New Zealand has very good telephone systems and services compared to many other countries. Find out about cell phones, Pre pay and pay as you go phones and mobile phone operators like Vodafone an New Zealand Telecom.  How to make cheap calls using calling cards. New Zealand Backpacker Directory recommends Vodafone. Vodafone New Zealand and New Zealand Telecom have stores all over New Zealand.

Sim cards can be purchased for your phone in the arrivals area of New Zealand’s International airports. You will be able to purchase for under $40.00 New Zealand a prepay sim card with free minutes. You can top up your prepay mobile sim cards from 1000’s of corner stores, Vodafone and NZ Telecom outlets all over New Zealand.

Land Based Telephone Services

• New Zealand has two main land based telephone providers and two mobile/Cell phone providers, as well as many Call card operators which may be purchased from most corner stores etc. In New Zealand a corner store is called a Dairy.
• Unless you are starting a flat/apartment you wont need the services of any one of the two main land based phone companies. However if you are. There are a few things you should consider. Monthly contract price, cost of calls to your part of the World etc.
• Most local shops around New Zealand now sell phone cards. The Kia Ora Cards seem to offer the most value for money .These phone cards are the cheapest way to call home from New Zealand.

Mobile/Cell Phone Services

• Best advice for backpackers is to bring your existing mobile phone from home as most mobile phones will work in New Zealand. Vodafone can supply you with a pre-paid sim card for your phone on a pre pay or Pay as U Go basis, This means there is no monthly billing to worry about, but you will pay more for calls you make. It is free to receive calls on a pre pay / Pay as you go plan.
• New Zealand's mobile phone network is compatible with UK and Ireland's mobile phone service providers. If you are with one of the main mobile service providers compatibility is assured. Just remember to make sure that your phone is unlocked and able to use another service providers sim card. Test it before you go. Ask a friend if you can use their sim from another network and see if it works.
• Telecom New Zealand mobile phones are network configured (Don't require sim cards) and will not be advisable to setup to operate in New Zealand. They have however planned to migrate their networks to those similar to Vodafone in the near future. when this happens you will be able to use your existing phone from England, UK and Ireland
• Mobile phone coverage in New Zealand is very good with all towns and cities receiving mobile phone coverage from the two main players. New Zealand has large area's of wilderness so when hiking across our many National Parks you are unlikely to get coverage. The general rule of thumb is if there is a road then you'll get coverage.
• If you intend to text alot, Telecom New Zealand have a $10 a month for up to 500 txt's. You will need to purchase a New Zealand Telecom phone. A cheap one can be purchased for around $100.
• Top up's for mobile phone Pay as U Go or Pre pay can be done at most ATM machines or literally 1000's of corner shops, petrol stations etc.