Average Broadband Speed in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

Created at : October 1, 2025

In today's connected world, a fast and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you're working from home, streaming your favourite shows in 4K, or gaming online with friends, your broadband speed plays a crucial role in your online experience. But what is the average broadband speed in New Zealand, and how do you know if you're getting the speed you need?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about broadband speeds in New Zealand. We'll cover the average speeds, what's considered a "good" speed, and how to choose the best broadband plan for your household.

📶 Understanding Broadband Speed

Before we dive into the numbers, let's quickly define what we mean by "broadband speed." Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and consists of two key components:

  • Download Speed: This is the speed at which you can download data from the internet to your device. A faster download speed means quicker downloads for movies, music, and files, and smoother streaming and browsing experiences.
  • Upload Speed: This is the speed at which you can upload data from your device to the internet. A faster upload speed is important for video calls, online gaming, and uploading large files to the cloud.

📊 What is the Average Broadband Speed in New Zealand?

According to recent data, the average download speed for fixed broadband in New Zealand is around 206.94 Mbps. This places New Zealand 26th in the world for fixed broadband speeds. The average upload speed is approximately 95.83 Mbps.

However, it's important to remember that these are just averages. The actual speed you experience can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Your location: Broadband speeds can vary between urban and rural areas.
  • The type of broadband connection you have: Fibre is the fastest and most reliable type of broadband, followed by VDSL, ADSL, and wireless broadband.
  • Your broadband provider: Different providers offer different speeds and plans.
  • The time of day: Internet speeds can slow down during peak hours when more people are online.
  • Your in-home setup: The quality of your modem, router, and internal wiring can all affect your broadband speed.

👍 What is a Good WiFi Speed in NZ?

A "good" WiFi speed really depends on your individual needs and how you use the internet. Here's a general guide to help you determine what speed is right for you:

  • Basic Browsing and Email (10-25 Mbps): If you mainly use the internet for browsing websites, checking emails, and social media, a basic plan with speeds of 10-25 Mbps should be sufficient.
  • Streaming HD Video and Online Gaming (25-50 Mbps): For streaming HD movies and TV shows, and playing online games without lag, you'll want a plan with speeds of at least 25-50 Mbps.
  • Streaming 4K Video and Multiple Devices (50-100 Mbps): If you have a 4K TV or multiple people in your household who are all using the internet at the same time, you'll need a faster plan with speeds of 50-100 Mbps. A 200 Mbps plan is more than enough for most households and will provide a seamless online experience for streaming, gaming, and working from home.
  • Heavy Users and Smart Homes (100+ Mbps): For heavy internet users, large households with multiple connected devices, and smart homes with lots of smart devices, a plan with speeds of 100 Mbps or more is recommended.

🚀 How to Increase Your Broadband Speed

If you're not getting the speeds you're paying for, there are a few things you can do to try and improve your connection:

  • Run a speed test: The first step is to run a speed test to see what speeds you're actually getting. You can use our free and easy-to-use internet speed test to check your current download and upload speeds.
  • Check your in-home setup: Make sure your modem and router are in a central location and that there are no physical obstructions blocking the signal. You may also want to consider upgrading to a newer modem or router.
  • Secure your WiFi network: An unsecured WiFi network can be used by your neighbors, which can slow down your connection. Make sure your network is password-protected.
  • Contact your broadband provider: If you've tried all of the above and you're still not getting the speeds you're paying for, it's time to contact your broadband provider. They may be able to troubleshoot the issue or upgrade your plan.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How fast is 5G in New Zealand?

A: 5G is the next generation of mobile technology, and it's capable of delivering incredibly fast speeds. In New Zealand, 5G speeds can vary depending on the provider and location, but some users have reported download speeds of over 1 Gbps.

Q: What is the fastest internet speed in the world?

A: The fastest internet speed in the world is constantly changing as new technologies are developed. However, countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea consistently rank among the fastest in the world, with average download speeds of over 200 Mbps.

Q: What is the New Zealand Internet Speed Ranking?

A: As mentioned earlier, New Zealand ranks 26th in the world for fixed broadband speeds. This is a significant improvement from a few years ago, and it's thanks in large part to the rollout of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network.

💰 Find the Best Broadband Deals in New Zealand

Ready to find the perfect broadband plan for your needs? At broadband.co.nz, we make it easy to compare broadband deals from all the top in New Zealand. Simply enter your address to see what plans are available in your area, and then compare speeds, prices, and features to find the best deal for you.


🔄 This guide is updated monthly with current pricing, promotions, and provider changes. Bookmark this page for information about the average broadband speed and comparison data.

Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.