Which Provider Has the Best Mobile Coverage?

Currently One (formerly Vodafone) is heralding its collaboration with SpaceX, which promises to provide 100% mobile coverage across the country. It plans to deliver SMS and MMS coverage by the end of 2024, and data, voice and video, at speeds of 2-4Mbps, throughout 2025. In addition, both Spark and 2degrees have announced their own plans for satellite-based 100% coverage, but their timelines are still hazy.

However, although these services could be the difference between life and death for adventurers and residents in remote regions, and provide back-up in the event of a natural disaster, NZ’s fixed mobile towers remain the backbone of the country’s mobile network.

NZ’s Mobile Coverage

There are three main mobile networks in the country, which were built by 2degrees, Spark and One (Vodafone). Although both 2degrees and Spark sold off their tower assets recently, they still use the networks they built.

In major centres, there’s very little difference between the three networks. However, in rural and remote areas coverage can vary dramatically. And then there’s 5G, which is more limited in its reach, even in major centres.

But across 5G, 4G, 3G and even 2G, which provider offers the best mobile coverage in your region? Search by region below, or read on for a full rundown of which providers offer the best mobile coverage.

North Island Regions

Northland

• 2degrees: Excellent coverage through its 4G and 3G boosted networks. Few areas are impacted, with fair coverage in most rural areas. The only notable blackspots are extremely remote regions, such as Tutamoe Range and Warawara Forest.
  • 5G: Limited 5G coverage in and around Whangārei.

• One: Good coverage through its 3G and 4G networks. Black spots include Waipoua, Tutamoe Range, Warawara Forest.
  • 5G: One has several small pockets in and around Waipapa, Matarau, Whangārei, and along State Highway 1 around Ruakākā and Kaiwaka.

• Spark: Fair coverage in populated regions but limited elsewhere. Large black spots across Cape Reinga, Herekino, Waipoua, Taipuha, Tutamoe Range, Warawara Forest, and large sections of the west coast.
  • 5G: Spark has limited 5G coverage in Kerikeri and Whangārei.

Auckland

• 2degrees: Excellent coverage across the region. While coverage in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges is limited, it is not a black spot as it is with Spark and One.
  • 5G: Most of central Auckland is well covered, including central suburbs like Newmarket, Remuera and Greenlane. It also extends north to Northcote, Takapuna and Devonport and east to Pakuranga. 2degrees also has extensive 5G at Auckland Airport.

• One: Excellent coverage across the region. Notable black spots in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges, but good coverage across Rangitoto and Motutapu Island. 
  • 5G: One’s 5G network is widespread in Auckland, although patchy. It’s concentrated in built-up areas, so while you can expect it to work throughout the wider Auckland region, you can also expect it to dip in and out as you move about. Notably, One’s 5G coverage stretches from Warkworth and Orewa in the north to Drury and Pukekohe in the South.

• Spark: Excellent coverage across its 4G network. However, notable black spots in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges, as well as Rangitoto and Motutapu Island.
  • 5G: Spark has pockets of 5G mobile coverage across Auckland. Its 5G coverage is centered on downtown Auckland, but spreads out along major arterial roads, south to Papakura, north to Sunnynook and east and west to Botany Downs and Henderson, respectively.

Waikato

• 2degrees: Great coverage, with even tough spots such as Pureora Forest Park and Waipa Valley receiving limited to fair coverage. 2degrees also offers good coverage along most of the west coast (with one significant black spot around Marokopa to Waikauwau) and limited coverage through the Coromandel Ranges.
  • 5G: Good coverage in central Hamilton and Silverdale and pockets of coverage out to Matangi and Rukuhia.

• One: One has great coverage in urban areas and, for the most part, fair coverage elsewhere across Waikato. However, Coromandel Forest Park has very limited coverage, as do areas on the west coast, such as Port Waikato, and Marokopa to Waikauwau. Mobile coverage is very limited in Pureora Forest Park, Mamaku Plateau and Waipa Valley.
  • 5G: One has pockets of 5G in Hamilton East and parts of the CBD, as well as Ōhaupō, Cambridge, Matamata, and also in the Coromandel hotspots of Whitianga, Tairua and Whangamatā.

