Hotspotting mobile plans
Showing 100 plans.
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free data hour*** until 18 jan 2026
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 1gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to 4gb max speed each month
One nz rewards
Bous data with dataup*
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 1.5gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to 4gb max speed each month
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
10gb of hotspot data*
Unlimited data at 2mbps
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 2gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to 4gb max speed each month
3gb capped data
Fast 5g network speeds
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 3gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to 4gb max speed each month
Save 10% on spotify premium
*3gb data at max speed for first 12 months, then 1.5gb. limited time offer
20gb of hotspot data*
Unlimited data at 10mbps
One nz rewards
Bous data with dataup*
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 4gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to 4gb max speed each month
First 3 months free!**– save $57^
Unlimited texts and 250 minutes* nz & aus
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
Save $10 per month on skinny wireless broadband plans when you bundle with this mobile plan
40 gb data (max speed)
1.5 gb data (max speed)
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 5gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to unlimited max speed each month
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
Save 10% on spotify premium
Your data stack increases by 200mb every 28 days each time you renew your eligible spark prepaid value pack (within two weeks after expiry), up to a maximum of 3gb.
One nz rewards
Bous data with dataup*
Join kiwi mobile today and get 3 months half price
Endless data* this tier shows 10gb of max speed data then endless data at reduced speeds, or level up to higher data tiers up to unlimited max speed each month
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
Save 10% on spotify premium
Your data stack increases by 200mb every 28 days each time you renew your eligible spark prepaid value pack (within two weeks after expiry), up to a maximum of 3gb.
Fast 5g network speeds
Join & get 7.5gb of free carryover data**
Free unlimited data for an hour every day
Hotspotting in New Zealand is one of the most cost-effective ways to get Wi-Fi on the go. Whether you're working remotely from a beach, connecting your laptop in a cafe, or keeping the kids entertained in the car, a mobile hotspot is essential.
However, the world of mobile plans, especially those claiming to offer "unlimited data," can be confusing when it comes to sharing data. This guide cuts through the technical jargon to help you compare your options and find the perfect NZ mobile plan for all your hotspot needs.
What is Hotspotting and Why is it Essential in NZ?
Hotspotting (also called tethering) is simply using your smartphone's cellular connection to create a temporary, personal Wi-Fi hotspot that other devices, like your laptop, tablet, or another phone, can connect to.
Hotspotting vs. Standard Wi-Fi: Clarifying the Terms
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Wi-Fi is the technology that allows devices to connect wirelessly to the internet.
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A Hotspot is the source that creates the Wi-Fi signal. In this context, your mobile phone acts as a mini-router, converting its 4G or 5G cellular signal into a Wi-Fi signal that nearby devices can use.
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The Key Difference: Standard Wi-Fi connects to a physical line (like fibre broadband). A mobile hotspot connects via your mobile network, using the data allowance on your mobile plan.
Key Benefits of Mobile Hotspotting in NZ
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Remote Connectivity: Essential for travellers, tourists, and remote workers who need reliable internet outside of home or office Wi-Fi.
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Emergency Internet: A lifesaver if your home broadband goes down during an outage.
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Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than buying a separate data plan for every device you own.
🚦 Understanding Hotspotting Policies on NZ Mobile Plans
For many New Zealanders, the biggest confusion isn't how to set up a mobile hotspot, but how much data they can actually share. This is where you need to check the fine print.
⚠️ Decoding "Unlimited" and "Endless" Data Plans
When comparing mobile plans, you will frequently see the terms "Unlimited Data" or "Endless Data." They do not mean the same thing for hotspotting in New Zealand:
|
Plan Type |
What it Means for Your Phone |
What it Means for Hotspotting |
|
Endless Data |
You get a set amount of Max Speed Data (e.g., 40GB, 80GB). After this limit, your speed drops significantly (usually to 1.2Mbps, enough for basic browsing). |
Most Endless Data plans have a separate, much lower cap for the high-speed data you can use for hotspotting (e.g., 10GB, 20GB). If you exceed this cap, your connected devices are throttled, even if your phone still has Max Speed Data remaining. |
|
Truly Unlimited Max Speed Data |
You get unlimited data at the fastest network speed available (4G/5G). This is rare and usually restricted to the most premium plans. |
If the plan explicitly states Unlimited Hotspot or Hotspotting at Max Speed is Included, you can share data without a specific cap, subject to the provider's Fair Use Policy. |
The Critical Takeaway: Always check the plan details for the dedicated hotspot allowance rather than the overall phone data allowance.
Do You Get Charged for Hotspotting?
Generally, no. Hotspotting does not get charged extra if you are tethering within the limits of your plan's included data.
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Hotspotting Included: Most modern plans include the ability to hotspot for free on all their plans (prepaid and pay monthly).
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The Cost: The only "charge" comes when you exceed your plan's high-speed data allowance (or the specific hotspot cap), forcing you to either buy a data add-on or continue at a much slower, throttled speed.
Hotspotting vs. Dedicated Mobile Broadband Devices (A Quick Comparison)
For heavy use, some people consider buying a dedicated NZ hotspot device (a pocket Wi-Fi or mobile modem).
