NZ power plugs – Will my devices work in New Zealand?

If you are planning a visit to New Zealand you will undoubtedly want to bring some of your appliances with you.

Will my devices charge in Aotearoa though?

Will I need an international converter to allow you to plug them into Kiwi sockets?

The answers to both of these questions generally depends on where your device comes from, though there are some exceptions to the rule.

To learn more about whether your appliances will work in New Zealand power sockets, read on…

Devices in Aotearoa – Your Guide to NZ Power Plugs

Electrical Plugs and Outlets

New Zealand uses the Type I outlet. 

Some plugs will have two prongs, whilst others will have three. 

All are able to be used in the country though (as all outlets cater to the three-pronged triangle configuration) and the bottom prong isn’t required for power to flow.

Will I Need an International Convertor in New Zealand?

If your devices use anything other than the Type I power plug that we use in New Zealand then yes, you will need a conversion plug in order get electricity to your hardware.

If you have travelled to any of the countries marked in grey (including Australia and Argentina), then the convertors you used there will do the trick in New Zealand.

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Now That I’ve Got My Plug Sorted, Can I Use My International Devices in New Zealand?

That depends entirely on the electricity that your device is rated for – many devices purchased overseas will work with our electricity in New Zealand though.

Electricity Rating

Across New Zealand, the standard voltage is 230V, whilst the standard frequency is 50Hz.

In order for your appliance to work in Aotearoa it will need to have a similar voltage (or you will need to use a step-down transformer).

Read on to learn more.

Will My 220 – 240 Volt Appliance Work in New Zealand?

Devices from the majority of locations around the world will work.  These countries/regions include the following (and will work without fault):

• Australia
• The United Kingdom
• South Africa
• The Middle East
• and many more.

To check your country, please use this detailed guide or view the map included below. If you are bringing an appliance from a country that’s marked either dark blue or light blue, you’ll be good to go in New Zealand.

A 220V appliance is safe to use in a country like New Zealand (with a voltage of 230v), as is a 240V.  They are able to handle that level of variation.

Will My 120 Volt Appliance Work in New Zealand? USA and Canadian Appliances

Any more significant variation (for example, 120V in the United States and Canada) is sometimes too great.  Without a step-down transformer (or a device designed to work across electrical networks, as outlined in the following paragraph), you run the risk of blowing (and breaking) devices like hair dryers.

In short, a device purchased in the US or Canada may not work in New Zealand, without a converter.

Will Some Devices Work Regardless of Where They’re From?

It is worth checking your appliance as some will work in New Zealand regardless of where they were made. 

If the label says ‘Input 100-240V, 50/60Hz’ then it is designed to work across all electrical systems. 

This is most often found on camera chargers, mobile phone chargers, electric toothbrush chargers and computer chargers; generally low-output devices.

Pro Tip: The fact that your device will work with the electrical system in New Zealand will not negate your need for an appropriate adapter.

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If you do find yourself in New Zealand and are in need of a socket converter, you’ll find plenty of places to purchase them locally.

The following stores stock them in person (and often online too):

• The Warehouse
• PB Tech
• Bunnings
• jaycar
• Kmart
• Mitre10
• Briscoes
• Supermarkets

All the best getting your devices working in New Zealand.

You will, after all, want to keep your camera fully charged to capture all of those magical moments!