When you’re exploring the rolling hills of the North Island or chasing waterfalls down south, staying connected is essential.
Whether it’s navigating backroads without Wi-Fi, booking a last-minute ferry, or uploading a dreamy view from Milford Sound, having reliable mobile data is non-negotiable. I’ve hopped across dozens of islands in Oceania, and if there’s one constant in all my adventures, it’s the need for fast, affordable internet on the move.
So, if you’re wondering how to get high-speed internet while travelling through New Zealand, you’re in exactly the right place.
In this review, I’m comparing two of the most talked-about eSIM options for Aotearoa: Airalo, the globally loved digital SIM platform, and Jetpac, a data-focused contender that’s gained some buzz. Both promise you seamless connectivity, but one does it with a little more finesse (spoiler alert: I’ve got thoughts).
In the sections ahead, I’ll break it all down—from plan variety and pricing to coverage, security, and more—so you can make the call that suits your style of travel best.
What Are eSIMs and Why Use Them in New Zealand?
Before we get too deep into the tech, let me put it simply: an eSIM is a digital version of the little plastic SIM card you used to pop into your phone. But instead of queueing at a kiosk or fiddling with a SIM tray in the back of a camper van, you just download the eSIM through an app, and voilà—you’re connected. No stress, no waste, and best of all, no roaming surprises.
For travellers in New Zealand, this convenience is gold. We’re talking about a country where one minute you’re sipping coffee in Wellington and the next you’re off-grid in Fiordland. With an eSIM, you can switch data plans or top up without skipping a beat. In recent years, eSIM providers have really levelled up—offering better value, stronger coverage, and apps that make managing your data a breeze. I’ve tested more than a few, and believe me, not all are created equal.
1. Variety of Plans
Airalo hits the sweet spot when it comes to flexibility. Whether I’m in NZ for a quick ten-day hike or setting up shop for a month, they’ve got plans that fit like a glove. Their options range from lean-and-light to data-hungry, all delivered through an app that even my technophobic cousin could navigate. It’s that perfect blend of simplicity and customisation that makes Airalo stand out—especially if you’re used to bouncing between countries like I do.
Jetpac, on the other hand, feels a bit more one-size-fits-all. The plans tend to focus on fixed bundles with heavy data upfront, which can be great if you’re binge-streaming or working full-time on the road. But if you’re after nuanced choices or something that lets you scale up or down on the fly, Jetpac doesn’t quite offer the same versatility. That’s where Airalo pulls ahead for me—it’s more like a travel toolkit than just a data plan.
2. Price and Affordability
Here’s where things really start to swing. With Airalo, you can snag a 20GB plan that works out to just about $1 a day over a month. That’s not just affordable—it’s savvy. Especially in a place like New Zealand, where local telco plans can sneak up on you with fees or limited availability, having this kind of predictable pricing is a massive win. For light users, they’ve got micro plans too, so you’re not paying for data you won’t use.
Jetpac talks a big game about affordability, but the value per gig just doesn’t match up. Their larger bundles often work out more expensive if you’re only staying a week or two, and there’s less granularity in the plan structure. I always weigh my data spend against what I actually need—especially when I’m out filming or uploading content from remote regions—and Airalo gives me far more control in that regard. It’s just smarter money.
3. Network Coverage and Reliability
New Zealand’s terrain is epic, but it’s not exactly connectivity-friendly. Think mountain passes, long stretches of highway with no signal, and little towns nestled deep in valleys. That’s why it matters which network your eSIM latches onto. Airalo partners with local giants like Spark and 2degrees, which in my experience has meant solid performance, even in tricky spots. I’ve streamed Spotify through the Catlins and navigated the West Coast with zero dropouts. That’s saying something.
Jetpac’s coverage can be hit or miss depending on where you are. While they boast decent nationwide reach, I noticed weaker reception in more remote areas—places like Arthur’s Pass or even parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. That might not matter if you’re staying in cities, but if you’re venturing off the beaten path (and you should), Airalo’s partnerships seem to hold up better in the wild.
4. Security and Data Protection
As someone who works remotely, secure connections are non-negotiable. Airalo has a tight setup when it comes to data privacy and in-app protection. I’ve used their eSIMs across borders, and I’ve never had to worry about sketchy hotspots or weird connection glitches. Everything from installation to usage feels polished and safe, and that peace of mind matters when you’re using public Wi-Fi on the go.
Jetpac, being the newer kid on the block, hasn’t built the same level of trust for me. While I haven’t run into any glaring red flags, their app and activation process feels a bit raw around the edges. There’s also less transparency about how they handle user data, which leaves me slightly cautious. For a seasoned traveller, that’s enough to sway the vote toward Airalo—confidence in your tech is half the battle when you’re roaming across countries.
