New Zealand Country Code (+64): How to call New Zealand

New Zealand’s international country code is +64. To call New Zealand from another country, enter the plus sign or your international exit code, dial 64, remove the first zero from the New Zealand number and then enter the remaining digits.

For example, a Wellington landline written locally as 04 123 4567 becomes +64 4 123 4567 when called from overseas. Likewise, a mobile number written as 021 123 4567 becomes +64 21 123 4567.

Table of Contents

New Zealand country code at a glance

Important: Remove the first zero from a New Zealand landline or mobile number when you add +64. Therefore, never dial a number in the form +64 0….

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How to call New Zealand from overseas

Follow these steps when calling a New Zealand landline or mobile phone from abroad:

1. Enter the + symbol or your country’s international exit code.
2. Dial New Zealand’s country code, 64.
3. Remove the leading 0 from the New Zealand area code or mobile prefix.
4. Enter the remaining telephone number.
5. Press the call button and wait for the connection.

Using the plus sign usually offers the simplest option on a mobile phone because it works across most networks. However, landline callers may need to use a country-specific international access code instead.

Example: calling Wellington

A Wellington number may appear locally as: 04 123 4567

From another country, dial: +64 4 123 4567

Example: calling Auckland

An Auckland number may appear locally as: 09 123 4567

From overseas, dial: +64 9 123 4567

Understanding New Zealand phone number formats

New Zealand uses different prefixes for geographic landlines, mobile services and special services. Landline numbers start with an area code, while mobile numbers begin with a mobile prefix such as 021 or 027.

Within New Zealand, callers normally include the opening zero when dialling a number outside the local calling area. In contrast, international callers replace that zero with +64.

Spacing can vary between websites, contact cards and printed documents. Nevertheless, the underlying digits remain the same, so concentrate on the country code, prefix and removal of the opening zero.

Do you remove the leading zero when using +64?

Yes. Remove the first zero from every standard New Zealand landline or mobile number when calling from outside New Zealand.

• 09 123 4567 becomes +64 9 123 4567.
• 04 123 4567 becomes +64 4 123 4567.
• 021 123 4567 becomes +64 21 123 4567.

The zero acts as New Zealand’s domestic trunk prefix rather than part of the international number. Consequently, including it after +64 may prevent the call from connecting.

New Zealand area codes by city and region

New Zealand’s geographic landline system uses five main area-code zones. Several cities and regions share the same code, particularly across the South Island and lower North Island.

Main regional code zones

• 03: most of the South Island and the Chatham Islands.
• 04: Wellington and nearby areas.
• 06: much of the lower and eastern North Island.
• 07: the central North Island, including Waikato and Bay of Plenty destinations.
• 09: Auckland and Northland.

Area-code boundaries do not always follow regional council or tourism boundaries exactly. Therefore, use the code supplied with the full telephone number rather than choosing one from the destination name alone.

How to call a New Zealand mobile number

New Zealand mobile numbers commonly start with prefixes such as 020, 021, 022, 026, 027, 028 or 029. To call one from overseas, remove the first zero and add +64.

For example:

• 021 123 4567 becomes +64 21 123 4567.
• 027 123 4567 becomes +64 27 123 4567.
• 022 123 4567 becomes +64 22 123 4567.

A mobile prefix does not always identify the person’s current network because customers may keep their numbers when changing providers. As a result, avoid relying on the prefix to predict call charges or network coverage.

How to call New Zealand from the UK, Australia, the USA and Canada

The plus-sign format works on most mobile phones, regardless of your departure country. Nevertheless, fixed-line services may require a specific international exit code.

Your provider may use a different access code, especially for business systems, calling cards or hotel telephones. Accordingly, check the provider’s instructions when the standard format does not work.

New Zealand freephone, service and premium numbers

New Zealand uses several non-geographic prefixes for freephone, service and premium-rate calls. Common examples include 0800, 0508 and 0900.

Can you call a New Zealand 0800 number from overseas?

Some New Zealand 0800 and 0508 numbers accept international calls, but many work only inside New Zealand. Even when a call connects, your overseas provider may charge for it rather than treating it as free.

Where international access exists, the number may use a format such as +64 800… or +64 508…. However, the organisation may publish a separate geographic number for overseas callers, which usually provides a more reliable option.

New Zealand premium-rate numbers

Numbers beginning with 0900 can carry higher charges and may not accept calls from outside New Zealand. Therefore, check the cost and availability before dialling.

New Zealand emergency phone numbers

Call 111 in New Zealand when you need an urgent response from the police, fire service or ambulance. Calls to 111 are free, including from a mobile phone without credit.

Dial 111 directly while you are in New Zealand rather than adding +64. In addition, give the operator your exact location or the nearest recognisable landmark as quickly as possible.

For broader advice, see our guide to international emergency phone numbers.

Check the time difference and international call charges

New Zealand sits far ahead of Europe and North America, so check the local time before calling. Daylight-saving changes can also alter the difference during the year.

International call prices vary by network, contract and destination. Therefore, review your tariff before making a long call, especially when using hotel phones, cruise-ship networks or mobile roaming.

Travellers can compare alternatives in our guides to international roaming charges, eSIMs for international travel and using your mobile phone abroad.

Calling New Zealand through apps and Wi-Fi

Internet calling services can reduce the cost of speaking to friends, family or businesses in New Zealand. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, Messenger, Microsoft Teams and similar apps use mobile data or Wi-Fi rather than a standard international voice call.

Both people usually need the same app for a free app-to-app call. Alternatively, some services let you call a standard New Zealand telephone number for a fee.

Public Wi-Fi may offer inconsistent speed or security. Consequently, use a trusted network or mobile data for sensitive conversations, account access and payment details.

Common mistakes when calling New Zealand

• Keeping the opening zero: +64 04 is incorrect for a standard Wellington number; use +64 4.
• Entering two international prefixes: use either +64 or an exit code followed by 64, not both.
• Assuming every 0800 number works abroad: many freephone services only accept domestic calls.
• Choosing an area code from the city name: use the complete number supplied by your contact.
• Ignoring New Zealand’s local time: the time difference can place your call late at night or early in the morning.
• Using 111 from outside New Zealand: contact the relevant local emergency service where you are physically located.

Saving contacts in the international +64 format helps your phone recognise the number at home and abroad. Moreover, it reduces the chance of a failed call when you switch SIM cards or networks.

FAQ: About New Zealand Country Code

Summary

Knowing how to use New Zealand’s +64 country code helps you contact accommodation providers, tour operators, employers, friends and emergency services. However, a reliable communication plan should also cover mobile data, roaming costs and backup contact methods.

Continue planning with the New Zealand travel guide, or explore our main communications when travelling abroad and international dialling codes guides.