• Spark: Good coverage in most urban and populated areas, but significant areas of limited coverage elsewhere. Significant black spots in large sections across the Coromandel, and a large section across the west coast from Port Waikato down to Waikauwau (with the exception of Raglan). Plus Pureora Forest Park, Mamaku Plateau and Waipa Valley.
  • 5G: Available across much of Hamilton, as well as pockets in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Thames.

Bay of Plenty

• 2degrees: Good coverage along the coast and major areas but, again, service elsewhere is limited. The same stretch from Te Urewera, beyond Raukumara Forest Park and out to the coast is for the most part without service, with patches of limited availability.
  • 5G: Coverage across parts of Tauranga and Rotorua. Further inland, in the Central North Island, 2degrees has good 5G coverage in central Taupo.

• One: Good coverage along the coast and major areas but again, there is a significant black spot from Te Urewera, beyond Raukumara Forest Park and out to the coast.
  • 5G: One has pockets of 5G coverage across many towns in the Bay of Plenty. These include Waihi Beach, Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, Te Puke, Whakatane, Ōhope, Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Rotorua. Inland, in the Central North Island, 2degrees has extensive 5G coverage in and around Taupo.

• Spark:  Good coverage along the East Coast and in main centres, such as Rotorua and surrounding areas. But large and significant black spots for most of inland Bay of Plenty, including a large swathe of no coverage from Te Urewera, beyond Raukumara Forest Park and out to the coast.
  • 5G: Coverage in pockets across Tauranga, Rotorua and Edgecumbe.

Gisborne

• 2degrees: Good coverage along Gisborne’s coastline and around Gisborne itself. Fair coverage as you head inland along the border with Hawke’s Bay, but coverage inland along the Bay of Plenty border is limited, for example, the Waikura Valley down to Mōtū.
  • 5G: No.

• One: Limited to no coverage along the border with Bay of Plenty, from Waikura Valley down to Mōtū. But good coverage for most urban areas and coastal regions.
  • 5G: No.

• Spark: Limited to no coverage along the border with Bay of Plenty, from Waikura Valley down to Mōtū. But good coverage for most urban areas and coastal regions.
  • 5G: Yes, in central Gisborne.

Hawke’s Bay

• 2degrees: Coverage limited with patches outside the main centres. Black spots include the southeast side of Mahia Peninsula, Te Urewera, Putere, Mohaka to Tūtira, Kaweka Forest Park to Whanawhana, and Waimārama to Black Head.
  • 5G: No.

• One: Coverage in the region is limited/patchy. Black spots include the southeast side of Mahia Peninsula and Putere. Patchy areas include: Mohaka to Tūtira, Kaweka Forest Park to Whanawhana, and Kairakau to Black Head.
  • 5G: No.

• Spark: Limited coverage. Black spots include the southern half of Mahia peninsula, Whakaki, Te Urewera down to Tangoio, Te Haroto, Kaweka Forest Park to Ruahīne Forest Park, patches from Waimārama to Black Head.
  • 5G: Limited coverage in Napier and Hastings.

Taranaki

• 2degrees: Fair coverage aside from the east side of Mount Taranaki. Black spots include the area from Ahititi into Makahu and down to Paparangi.
  • 5G: No

• One: Fair coverage aside from the east side of Mount Taranaki. Black spots include the area from Ahititi into Makahu and down to Paparangi.
  • 5G: One has 5G across New Plymouth, as well as in Waitara, Inglewood, Ōakura, Ōkato, Eltham, Manaia and Hāwera.

• Spark: Fair coverage aside from the east side of Mount Taranaki. Black spots include the area from Ahititi into Makahu and down to Paparangi.
  • 5G: Spark has 5G coverage in New Plymouth and just north in Waitara.

Manawatū-Whanganui

• 2degrees:  Mostly good coverage apart from a large black spot across Whanganui National Park and surrounding areas. Areas north of Hunterville have limited coverage.
  • 5G: Limited coverage in central Palmerston North.

• One: Mostly good coverage apart from a large black spot across Whanganui National Park and surrounding areas, extending across and into rural parts north of Hunterville.
  • 5G: Notably, One has an extensive 5G network across Whanganui. 5G is also available in key towns across the region, such as Levin and Shannon, Foxton, Palmerston North, Dannevirke, Feilding, Bulls and Ohakea, plus Taumarunui and Manunui.

