When it comes to buying a .co.nz or .nz domain for your local New Zealand business you don’t need to spend a lot to get your slice of paradise on the world wide web. This comprehensive guide will show you where the cheapest NZ domain registration actually is and how to secure the best deals for your business.
When we originally wrote this article the cheapest was $16+gst, but thanks to the Domain Name Commission (DNC) continuing to push the price up on .NZ domains every year, it’s now $25+gst. In July 2025, the DNC increased the wholesale fee from $18.00 to $22.00 (excluding GST), representing a 22% increase that affected all registrars.
Why You Don’t Need Expensive Domain Registration Features
When purchasing a domain you definitely don’t need to look at the additional features. Many domain providers like to spruce up their NZ registration with features such as domain forwarding, email hosting and CDN services. 
For most customers, all you need is the domain registration and you can then point your domain at your web hosting providers name-servers for fast setup.
NZ Domain Registration Price Comparison 2025
To help you decide which registrar to use I listed each registrar by the cost of one years registration of a .co.nz domain name. .nz, .kiwi.nz and .org.nz can also be purchased at the same rate.
Cheapest .NZ Domain Registration 2025
| Provider | Price (+GST) |
|---|---|
| The Domain Name Co | $27.50 |
| edomains | $25.00 |
| Porkbun | $26.73 |
| Discount Domains | $27.95 |
| Affordable Domains | $28.00 |
| Metaname | $30.00 |
| Netim | $32.55 |
| 1st Domains | $33.50 |
| Dynadot | $33.44 |
| Only Domains | $33.99 |
| Instra | $33.99 |
| Moreweb | $34.00 |
| Gandi | $34.00 |
| Crazy Domains | $35.00 |
| Site Name | $35.00 |
| GoDaddy | $37.95 |
| Name.com | $38.48 |
| iwantmyname | $46.83 |
| 101domain | $48.50 |
| Domainz Direct | $49.67 |
| Free Parking | $49.95 |
Prices updated October 2025. According to the DNC, the median registrar charges $38.50/year (including GST) for .nz domains, making the providers at the top of this list significantly more affordable.
If you have any additional registrars to add or if you notice these prices have changed please leave a comment. A full list of authorised .nz registrars can be found here (some are private companies). Prices are constantly changing and some registrars claim to be the cheapest but then suck you in for 2-3 years, that’s not a fair deal.
How To Save Money Buying NZ Domains
The quickest and easiest way to save money when buying a .co.nz or .nz domain is to purchase multiple years upfront. For example buying through The Domain Name Company, Moreweb, 1stDomains etc – 5 years will cost almost the same as 1 or 2 years with some other providers.
Buying multiple years ensures you’ve locked in your price should the DNC ever decide to increase their prices. If providers up their prices you’ll still pay no more. Given the DNC’s history of annual price increases (most recently a 22% jump in July 2025), this strategy can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
Avoid ISP Domain Registration Markups
Another trick is to use a provider rather than your ISP. Back in the day it was a matter of fact you would purchase a domain through your internet provider. These companies charged high prices as it was ‘convenient’ for you and them.
Nowadays you can use any company you wish and you don’t even need to host at the same place. You can have your domain with provider A, your hosting with provider B and your internet with provider C.
Don’t spend upwards of $100 buying a domain name through your Internet Service Provider, they are simply ripping you off.
What is the Cheapest Domain Name Provider in New Zealand?
Currently, as of October 2025, the cheapest domain name providers are The Domain Name Company and edomains, both offering the ability to register a .nz, .co.nz, .org.nz or .net.nz domain name for only $25 + GST. This works out to be $28.75 in NZD.
At $25 + GST, these providers are charging just $3 above the DNC’s wholesale fee of $22 (excluding GST), making them the most competitively priced registrars in the New Zealand market.
What Does The Domain Name Company Offer?
All domains come with free transfers, meaning you could register here and then simply transfer (using your UDAI code) to any registrar of your choice.
Additionally they offer a free DNS editor (if you wish to use) so you can create A, CNAME and MX records. If you’re using another web host, you can use the zone file located at that provider instead.
They offer the ability to add a WHOIS guard for $12+gst per year. This omits your personal information from public lookup on the DNC whois lookup tool.
Lastly they promise they’ll always have the same low price on all domain name registrations and renewals.
They say they aren’t cheap.. but simply that other providers are over-charging, which I completely agree with.
Understanding NZ Domain Name Extensions
New Zealand offers several domain extensions, each serving different purposes for businesses and organizations:
.co.nz vs .nz: Which Should You Choose?
.co.nz domains have been the traditional choice for New Zealand commercial businesses since the inception of the .nz namespace. They’re widely recognized by Kiwi consumers and carry strong brand recognition.