5. Device Compatibility and Ease of Setup
Not every eSIM works smoothly across all phones, but in my experience, Airalo has nailed compatibility. I’ve used it seamlessly with both my iPhone and a backup Android during travels in New Zealand—and I’m not alone. Many travellers on forums and Reddit threads echo the same: as long as your device is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, you’re good to go. Jetpac also works with most modern phones, but I’ve seen more inconsistencies mentioned when people tried to install it on less common models or budget devices.
Now, let’s talk setup. With Airalo, I was online in under five minutes, using their app to activate my plan without needing to scan a QR code. It felt modern and effortless, like it was designed with travellers in mind. Jetpac, by contrast, had a slightly clunkier activation process that required QR scanning, and if anything went sideways, it wasn’t always clear what to do next. That first impression counts, especially when you’ve just landed in a new country. Airalo’s onboarding felt slick, intuitive, and frankly, one less thing to worry about.
6. Local vs. Global Perspective
Jetpac plays up its connection to New Zealand, presenting itself almost like a local telco in a digital wrapper. It leans into that “Kiwi-ready” image with targeted plans for Aotearoa, which may appeal if you’re after a more grounded, localised feel.
But that very focus is also its limitation. When I’m hopping from NZ to Fiji to Australia, Jetpac doesn’t carry the same ease of transition—there’s no global continuity in the app, no seamless roaming packages. You’re more or less starting from scratch each time.
Airalo, on the other hand, brings a global mindset with a local twist. I can be connected in Wellington today, then switch to a plan for Bali tomorrow—without downloading a new app or navigating new terms. That’s a huge plus if you live life on the move like I do.
The app knows who it’s built for: people who value convenience and consistency across borders. Airalo’s worldwide presence gives me a feeling of reliability, no matter where my next stop is.
7. User Reviews and Customer Support
The traveller grapevine never lies. In community spaces like Reddit and travel forums, the feedback about Airalo has been overwhelmingly positive. People love how straightforward the setup is, how responsive the app feels, and how reliable the data stays throughout New Zealand. Jetpac isn’t without its fans, but I’ve seen a lot more mixed reviews—especially about inconsistent connectivity or unclear instructions during activation. For a newcomer in the eSIM space, Jetpac’s got promise, but it hasn’t built the same trust yet.
Airalo has something Jetpac still lacks: 24/7 multilingual support that actually feels human. I’ve had questions answered in minutes through their in-app chat, even while I was sitting in a camper van outside of Queenstown. Jetpac, from what I could gather, relies more on static support pages and slower response times. When you’re in a bind—say, your signal drops before a Zoom call or your plan mysteriously pauses—you want support that acts fast and speaks your language. That’s where Airalo wins, hands down.
8. Airalo vs Jetpac: At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature | Airalo | Jetpac |
|---|---|---|
| Data Plans & Pricing | Flexible, starting around $1/day for 20GB | Heavier bundles, less flexible for short stays |
| Network Coverage | Strong, backed by local NZ providers | Decent but patchy in remote areas |
| eSIM Setup | In-app, fast, no QR needed | Requires QR code, less intuitive |
| Supported Devices | Wide range, seamless with most unlocked phones | Also broad, but with occasional issues |
| Customer Support | 24/7 in-app chat, fast response | Limited support channels |
| Security Features | High trust, reliable app infrastructure | Basic protections, less transparent |
| Ease of Use | Travel-focused, beginner-friendly | Slightly clunky experience |
9. Who Should Choose Airalo or Jetpac?
If you’re a short-term visitor, budget traveller, or digital nomad like me—someone who values flexibility, smooth UX, and bang for your buck—Airalo is the clear pick. It feels like it was built for the kind of travel lifestyle that involves constant movement, minimal fuss, and full control over data use. You’re not locked into a long-term structure, and that freedom is priceless when you’re chasing sunsets and deadlines around the globe.
Jetpac may appeal to those staying longer in NZ who don’t mind a more traditional, slightly rigid setup. If you want a “set it and forget it” data option with lots of GB upfront and you’re not too worried about tweaking your plan, it might do the job. But for most travellers I meet—especially the ones juggling work and Wi-Fi—Airalo offers the better all-around experience.
Conclusion: The Better eSIM for New Zealand is…
After testing both in the real world—from remote beaches to bustling cities—it’s Airalo that consistently comes out on top. Its pricing is leaner, its coverage wider, and its setup almost ridiculously simple. More than that, it feels built for travellers, not just phone users. Jetpac has some catching up to do if it wants to match the flexibility and reliability Airalo brings to the table.
So, if you’re heading to New Zealand and want a no-fuss, affordable way to stay online from the moment you land to your last flat white in Auckland, Airalo is the smarter eSIM choice. It’s the one I’ll be using the next time I’m road-tripping the South Island, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend anything less.