• Spark: Mostly good coverage through Spark’s 4G network, apart from a large black spot across Whanganui National Park and surrounding areas, extending across and into rural parts north of Hunterville.
  • 5G: Yes, in Palmerston North and Levin.

Wellington

• 2degrees: Good coverage in urban areas with limited coverage elsewhere. Similar patches in the Wairarapa, however there is fair coverage from Weber to beyond Flat Point, but coverage around Te Awiti and Ngawi toCape Palisar is mostly unavailable. Service through the Remutaka region is fair, and there is limited coverage through the Tararua ranges, Akatawara Forest and Pakuratahi Forest.
  • 5G: Good coverage through Wellington CBD and into Thorndon, Aro Valley and Te Aro, also across to Eastbourne and Days Bay.

• One: Good coverage in urban areas, but large areas of no coverage elsewhere. Black spots include the Wairarapa with patches from Weber to Flat Point, Flat Point to Cape Palliser and across to Aorangi Forest Park. Plus the Tararua ranges, Akatawara Forest, and the Pakuratahi Forest. Service is limited and patchy throughout the Remutaka ranges.
  • 5G: Much of Wellington City has 5G coverage, as well as a small pocket in Petone and Fairfield, Lower Hutt. Looking further north, Porirua, Paraparaumu and Ōtaki also have 5G.

• Spark: Good coverage in urban areas, but large areas of no coverage elsewhere. Black spots include the Wairarapa with patches from Weber to Flat Point, Flat Point to Cape Palliser and across to Aorangi Forest Park. Plus the Tararua ranges, Akatawara Forest, the Remutaka ranges and Pakuratahi Forest.
  • 5G: Very limited coverage overall but some good coverage around Wellington train station, Parliament and up Lambton Quay. Moving north, areas of 5G coverage in Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Levin and Masterton.

South Island

Tasman

• 2degrees: Fair coverage in towns but limited beyond that. Much of the region consists of national parks and, for the most part, has little to no coverage.
  • 5G: No.

• One: Good coverage around towns, but limited beyond that. Much of the region consists of national parks and, for the most part, has little to no coverage.
  • 5G: Yes, in Brightwater and Motueka.

• Spark: Fair coverage in towns but extremely limited beyond that, due to remoteness of national parks.
  • 5G: Yes, limited spots in Richmond.

Nelson

• Spark: Excellent coverage in Nelson city and surrounding areas, with fair, but somewhat patchy, coverage through the ranges.
  • 5G: Yes, in Nelson only.

• One: Excellent coverage in Nelson city and surrounding areas, with fair, but somewhat patchy, coverage through the ranges.
  • 5G: No.

• 2degrees: Excellent coverage in Nelson city and surrounding areas, with fair, but somewhat patchy coverage through the ranges.
  • 5G: No.

Marlborough

• Spark: Good coverage in urban areas and along the coast, but limited coverage beyond that, plus significant black spots across all of Mount Richmond and Tapuae-O-Ueneku.
  • 5G: Yes, limited coverage in Blenheim.

• One: Good coverage in urban areas and along the coast, but limited coverage beyond that, plus significant black spots across all of Mount Richmond and Tapuae-O-Ueneku.
  • 5G: No.

• 2degrees: Good coverage in urban areas and along the coast, but limited coverage beyond that, plus significant black spots across all of Mount Richmond and Tapuae-O-Ueneku.
  • 5G: No.

West Coast

• Spark: Limited coverage hugging the coastline. Inland and throughout the ranges coverage is significantly limited but, even so, most inland towns, such as Reefton and Greymouth, have fair coverage.
  • 5G: No.

• One: Limited coverage hugging the coastline. Inland and throughout the ranges coverage is significantly limited but, even so, most inland towns, such as Reefton and Greymouth, have fair coverage.
  • 5G: Yes, in Westport only.

• 2degrees: Limited coverage hugging the coastline. Inland and throughout the ranges coverage is significantly limited but, even so, most inland towns, such as Reefton and Greymouth, have fair coverage.
  • 5G: No.

