If you’re launching a website, one of the first steps is registering a domain name—the web address where your audience will find you. But how much should you expect to pay for a domain name in New Zealand?
Here’s an overview of typical costs, optional extras, and some tips to avoid hidden fees, so you can confidently choose the right domain provider.
What are the typical costs for a domain name in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the cost of registering a domain name usually ranges from $20–$50 NZD per year for standard extensions like .co.nz, .nz, or .com.
Premium domain extensions (e.g., .store, .agency, or niche-specific options) tend to be more expensive, often between $70–$120 NZD annually, depending on demand and the domain registrar (which is the company that manages the registration of Internet domain names).
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New Zealand’s best priced domains
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Comparing domain offers
Domain name registrar | .co.nz registration | Renewal cost | NZ owned |
|---|---|---|---|
$21.25/yr | $35.00 | Yes | |
1st Domains | $33.50/yr | $33.50 | Yes |
Crazy Domains | $22.99/yr | $35.00 | No |
GoDaddy | $37.99/yr | $37.99 | No |
Freeparking | $29.99/yr | $29.99 | No |
Squarespace | $84.00/yr | $84.00 | No |
Prices researched on 20 December 2024 based on the domain: www.sparkmyrocket.co.nz
Prices are excluding GST.
Watch out for hidden costs for domain names
While some domain providers may advertise low prices, it’s important to read the fine print. Common hidden costs to watch out for include:
Introductory pricing traps: Some providers advertise an enticingly low price for domains, only to aggressively upsell their other services that you often don’t need.
Extra fees for basic services: Features like domain privacy, email forwarding, or DNS management may cost extra.
Transfer or admin fees: Moving your domain to a new provider or updating contact details may result in unexpected charges.
When comparing providers, look for clear pricing that outlines the total cost, including renewals and any additional services you may need. We’ve found that in many cases, you only get a clear picture of the total cost by going through the entire purchase process, up until the payment step.
What about domain add-ons?
Some add-ons are optional, while others might be necessary, depending on your needs. Here are a few common extras:
Professional email hosting: If you want an email address like hello@yourbusiness.co.nz, check whether this is included or available as an add-on.
Privacy protection: Protects your personal contact details from being visible in public WHOIS directories.
Website hosting: Some domain providers bundle website hosting with domain registration, but these are often separate services.
Think carefully about whether you need these add-ons when comparing domain pricing, as they can influence the total cost.
Tips for choosing a domain provider
When looking for the right domain provider, keep the following in mind:
Transparent pricing: Look for a provider that clearly outlines renewal costs and any fees for add-ons or changes.
Ease of management: Managing your domain should be straightforward, whether you need to renew, update settings, or transfer it to another provider.
Customer support: If something goes wrong, having access to reliable support can save time and hassle.
We’re Kiwis supporting Kiwis
We’re real people here to help you on every step of your website journey. If need help with your domain name, get in contact with us.
Call us on 0800 762 538
Email us here >
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At Rocketspark, we don't like hidden costs. We are offering New Zealand's best priced domain names at $21.25 for the first year. And you have the assurance that you're backed by a Kiwi business, with best-in-class customer support.
