Best travel adapter for New Zealand & power converters
Planning a trip to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? The only things you really need is your passport and the best travel adapter for New Zealand!
New Zealand is honestly one of the most beautiful countries – the dramatic landscapes, the unusual geology formations, the weather, the mountainous regions of the Southern Alps, the culture… just everything is spectacular!
If you’re lucky enough to get the chance to go to New Zealand, you’ll love it!
Half of my family live in New Zealand so I’ve spent extensive amount of time travelling around the island. Here’s everything I know, making it easier for you!
Have a look at our North Island Itinerary and South Island itinerary for inspiration for best things to do in New Zealand.
Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North Island VS South Island New Zealand, which is better for you!
Best travel adapter for New Zealand
New Zealand uses Type I plugs. This is the same as in Australia and similar to the US, but slightly more angled.
The shape of the plug (Type I plugs) have two-three flat pins, with two angled pins. The electrical current & voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 volts (50Hz).
Even though the New Zealand power sockets and wall outlets have 3 pins, they work with the 2 pin travel adapter with no issues.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials, including your trusty electrical gadgets. But before you plug in and power up, let’s go over the ins and outs of New Zealand’s electrical system because you don’t want to be left without power.
First up, let’s talk about travel adapters. These nifty little devices are your ticket to connecting your beloved electrical appliances to the New Zealand power outlets. In New Zealand, you’ll encounter power outlets with flat pins, quite different from the ones you’re used to back home. So, toss in a couple of adapter plugs into your suitcase to make sure your devices can juice up without a hitch.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. New Zealand runs on a higher voltage system compared to places like North America and the United States. We’re talking about 220-240 volts AC, so your gadgets from back home might need a little extra love to adapt. That’s where a voltage converter comes into play. A voltage transformer makes sure that your electrical devices can handle the higher voltage without frying their circuits.
You don’t want to blow the circuits on your phones, cameras or electric razors, so careful with the power supply; don’t just plug straight into the power outlets. Have a look below to see which travel adaptor I use for my electrical goods.
Universal Travel Adapter
Our travel adapter is universal, so it works worldwide, which is fab.
This is the travel adapter we use is pictured below, great for any New Zealand power outlet. It has 2 USB chargers and 3 USB-C chargers.
The USB charger is a game changer, especially for small appliances and travel appliances like your phones and cameras as you can charge multiple devices at once!
But wait, there’s more! Some of your gadgets might already be equipped for the voltage jump from the New Zealand power outlets. We call these gems dual voltage devices. They’re like the Swiss Army knives of electrical gadgets, effortlessly switching between different power supplies without breaking a sweat. So, before you panic about your hair dryer or electric razor, double-check if they’re dual voltage champs.
Of course, in this digital age, who can forget about our trusty companions – cell phones and digital cameras? Luckily, most of these modern appliances and devices come with built-in flexibility to handle varying voltages. So, unless you’re rocking some seriously ancient tech, you’re probably good to go without a voltage converter.
Now, onto the good stuff – power strips and USB chargers. You’re not just powering up one device at a time, are you? Nah, we’ve got a whole entourage of gadgets demanding their fair share of electricity. That’s where power strips swoop in to save the day, offering multiple outlets for all your charging needs. And don’t forget about USB chargers – because who wants to lug around a bunch of bulky adapters when you can plug directly into a USB port?
But hey, safety first, right? Make sure to snag yourself a universal adapter that meets all the necessary safety standards. You don’t want any sparks flying or circuits frying while you’re trying to capture that perfect sunset pic. And while it might be tempting to grab your gear from the local electrical high street shops when you touch down in New Zealand, it’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand to ensure you’re getting the good stuff.
Now, let’s talk plugs. New Zealand’s got those round pin sockets that might throw you off if you’re used to the US plug style. But fear not, a quick swap with an adapter plug, and you’re good to go. Whether you’re exploring the North Island or the South Island, these NZ sockets are waiting to power up your adventures.
And here’s some good news – you don’t need to pack your entire arsenal of adapter plugs for every foreign country you visit. A versatile universal adapter can handle plugs from all over the globe, from continental Europe to Papua New Guinea and everywhere in between. So, save some space in your suitcase and opt for the all-in-one solution.
Before we wrap up, a word of advice – use your cell phone with great care. We all love staying connected, but excessive use of a cellphone can drain its battery faster than you can say “Kia Ora”. So, keep an eye on your usage and maybe take a break from the digital world to soak in the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Hit the road, camera in hand, and capture memories to last a lifetime. Safe travels!
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and your South Island New Zealand Road Trip!
- Lake Tekapo from Queenstown Road Trip
- Glamping on South Island
- Best things to do in Lake Tekapo
- Wanaka lavender farm
- Onsen hot pools
- Akaroa Dolphin Watching
- Is New Zealand cheaper than Australia?
- Does New Zealand have dangerous animals?
Full disclosure! Some of the links here may be affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.