Canterbury

• 2degrees: Fair coverage overall, with most urban areas, towns, and cities all receiving fair to good coverage. Remote areas are much more limited. A large swathe of the Southern Alps and central South island have no mobile coverage.
  • 5G: 2Degrees has extensive coverage across Christchurch.

• One: Fair coverage overall, with most urban areas, towns, and cities all receiving fair to good coverage. Remote areas are much more limited. A large swathe of the Southern Alps and central South island have no mobile coverage.
  • 5G: One has extensive coverage from Amberley, Rangiora and Waikuku, through through Christchurch and Lyttelton and down to Ashburton and Timaru, as well as spots in Oxford and Geraldine.

• Spark: Fair coverage overall, with most urban areas, towns, and cities all receiving fair to good coverage. Remote areas are much more limited. A large swathe of the Southern Alps and central South island have no mobile coverage.
  • 5G: Christchurch CBD is well covered by Spark’s 5G network. It also has coverage in Twizel, Tekapo and Timaru.

Otago

• 2degrees: Limited coverage throughout the region. Black spots include Ahuriri Conservation Park, the northern part of Lindis Valley, Manorburn to Paerau, Waipori Falls. Main centres such as Dunedin and Queenstown have good coverage. Of all three providers, 2degrees has the best regular coverage throughout Otago.
  • 5G: No.

• One: Patchy coverage throughout the region. Black spots similar to 2degrees. Main centres such as Dunedin and Queenstown have good coverage.
  • 5G: Offers 5G in Queenstown, Frankton and Lake Hayes, as well as Alexandria and central parts of Dunedin.

• Spark: Patchy coverage throughout the region. Black spots similar to the other two networks. Main centres such as Dunedin and Queenstown have good coverage.
  • 5G: Spark’s 5G network in Otago covers Dunedin, as well as Mosgiel, Momona, Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra.

Southland

• 2degrees: Limited coverage across the region, although main centres are covered. Black spots include patches through the Catlins, north of Colac Bay, all of Fiordland National Park and all of Milford Sound.
  • 5G: No

• One: Limited coverage across the region, although main centres are covered. Black spots include patches through the Catlins, north of Colac Bay, all of Fiordland National Park and all of Milford Sound.
  • 5G: Yes, in Invercargill, Gore, around Wallacetown and in Te Anau.

• Spark: Limited coverage across the region, although main centres are covered. Black spots include patches through the Catlins, north of Colac Bay, all of Fiordland National Park and all of Milford Sound.
  • 5G: Yes, spots in Gore and Mataura, through to central Invercargill, Mataura, Gore, and a tower on Island Harbour at Bluff.

Which provider has the best mobile coverage?

For general coverage

If you’re in a populated area, then all providers should offer plenty of coverage, as nearly every main urban area in the country is covered. While it can look like much of the country is without reliable mobile coverage (which is in many ways true) it’s important to note these areas are usually extremely remote. For example, 2degrees claims that its mobile network covers 98.5% of the places Kiwis work and live. And the other networks aren’t too far behind.

As mentioned above, 2degrees has the widest coverage and may be suitable for those in remote regions or who enjoy frequent visits to national parks, forests and hiking spots.

For 5G

For those who crave 5G, One currently has the widest coverage. Not only does it do a fairly good job at covering main urban areas, but it has coverage across many small residential areas, towns, and tourist hotspots.

But all three providers plan to continue rolling out 5G across the country. As shown above, both Spark and One offer 5G in widely different places. And the largest areas of each region aren’t always first to receive 5G. For example, One has 5G in Motueka but not Nelson, while Spark offers it in Clyde and Alexandra but not Queenstown.

So if 5G is important to you, it pays to check providers’ websites to see if 5G is available where you live.

For a more detailed breakdown of the main providers’ mobile coverage, or to see what’s available at your address, click one of the links below:

Spark
One
2degrees

What network is my provider on?

While there are only three mobile networks in NZ, many more mobile providers use the same services. To discover which network each of these providers use, check out our related story:

Mobile Market Breakdown: Which Mobile Network Does Your Provider Use?

Compare Phone Providers

About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar’s Editor, Bruce Pitchers. Bruce has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in the UK and Australasia, including ACP, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. Prior to Canstar, he worked as a freelancer, including for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority, and for real estate companies on both sides of the Tasman.