Internet in Nelson: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources

215 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Nelson?

Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi is common and laptop-friendly; libraries offer free wifi.

Getting online in Nelson

	Details
Home fibre	Fibre in most addresses; about NZ$70–95 a month.
Cafés and coworking	Café wifi is common and laptop-friendly; libraries offer free wifi.
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 Nelson

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 Nelson?

Median fixed broadband in New Zealand is 215 Mbps and mobile is 145 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café wifi is common and laptop-friendly; libraries offer free wifi.

Which SIM card should I get in Nelson?

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 Nelson

Going to Nelson solo?

SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Nelson meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.

See plans in Nelson

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 Spotted something out of date?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.