Internet Availability

WiFi access for travellers on motorhome holidays in New Zealand is widely available but varies in quality and coverage depending on location and provider. Most campgrounds and holiday parks offer WiFi, though speeds and data limits can differ. Unlimited and fast WiFi is rare; most campgrounds offer limited free access or paid options, typically charging around NZ$5 for 1GB or 24 hours. Public WiFi is also accessible in libraries, many cafes (often requiring a purchase), airports, and some supermarkets, though these networks may be slower and less secure.

For those needing more reliable or constant internet, several motorhome rental companies provide portable WiFi devices as an optional extra. Companies such as Pacific Horizon have permanently installed WiFi routers in their premium motorhomes with unlimited data for $5 per day ($80 minimum), and Tui Campers offer "Pocket Wifi Internet" with various data plans start from $85 for 8GB of data up to $130 for 40GB.

Travelers can also use their own mobile phones as personal hotspots by purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan from New Zealand mobile providers. This is a practical option for those mainly traveling through urban areas, as mobile coverage reaches over 95% of where people live and work, but only about 50% of the country’s landmass. Using a personal hotspot is convenient for solo travellers or those with only one device, but data plans in New Zealand can be more expensive than in some other countries.

Overall, while New Zealand offers a range of WiFi access options for motorhome travellers, planning ahead and considering a combination of campground WiFi, portable devices, and mobile data ensures the best connectivity on the road.