How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in New Zealand?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
New Zealand uses Type I plugs (three flat angled pins, same as Australia) at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need an adapter.
2What You Need to Know
New Zealand uses the Type I electrical socket, which is the same as Australia — three flat pins arranged in an angled triangle (two angled live/neutral pins and one earth pin). The supply is 230V at 50Hz. Travellers from the UK (Type G plugs) and the USA (Type A/B, 120V) will need a plug adapter and Americans may also need a voltage converter for sensitive devices, though most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage (100–240V) and need only an adapter. Power supply in New Zealand is very reliable throughout the country. Adapters are available cheaply at The Warehouse, airports, and Bunnings hardware stores.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If you are coming from Australia, your plugs work directly in New Zealand — no adapter needed
- 2UK visitors need a Type I adapter — buy one at Auckland Airport arrival hall or any The Warehouse store
- 3Check your device's power brick for '100–240V' — if it says this, you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
South Africa uses Type M (large 3-pin round) plugs at 230V/50Hz — unique to South Africa and hard to find elsewhere; buy an adapter at the airport on arrival.
The Maldives uses 230V/50Hz — socket types are primarily Type D (Indian 3-pin) and Type G (British 3-pin), so bring an adapter.
Kenya uses Type G (British 3-pin square) plugs at 240V/50Hz — the same as the UK; US and European visitors need adapters.
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