Ever found yourself staring at your phone, finger hovering over the dial pad, wondering how on earth to call your friend in New Zealand? Well, you’re not alone! Calling New Zealand from Australia might seem stressful, but fear not!
Australia and New Zealand share a unique and close relationship, often referred to as “trans-Tasman” relations. They have fostered a strong business relationship with two-way trade in goods and services. This high level of economic integration means frequent communication between businesses on both sides of the Tasman is essential.
Welcome to your ultimate guide to making trans-Tasman calls with ease and confidence! Ready to become a pro at ringing up your Kiwi connections without breaking the bank? Let’s get started and put those international calling worries behind us!
How do I call New Zealand from Australia?
Calling New Zealand from Australia is an easy process once you understand the components of the international dialling sequence. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Dial the exit code for Australia
To initiate an overseas call, start by dialling the international access code for Australia, 0011. This will signal to your phone network that you’re dialling an international number.
Step 2: Enter New Zealand’s country code
Every country has a unique code, and 64 is a specific country code for New Zealand. This directs your call to the New Zealand telephone network.
Step 3: Dial the area code
There are only five main area codes in New Zealand, covering the entire country. NZ area codes typically start with 0, but you omit this when calling from abroad.
Here are some important things to note:
- For landlines: Area codes in Japan are one digit.
- For mobile numbers, There are no area codes. Instead, mobile numbers start with specific prefixes (21, 22, or 27).
- When dialling, always omit the leading ‘0’ from the area code or mobile prefix.
Here are the area codes of some major cities:
| Area/City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Auckland | (0)9 |
| Hastings | (0)6 |
| Rotorua | (0)7 |
| Blenheim | (0)3 |
| Invercargill | (0)3 |
| Taupo | (0)7 |
| Christchurch | (0)3 |
| Napier | (0)6 |
| Tauranga | (0)7 |
| Dunedin | (0)3 |
| Nelson | (0)3 |
| Wanaka | (0)3 |
| Gisborne | (0)6 |
| New Plymouth | (0)6 |
| Wanganui | (0)6 |
| Greymouth | (0)3 |
| Palmerston North | (0)6 |
| Wellington | (0)4 |
| Hamilton | (0)7 |
| Oamaru | (0)3 |
| Kerikeri | (0)9 |
| Timaru | (0)3 |
| Queenstown | (0)3 |
| Whangarei | (0)9 |
You can skip this step if you’re dialling a mobile number.
Step 4: Enter the local number
This is the specific number assigned to the person or business you’re trying to reach in New Zealand. It’s the same number they would give to local callers.
So, the full format looks like this:
0011> 81 > Area code> Phone number
Looking for ways to upgrade the business communication system? Experience seamless connectivity and clear voice quality with VoIP. Contact our team for cost-effective VoIP plans!
How to call a mobile number in New Zealand from Australia?
Calling from Australian mobile to New Zealand involves a series of steps. Just follow these steps:
- Dial 0011 (exit code for Australia) or dial the “+” symbol by holding down the “0” key on your phone’s keypad.
- Dial the New Zealand ISD code or country code: 64
- Dial the mobile prefix. This could be 21 (Vodafone), 22 (2 degrees), or 27 (Spark), respectively.
- Enter the mobile phone number: 123-4567
For example, if you’re calling a New Zealand mobile number, 021 123-4567, you would dial:
+ 64 21 123 4567
How to call a landline number in New Zealand from Australia?
Calling from Australia to a landline in New Zealand is easy. Here are the steps:
- Dial exit code for Australia: 0011
- Enter New Zealand country code: 64
- Dial the area code of your preferred city (e.g., Wellington ): 04
- Enter the local number: 234-5678
For instance, if you’re calling a Wellington number (04) 234 5678, you would dial
0011 64 4 234 5678
Choosing the Right Calling Method
When it comes to making an international call, you have several options at your disposal. Let’s explore two popular methods:
Direct Dialling
This is the traditional method of making international calls using your standard phone service. While it’s straightforward, it can be expensive, especially for long conversations.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom offer a more cost-effective solution as compared to traditional landlines. They use the internet to make calls, which can significantly reduce your expenses. Plus, many of these services offer video calling options, adding a personal touch to your conversations.
Interested in implementing a VoIP system for your business? NSW ITs specialises in setting up secure and efficient VoIP solutions. Contact us to learn how we can optimise your business communications!
How Much Does It Cost to Call New Zealand from Australia?
The cost of calling New Zealand can vary widely, depending on your chosen method and service provider. Direct dialling through a standard phone service can cost anywhere from 10 cents to over a dollar per minute. VoIP services, on the other hand, can be much cheaper or even free if both parties have the same app installed.
Here’s the general estimation:
- Landline: $0.5-$1.5 per minute
- Mobile: $0.75-$2 per minute
- VoIP: $0.02-$0.10 per minute
If you are a business, utilising a business VoIP service can significantly lower your expenses. Business VoIP costs are typically much cheaper than traditional landline rates, and in many cases, the calls can be free if both parties use the same app. VoIP services also offer additional features that are advantageous for business communications, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining international connections.
Additional tips on when to call New Zealand from Australia
1. Time Zone Considerations
New Zealand is two hours ahead of Australia’s eastern states. During summer, it uses Daylight Savings Time (DST), which usually starts earlier and ends later than Australia’s. During these transition periods, New Zealand may be three hours ahead of eastern Australia instead of the usual two hours.
Western Australia is generally four hours behind New Zealand most of the year. Remember this when planning your calls to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night!
| Offset | Time Zone Abbreviation & Name | Example City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTC +12 | NZST | New Zealand Standard Time | Auckland |
| UTC +12:45 | CHAST | Chatham Island Standard Time | Chatham Islands |
2. Avoid Peak Hours
To save on costs, try to make your calls during off-peak hours. Late evenings and weekends are often cheaper for international calls. Also, try to avoid calling during working hours.
3. Check Business Hours
If you’re calling a business in New Zealand, remember that their working hours might differ from Australia’s due to the time difference. The standard working hour is Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a half-hour lunch break.
How Can I Call New Zealand for Free from Australia?
While international calls often cost money, there are several free options for calls to New Zealand. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger offer free voice and video calls between users. These apps work well as long as both you and your contact in New Zealand have the app installed and an internet connection.
Some social media platforms, like Instagram, also provide free calling features. If your mobile carrier offers its own calling app, you might be able to make free calls to other users of the same service in New Zealand. Wi-Fi calling, if supported by your phone and carrier, could allow free or reduced-rate calls when connected to Wi-Fi.
Lastly, some international calling services offer free trial periods, which can be useful for occasional calls. Remember, while these options are free to use, they typically require an internet connection, so be mindful of data usage if you’re not on Wi-Fi.
Summing Up!
Calling New Zealand from Australia doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you choose traditional direct dialling or opt for internet-based solutions, staying connected with your Kiwi friends, family, or business associates is easier than ever. Remember to consider factors like call quality, cost, and convenience when choosing your method.
By following this guide and considering factors like time zones and calling methods, you’ll be chatting across the country in no time. So why wait? Pick up that phone and start dialling! Stay connected with your Kiwi contacts without worrying about complicated dialling procedures or high costs.
Don’t let communication barriers hinder your business’s growth. Contact us today, and let us optimise your connections with New Zealand. Together, we’ll ensure your business communications are cost-effective and smooth!