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Phone Hotspot: Best for convenience, light use, and travel. You only pay for one plan.
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Dedicated Device: Best for stability, multiple users, and long-term use (e.g., in a campervan). They often have better battery life and can be used without draining your phone. However, you pay for an extra device and a separate data plan.
🥇 Finding the Best Hotspotting Mobile Plans in NZ
Choosing the best plan depends on how often and how much data you need to share. Here’s how the landscape breaks down for those looking for the best hotspot New Zealand deals.
Top Plans for Heavy Hotspot Users (Highest Data Allowances)
If you plan to use your mobile hotspot to replace home broadband, stream video, or work remotely daily, you need a plan with a huge or truly unlimited high-speed data allowance.
|
Hotspot User Type |
Data Need |
Key Plan Feature to Look For |
|
The Power User |
50GB+ per month |
Truly Unlimited Max Speed Data Plan (These are the most expensive options but offer the greatest freedom.) |
|
The Regular User |
20GB–50GB per month |
High-Tier Endless Plan with a generous dedicated hotspot cap (e.g., 20GB, 30GB). |
|
The Casual User |
1GB–10GB per month |
Standard Pay Monthly Plan with a high core data allowance and full hotspotting permission. |
Action Step: Use our comparison tool at the top of this page and filter specifically for "Unlimited Hotspot" or plans with a dedicated hotspot cap of 20GB or more.
Best Value Prepaid Options for Hotspotting
Prepaid plans are ideal for travellers, students, or those who want maximum cost control. The best prepaid plans for hotspotting focus on two key features:
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Rollover Data: This allows you to accumulate unused data, building up a large data bank that's perfect for when you need to use your nz hotspot unexpectedly.
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Affordable Data Add-ons: Look for a provider that offers cheap, short-term data boosts (like a $3/24-hour unlimited data pass) specifically for those heavy-use hotspot days.
Group and Family Plans with Shared Hotspot Access
If you have family members or flatmates, a group plan is often the cheapest way to manage data.
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The Feature: Most major providers offer discounted companion plans that link to a main account.
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How Hotspotting Works: On most companion plans, everyone added to the group gets their own full allocation of endless data, including their own hotspot allowance. This means the hotspot allowance is per person, not shared from a central pool, giving you much more data overall.
💡 Essential Tips for Optimizing Your Hotspotting Success
Maximising Battery Life While Tethering
Hotspotting is highly resource-intensive and will quickly drain your phone's battery.
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Keep it Plugged In: Always use your hotspot while connected to a power source (wall charger, power bank, or car charger).
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Switch Off Wi-Fi on the Phone: If you are only connecting via USB-tethering (a wired connection to your laptop), you can turn off the phone’s Wi-Fi radio to save battery.
Monitoring and Controlling Data Usage
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Does hotspotting use my data? Yes, it uses your data allowance quickly. A single hour of Netflix can use 1GB–3GB of data, and software updates can consume many GBs in the background.
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Set Data Limits: Go into your phone's hotspot settings and look for the option to set a Data Limit. This will automatically turn off the hotspot once a certain amount of data (e.g., 5GB) has been used, preventing you from hitting a throttle or paying for add-ons unexpectedly.
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Turn Off Auto-Updates: Before connecting a laptop to your hotspot, disable background cloud synchronisation and automatic OS/software updates.
Network Coverage: Hotspotting in Rural NZ
A hotspot is only as good as the mobile signal it receives. If you're planning on using your hotspot New Zealand wide, especially in remote or rural areas, be sure to check the network coverage map for the provider you choose. Even the best plan is useless if you can't get a 4G signal.
❓ Hotspotting FAQs & International Usage
Q: What is hotspotting in NZ?
A: It's the process of turning your mobile phone into a temporary, portable Wi-Fi router to share its cellular internet connection with other devices like laptops and tablets.
Q: Do you get charged for hotspotting?
A: No, the act of hotspotting itself is free on almost all modern plans. The cost comes from the data you use while hotspotting. If you use more data than your plan allows, you'll need to pay for an add-on or accept significantly reduced speeds.
Q: Can you hotspot while data roaming?
A: Technically yes, but it is extremely expensive. When roaming overseas, you are generally paying a high daily rate (e.g., $10/day) for a very small allowance of data (e.g., 500MB). Hotspotting uses that limited data very quickly. It is better to buy a local SIM card or a dedicated travel Wi-Fi device in the country you are visiting.
Q: Does hotspotting use my data?
A: Absolutely. Everything a connected device does from checking emails to watching a YouTube video uses the data allowance from your phone's mobile plan.
Q: Do I have to pay monthly for a hot spot?
A: No. You do not have to pay a separate monthly fee for the feature of hotspotting; it is built into the phone and included in your plan. You only pay the monthly fee for the mobile plan itself, which provides the data you share.
Ready to find the perfect plan to keep you connected across New Zealand?
Click here to use the MobilePlan.co.nz comparison tool and filter deals based on your specific hotspot data needs!
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Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.