Region in Northland, New Zealand
Internet in Bay of Islands: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Bay of Islands?
Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi is fine for light work; mobile coverage drops outside towns.
Getting online in Bay of Islands
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre in Paihia and Kerikeri; some rural areas rely on fixed wireless. About NZ$70–95 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Café wifi is fine for light work; mobile coverage drops outside towns. |
| Outages | Storms can cut power and coverage |
| Tourist SIM | Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from One NZ, Spark and 2degrees at airports and supermarkets, about NZ$30–60 for a month. Coverage gaps on mountain roads. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | One NZ, Spark, 2degrees |
| Monthly data plan | NZ$30–60 ($17–34) |
Coworking in Bay of Islands
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Oceania
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 215 Mbps | 145 Mbps |
| Australia | 174 Mbps | 121 Mbps |
| Papua New Guinea | 68 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Bay of Islands?
Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi is fine for light work; mobile coverage drops outside towns.
Which SIM card should I get in Bay of Islands?
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from One NZ, Spark and 2degrees at airports and supermarkets, about NZ$30–60 for a month. Coverage gaps on mountain roads.
Can I use an eSIM in New Zealand?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Bay of Islands
Going to Bay of Islands solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bay of Islands meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: New Zealand
- One NZ
- Spark
- 2degrees
- Northland NZ (tourism)
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Department of Conservation
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.