City in Canterbury, New Zealand

Internet in Christchurch: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources

215 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Christchurch?

Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Free wifi in many cafés and libraries; the central library is a good workspace.

Getting online in Christchurch

	Details
Home fibre	Fibre in most addresses; about NZ$70–95 a month.
Cafés and coworking	Free wifi in many cafés and libraries; the central library is a good workspace.
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)

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 Christchurch?

Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Free wifi in many cafés and libraries; the central library is a good workspace.

Which SIM card should I get in Christchurch?

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 Christchurch

Going to Christchurch solo?

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Sources

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 Spotted something out of date?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.