Starlink Broadband Plans NZ: The Ultimate Guide for Kiwis

Last updated: August 14, 2025

Finding fast, reliable internet can be a challenge in many parts of New Zealand, especially if you live rurally or in a remote corner of our beautiful country. For years, Kiwis outside the main centres have had to put up with slow speeds and patchy connections. But now, there’s a revolutionary solution changing the game: Starlink.

Starlink uses a network of advanced satellites to deliver high-speed internet almost anywhere, from the busiest cities to the most isolated farms. This guide will break down the different Starlink broadband plans, explain the costs and speeds, and answer all your questions to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home or business.

What is Starlink and How Does It Work in New Zealand?

✨ Internet from the Stars

Unlike traditional satellite internet that uses large, distant satellites, Starlink operates a massive network of thousands of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Because these satellites are much closer to Earth—orbiting at around 550km—they can deliver internet with significantly faster speeds and much lower "latency" or lag. This means a smoother, more responsive connection for everything from video calls to online gaming.

🗺️ Starlink Coverage in NZ

Starlink is now widely available across New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It has become a vital tool for connecting previously underserved communities, offering a reliable, high-speed alternative where hasn't reached and other options like or are slow or unreliable.

Starlink Broadband Plans NZ: A Detailed Breakdown

Starlink offers several different plans tailored to various needs, whether you're at home, on the road, or running a business.

🏠 Starlink Residential Plans: For the Home

• Standard Plan: This is the primary option for most households and is perfect for modern internet use. It provides unlimited data for streaming movies in 4K, playing online games, working from home, and handling multiple users at once without a fuss.
• Deprioritised Plan (Residential Lite): If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, this is it. It’s a cheaper plan where your connection might be slowed down during peak hours when the network is busy. However, for many Kiwis, this "slower" speed is still incredibly fast and more than enough for everyday browsing, streaming, and emailing, making it a fantastic way to save money.

🚐 Starlink Roam (Mobile) Plans: Internet on the Move

Designed for the adventurous Kiwi, the Roam plan is for those who need internet while travelling. It’s perfect for RVs, campervans, utes, and even boats, allowing you to get online at your campsite or holiday spot. A key feature is the ability to pause and un-pause your service, so you only pay for the months you need it. For ultimate portability, the new Starlink Mini kit is a compact, backpack-sized dish that’s ideal for this plan.

💼 Starlink for Business

For commercial operations, Starlink offers higher-tier business plans. These come with a more powerful dish, faster speeds, and "Priority Data" to ensure your business stays connected and productive, even during peak network times.

How Much Does Starlink Cost in NZ?

Understanding the cost is crucial, and it's broken down into a one-off hardware fee and a monthly plan cost.

📦 Upfront Hardware Costs: The Starlink Kit

To get started, you need to purchase a Starlink Kit. This is a one-off cost that includes everything you need to get online: the satellite dish (affectionately known as "Dishy"), a Wi-Fi modem/router, the power cable, and a base for mounting.

🚜 The "Starlink NZ Rural Offer": Getting a Discounted Kit

One of the best things for rural New Zealanders is the Starlink Rural Offer. From time to time, Starlink provides a significant discount on the hardware kit for customers with eligible rural addresses. This makes getting set up much more affordable and is worth checking for on their website.

💲 Monthly Plan Pricing in NZD

Here is a simple summary of the approximate monthly costs for the most popular Starlink plans in New Zealand.

Starlink Internet Speed and Performance in NZ

🚀 What Speeds Can You Realistically Expect?

While speeds can vary, most Starlink users in New Zealand report download speeds between 100 Mbps and 250 Mbps. What truly sets it apart from other satellite services is its low latency (ping). This makes it feel incredibly responsive and is why Starlink is a game-changer for activities like online gaming and live video calls, which were often impossible on older satellite technology.

🤔 Is Starlink Faster Than Fibre?

This is a very common question, and the answer is straightforward.

• The short answer: No. Fibre remains the gold standard for internet speed and reliability in New Zealand.
• The detailed answer: If you can get a fibre connection at your property, it will almost always be the faster and more cost-effective option. However, Starlink is significantly faster than older technologies like ADSL, VDSL, and most 4G wireless broadband solutions. For anyone who can't get fibre, Starlink is often the best high-speed internet option available.

The Pros and Cons of Starlink in New Zealand

✅ The Advantages of Starlink

• Unlocks High-Speed Internet: Finally brings fast, usable internet to rural and remote parts of NZ.
• Fast Speeds: Easily handles streaming, gaming, and working from home.
• Easy Self-Installation: The kit is designed to be set up by you in minutes.
• Unlimited Data: The standard residential plan comes with unlimited data, so you don't have to worry about running out.

⚠️ The Downsides and Considerations

• Cost: The upfront hardware cost and monthly fees are higher than standard fibre plans.
• Clear View of the Sky: The dish needs an unobstructed view of the sky, which can be a challenge with tall trees or buildings nearby.
• Weather: Performance can be temporarily affected by very heavy, intense rain.
• Network Congestion: Speeds can slow down during peak usage times, especially on the cheaper deprioritised plan.

Starlink NZ: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A: Starlink plans in New Zealand start from around $79 per month for the deprioritised residential service, with the standard plan costing approximately $159 per month.

A: This is a common myth. There is currently no $10 plan for Starlink in New Zealand. The lowest-cost option is the deprioritised residential plan.

A: Starlink is a premium internet service and is not available for free. The best way to reduce the initial cost is to see if your address qualifies for the hardware discount offered to rural customers.

A: Yes. With the Starlink Roam plan, you can use your Starlink anywhere in New Zealand that has active coverage, making it perfect for travel.

A: Wait times are now minimal. After placing an order, most customers in New Zealand receive their Starlink Kit within one to two weeks.

A: Absolutely. Thanks to its low latency, Starlink is a very capable option for online gaming, providing a smooth experience that is a massive step up from other satellite providers.

The Verdict: Is Starlink the Right Broadband Plan for You?

So, should you get Starlink? Here’s the bottom line:

• For rural Kiwis: If you are stuck with slow, unreliable internet and cannot get a fibre connection, Starlink is an absolute game-changer. It is very likely the best possible internet solution for you.
• For urban Kiwis: If you live in an area with access to fibre, it will almost always be the faster, more reliable, and more affordable choice.

Ready to see all your options? Use our comprehensive tool at Broadband.co.nz to to find the perfect fit for your needs.

🔄 This guide is updated monthly with current pricing, promotions, and provider changes. Bookmark this page for the best Starlink broadband plans 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.