.nz domains were introduced as a shorter alternative, offering a more modern and streamlined option. Both extensions have identical pricing and functionality.
SEO Considerations: From an SEO perspective, both .co.nz and .nz perform equally well for local New Zealand searches. However, .co.nz may receive slightly more clicks due to higher consumer familiarity and trust.
Best Practice: Register both extensions and redirect one to the other to protect your brand and prevent competitors from registering the alternative version.
Other NZ Domain Extensions
- .org.nz – Typically used by non-profit organizations and community groups
- .net.nz – Originally intended for network providers but now available to anyone
- .kiwi.nz – A newer extension emphasizing New Zealand identity
- .geek.nz – For technology enthusiasts and IT professionals
- .school.nz – Restricted to New Zealand educational institutions
- .govt.nz – Reserved for New Zealand government agencies
Why Local NZ Domains Matter for Your Business
For businesses targeting New Zealand customers, using a .nz or .co.nz domain provides several advantages:
- Local Trust: Kiwi consumers are more likely to trust and click on local domain extensions
- Geographic SEO: Search engines recognize .nz domains as targeting New Zealand audiences
- Brand Protection: Securing your .nz presence prevents competitors from taking your brand name
- Professional Image: Shows you’re a legitimate New Zealand business
- Compliance: Some NZ business directories and platforms require local domains
What’s The Minimum Domain Registration Period In New Zealand?
You can register a domain name for a minimum of one year. This is the most common type of registration. Even the .com.au domain name changed to one year, as it was originally a minimum of two years.
Personally, the .co.nz domain is quite expensive compared with .com, .com.au and other TLD’s such as .net, .org, .info and .tv. However, for New Zealand businesses targeting local customers, the premium is worthwhile for the credibility and local SEO benefits.
How Domain Transfers Work in New Zealand
If you decide to change registrars after purchasing your domain, the transfer process is straightforward:
- Request your UDAI (Unique Domain Authorization Identifier) code from your current registrar
- Unlock your domain if it has a registrar lock enabled
- Initiate the transfer with your new registrar using the UDAI code
- Approve the transfer (usually via email confirmation)
- Transfer typically completes within 5-7 days
Most registrars, including The Domain Name Company and edomains, offer free transfers, meaning you won’t pay an additional fee to move your domain.
Red Flags: Domain Registration Scams to Avoid
When searching for cheap domain registration, watch out for these common tricks:
- Bait-and-switch pricing: Low first-year price that jumps dramatically on renewal
- Mandatory multi-year commitments: Forcing you to pay for 2-3 years upfront
- Hidden fees: Additional charges for basic features like DNS management
- Bundled services: Forcing you to purchase hosting or other services you don’t need
- Auto-renewal traps: Difficult-to-cancel automatic renewals at inflated prices
Stick with established registrars from the DNC’s official list to avoid these issues.
NZ Domain Market Growth in 2025
The .nz domain namespace continues to grow, with total domains approaching record highs in 2025. This growth reflects the increasing importance of online presence for New Zealand businesses, particularly as e-commerce and digital services become more prevalent.
Despite the July 2025 price increase, demand remains strong, indicating that businesses recognize the value of securing quality .nz domains for their brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About NZ Domain Registration
Do I need to be a New Zealand resident to register a .nz domain?
No, anyone worldwide can register a .nz, .co.nz, .org.nz, or .net.nz domain. There are no residency or presence requirements for these extensions.
How long does it take to register a domain?
Domain registration is typically instant once payment is processed. Your domain should be active and ready to configure within minutes.
Can I register multiple domains at once?
Yes, most registrars allow bulk domain registration, often with volume discounts for purchasing multiple domains simultaneously.
What happens if I don’t renew my domain?
Domains typically enter a grace period of 30-90 days after expiration, during which you can still renew at the standard rate. After this period, the domain may enter a redemption phase with higher fees, and eventually be released for public registration.
Should I enable WHOIS privacy protection?
WHOIS privacy (available for around $12+GST per year) hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS lookups, reducing spam and protecting your privacy. It’s recommended for personal domains and small businesses.
Final Thoughts on Cheap NZ Domain Registration
Finding the cheapest NZ domain registration doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or essential features. At $25 + GST, providers like The Domain Name Company and edomains offer excellent value, charging minimal markup over the DNC’s wholesale price.
Remember to factor in renewal prices, not just first-year costs, and consider registering multiple years upfront to lock in current rates. With the DNC’s history of annual price increases, securing a 5-year registration at today’s prices could save you significantly over time.
Whether you’re launching a new business, protecting your brand, or expanding your online presence, choosing the right domain registrar is an important decision. Use this guide to make an informed choice and avoid overpaying for your essential online asset.
