New Zealand power plugs: socket type, 230 V supply, choosing a safe adaptor and charging on the road

New Zealand power sockets take angled flat 2- or 3-pin plugs under the AS/NZS 3112 standard, the same type used in Australia, and household supply is 230 V. Thai round-pin plugs and most Thai flat-pin plugs will not fit, so you need an adaptor. Phone and laptop chargers labelled 100-240V run on 230 V without a voltage converter.

What type of plug does New Zealand use?

New Zealand plugs have flat pins set at an angle, like an upside-down V, in 2-pin and 3-pin versions (the third pin is earth). WorkSafe New Zealand says household outlets in New Zealand take only flat 2- or 3-pin plugs, and MBIE's Building CodeHub lists AS/NZS 3112 as the standard for household plugs and socket-outlets. In shops and on adaptor packaging this plug is commonly called Type I.

Because the standard is shared, an adaptor that works in Australia also works in New Zealand, which helps if you visit both countries on one trip. To compare plugs in other countries, see “Power plugs by country: which travel adapter do you actually need?”.

What voltage is New Zealand's power, and will Thai devices work?

New Zealand household supply is 230 V, according to WorkSafe New Zealand's code of practice. Most devices Thai travellers carry will work, but always read the label on the charger or the appliance first. A plug adaptor only changes the pin shape; it does not change the voltage.

• Phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers are usually marked 100-240V and need only a plug adaptor.
• Single-voltage items, such as some hair dryers and straighteners, must be checked for 230 V support.
• If the label does not show a range that covers 230 V, do not plug it in.

Do Thai plugs need an adaptor in New Zealand?

Yes. Thai round-pin plugs and the straight flat-pin plugs common in Thailand do not fit New Zealand's angled flat-pin sockets. This table sums up what to do with each plug type Thai travellers usually carry.

If your laptop charger or another device has a 3-pin plug, use an adaptor with an earth-pin slot. Never bend or snap off a pin to make a plug fit, because that defeats the earth connection that protects you from shocks. Families can bring one surge-protected Thai power strip and run it through a single adaptor to charge several devices, but not for high-power appliances.

Which travel adaptor is safe to buy for New Zealand?

Choose an adaptor that meets AS/NZS standards. A New Zealand Government Gazette notice prohibits certain unsafe travel adaptors, and cheap adaptors with no standards information can sit loosely, overheat or create a shock risk. Before you buy, check the following:

• The packaging or adaptor says it suits New Zealand and Australian sockets and refers to AS/NZS standards.
• The pins are solid and sit firmly in the socket without wobbling.
• The current and voltage ratings are clearly printed.
• Do not stack adaptors, and do not run a hair dryer through a cheap power strip.

What charging gear should you pack for New Zealand?

1. 1Count what needs charging each nightPhones, watches, cameras and power banks. With several devices, a multi-port USB charger lets one adaptor do the job.
2. 2Pack at least two adaptorsOne stays in the room and one is a spare in case you lose or break it.
3. 3Bring a car chargerIf you rent a car or campervan, a USB car charger keeps the navigation phone powered.
4. 4Charge power banks before remote areasTop up before a hike or the drive to Milford Sound, where you may find nowhere to charge.

Why keep your phone charged and connected in New Zealand?

Because your phone is your map, ticket wallet and lifeline at the same time. GPS navigation drains the battery quickly, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) says coverage on the Milford Road is limited outside Te Anau, so download offline maps and charge fully before you go. The Telecommunications Forum (TCF) also confirmed that all New Zealand 3G closed in 2026, so your phone needs 4G with VoLTE for both data and 111 calls.

An eSIM that works from the moment you land lets you open hotel confirmations, pull up directions and check the weather without hunting for WiFi. Combined with a compliant adaptor and a power bank, your phone stays ready for the whole trip.

Voir les offres eSIM pour la Nouvelle-Zélande