provider is best in New Zealand?
Coverage comparison: Spark vs One NZ vs 2degrees
The performance data below reveals clear differences among the three.
| Network | Urban 5G coverage | 5G download speed (avg) | Award (Canstar 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | ~80% | 262 Mbps | Best mobile plan value (winner) |
| One NZ | ~80% | 313 Mbps | Runner-up |
| 2degrees | ~80% | 343 Mbps | Fastest speeds |
Consumer NZ’s surveys consistently show 2degrees leading on customer satisfaction, particularly for value and support. Spark and One NZ are closer for overall network reliability, but 2degrees pulls ahead on price transparency.
Opensignal’s data, published by Canstar NZ, puts 2degrees first in download speed, followed by One NZ and Spark. All three offer consistent 4G LTE and expanding 5G in metro areas.
2degrees wins on speed and satisfaction, but its rural coverage still lags Spark and One NZ in some areas. If you live outside a main city, check coverage maps before switching.
Is 5G worth it in NZ?
5G coverage now reaches about 80% of urban areas, and all three major networks offer it on standard plans. The speed difference is real: 2degrees’s average 343 Mbps is roughly 5× faster than typical 4G LTE in New Zealand. However, the cost premium is minimal — often $5–$10 extra per month, or included at no charge on some plans.
Use cases for 5G
- Streaming 4K video, gaming, large file downloads.
- Video calls and remote work in congested areas.
- Hotspotting (many plans include it).
Alternatives: 4G LTE
For basic browsing, social media, and music streaming, 4G LTE is still perfectly adequate and cheaper. Prepaid plans from Kogan Mobile and Rocket Mobile use 4G (and 5G on some plans) at a fraction of the cost.
The catch: upgrading to 5G is worth it only if your daily usage demands high speeds and you live in a covered area. For everyone else, a good 4G plan can save $120–$240 per year.
Rural users on 5G plans often drop to 4G outside city limits — you pay a premium for speeds you rarely get. Check coverage on your commute or travel routes.
Confirmed facts
- Spark is publicly traded and owned by Spark New Zealand Ltd (Canstar NZ).
- One NZ is co-owned by Infratil and Brookfield (One NZ Newsroom).
- 2degrees was acquired by Vocus Group in 2022 (Canstar NZ).
- 2degrees has the fastest 5G speeds (343 Mbps down, 32 Mbps up) as measured by Opensignal (Canstar NZ).
- One NZ offers $1 phone deals on $73+ plans until 6 Jan 2026 (One NZ Terms).
What’s unclear
- Precise current ownership structure of 2degrees after the Vocus acquisition and any subsequent changes (Canstar NZ).
- Whether Spark’s rural 5G rollout timeline will match One NZ’s footprint outside major metro areas.
- How MVNO pricing might shift if the big three raise wholesale rates.
- Whether One NZ’s $1 deal will be renewed after January 2026 or replaced with a different promotion.
- Actual real-world 5G speeds in smaller towns vs the national averages quoted by Opensignal.
“2degrees delivers the fastest 5G speeds in New Zealand, offering consumers a clear performance advantage when choosing a mobile plan.”
— Canstar NZ spokesperson, Canstar NZ
“We are committed to expanding our 5G footprint to ensure New Zealanders have access to world-class mobile connectivity.”
— Spark CEO, Canstar NZ
Upsides
- Lower upfront cost when bundling phone with a plan.
- 5G included at no extra charge on most postpaid plans.
- Contract gives predictable monthly payments.
Downsides
- Locked into 24-month commitment; early exit fees apply.
- Phone is carrier-locked until contract ends or device is paid off.
- Interest-free deals may inflate the plan cost over time.
For readers who want to dig deeper into how New Zealand’s area codes work or find store hours at major retailers, check out our guides on 04 Area Code NZ: Calling Guide & Number Lookup and Noel Leeming Te Rapa: Products, Hours, Location at The Base Hamilton.
mobileplan.co.nz, mobile-phones.co.nz, glimp.co.nz, comcom.govt.nz, aucklandjournal.nz
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mobile phone deal without a contract?
Yes. Prepaid SIM-only plans from Kogan Mobile, Rocket Mobile, and 2degrees Prepay let you buy a phone outright and pay month-to-month without a long-term commitment.
What is the best SIM-only plan in New Zealand?
For pure value, Kogan Mobile’s $15/month plan (1.5 GB) is hard to beat. For more data, Rocket Mobile’s $30 plan offers unlimited data at reduced speeds. Among the big three, 2degrees’ $30 SIM-only plan includes 5G access.
How do I port my number to a new provider?
You can keep your number by requesting a “port” from your old provider. The new network will handle the process — you’ll need your account number and a valid ID. Most ports complete within 1-2 business days.
Do mobile deals include international roaming?
Most standard NZ plans do not include roaming. Some providers offer add-ons (e.g., One NZ Roam, Spark Travel Pass) at $5–$10 per day. Check with your carrier before travelling.
Are there student discounts on mobile plans?
Yes. Spark offers a Student Saver Plan with bonus data and reduced rates. 2degrees and One NZ occasionally run student-specific promotions. Check their websites or visit stores with a valid student ID.
What happens at the end of a 24-month contract?
You own the phone (assuming no remaining device balance) and can either continue on the same plan, upgrade to a new handset, or switch to a SIM-only plan. If you don’t upgrade, your monthly bill typically drops to the plan-only cost.