Moving House: The Ultimate Broadband Checklist for New Zealanders
Moving house is famously one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing boxes and redirecting mail, it’s easy to overlook your internet connection until you're sitting in your new living room trying to find the Wi-Fi.
In New Zealand, where most of us rely on Fibre or high-speed Wireless broadband, "taking the internet with you" isn't always as simple as plugging in a box. To ensure you have zero downtime, follow this NZ-specific checklist.
4+ Weeks Before Moving: Research and Strategy
📍 Check Availability at Your New Address
Don’t assume your new house has the same connection options as your current one. Some areas might have access to HyperFibre, while others (especially new subdivisions or rural areas) might still be waiting for a Fibre rollout.
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Action: Use the Broadband.co.nz address checker to see exactly what technology (Fibre, HFC, Wireless, or Satellite) is available at your new front door.
💰 Compare New Options & Deals
Moving is the single best time to compare broadband plans and switch providers. In NZ, companies often offer "new customer" incentives such as 3-6 months of half-price internet or $200 joining credits.
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Action: Compare the total cost of staying versus switching. If your new home supports faster tech like Gigabit Fibre and your current provider doesn't offer it, now is the time to move.
📞 Contact Your Current Provider
Give your provider at least 30 days' notice. If you aren't sure how to reach them, you can find contact details for all major NZ internet providers here. Ask them:
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Are there any early termination fees if I switch?
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What is the "notice period" for a move?
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Can I keep my current email address?
2 Weeks Before Moving: Locking it In
✅ Confirm the Transfer or Installation Date
You want your "Move Out" date at your old house to align with your "Move In" date at the new one.
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Pro Tip: If you are changing companies, follow our guide on how to switch internet providers to ensure you don't end up paying for two connections at once.
🛠️ Schedule a Technician (If Required)
If the new property has never had Fibre, a technician from a Local Fibre Company (like Chorus or Enable) will need to visit.
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Requirement: Someone over 18 must be home for this appointment. If you are moving into a major hub like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, booking early is essential as technician slots fill up fast.
Moving Day: The Technical Handover
📦 What to Take (and What to Leave)
This is the most common mistake Kiwis make when moving.
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KEEP: Your Router/Modem, its power cable, and any Mesh Wi-Fi satellites.
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LEAVE: The ONT (Optical Network Terminal). This is the white box usually fixed to the wall where the fibre cable enters the house. It belongs to the network provider, not you.
🔌 Setting Up at the New Address
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Locate the ONT at the new property.
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Plug your router’s "WAN" port into the "LAN1" port on the ONT.
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Power everything on. If you notice slow speeds initially, check out our report on the average broadband speed in New Zealand to see if your connection is performing as it should.
Transferring vs. Switching: Which is Better?
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Scenario |
Transfer (Stay) |
Switch (New Provider) |
|
Effort |
Low – Usually just a phone call. |
Medium – Requires new sign-up. |
|
Cost |
Usually free. |
Often includes credits ($100-$300). |
|
Equipment |
Keep your old router. |
Get a brand new, updated router. |
|
Best For |
People happy with their current plan. |
People looking for the best broadband deals. |
"Bridge the Gap": Temporary Internet Options
📱 Using a Mobile Hotspot
If your Fibre installation is delayed, you can use your phone’s data. This is a common stop-gap, but be wary of data caps.
📡 Portable Wireless Broadband
Some NZ providers offer "Instant On" 4G/5G boxes. These are great for immediate connectivity while you wait for a permanent line. Check out our wireless broadband comparison for portable options.
Moving House Broadband Checklist (Summary)
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[ ] Checked address availability at Broadband.co.nz
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[ ] Compared plans to decide whether to stay or switch
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[ ] Notified current provider of move date
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[ ] Booked technician for new builds (if applicable)
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[ ] Packed router and all power cables
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[ ] Left the ONT (white box) at the old property
Moving House Broadband FAQs
Q: Does it cost money to move my broadband?
A: Most NZ providers don't charge a fee if you stay with them. However, if you're looking for the absolute cheapest broadband options, switching to a new provider often offsets any potential costs through joining credits.
Q: What if I'm moving to a rural property?
A: Rural connections can be more complex. We recommend checking our rural broadband compare tool to see if Satellite (like Starlink) or 4G Wireless is your best bet.
Q: I'm moving into a rental. Do I need permission for Fibre?
A: Yes. While landlords usually cannot decline a Fibre installation, you should inform them. If they have concerns, you can point them to our providers page to show the reputable companies performing the work.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Connection to Chance
Moving houses is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your home utility costs. Whether you stay with your current provider or switch for a better deal, early planning is key.
Ready to see what's available at your new place? Use our free tool to Compare NZ Broadband Plans and find the best deals for your new address today.
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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.