Travel Adaptor for New Zealand
& Kiwi Plug Type
New Zealand Plug Type & Sockets
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
New Zealand uses plug type I with matching sockets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
International travellers may need a type I plug adaptor.
New Zealand Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
A type I plug adaptor is all that may be needed for a trip to New Zealand.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best New Zealand travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Kiwi type I sockets.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
New Zealand Electrical Supply
New Zealand uses plug type I with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
New Zealand - Traveller Notes
Electricity Regulations 1997 states supply voltage is 230 V ±6%
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Kiwi socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Kiwi mains supply is 230 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - New Zealand operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Kiwi supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in New Zealand. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
New Zealand Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type I
Type I plugs have 3 flat blades in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 10A. The live and neutral blades are 1.6mm thick, 6.35mm in width, spaced 13.7mm apart and 17.3mm long. They are set at 60° to each other in an upside down V. The earth blade is also 6.35mm wide but is 20mm long and offset by 10.3mm. The blades are insulated and there is a 2 blade (unearthed) version with just the 2 V blades.
There is also a 15A version where the earth blade is wider at 9.08mm. A further 20A version has all 3 blades wider at 9.08mm. Lower power plugs will fit higher power sockets but not vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for New Zealand
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New Zealand uses type I plugs.
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New Zealand uses type I sockets.
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A type I adaptor, should they need one, will allow international travellers to connect to the sockets in New Zealand.
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The mains supply in New Zealand is 230 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers can charge their phone in New Zealand using their normal phone charger with a type I plug adaptor, if they need one. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Kiwi plug adaptors have 2 flat blades arranged in a 'V'. Earthed versions have a 3rd blade forming a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a New Zealand plug adaptor.
