Adapters for New Zealand - What plug adapter do I need for New Zealand?
Power adapters for New Zealand
When planning a vacation it can be useful to know if you'll be able to power any indispensable devices that you'll be bringing along with you. However, by not knowing which power socket is being used you could end up either weighing your suitcases down with too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong power adaptor, leaving you needing to buy or borrow a potentially expensive power adaptor when you need it. Varying complicated standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to stay in a different country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this article shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your device in New Zealand. This page has links to instructions which shows exactly how to charge your devices when you're travelling to New Zealand using the standard 230 volt 50Hz I Type plug outlet, with the New Zealanders using a special AS/NZS 3112 plug for wall outlets. Most power sockets will change depending on which country you are travelling to therefore we suggest reading the travel power adapters page for a full list of regions and countries.
What is the best power adapter for New Zealand?
The best power adapter for New Zealand is a Type I power adapter which will allow you to use any 230 volt device or appliance. [2] [AD]
What is a power adapter for a New Zealand power outlet?
A power adapter is a compact and lightweight plastic adapter that permits a different shaped power plug on an appliance from another region to fit into a power socket in New Zealand.
Also known as: an electrical adapter, plug adapter, travel adapter, electrical adaptor, mains travel adapter or power adaptor. [3]
Will a power adapter change the voltage from a New Zealand power outlet?
Power adapters will only adapt the shape of a plug to fit into a 230 volt New Zealand power outlet and is unable to convert the power to a higher voltage. If you wish to safely use a 100-120 volt device you also need to bring a step down power converter for New Zealand along with the correct power adapter.
What does a power adapter do?
A power adapter allows visitors travelling from another country to use electrical appliances and devices in New Zealand simply by altering the shape of the plug.
Where to buy a power adapter in New Zealand
On arrival power adapters could be found in local electrical high street shops and drug stores, but always check the build quality first as safety standards might be different in a foreign country as this is important when dealing with electrical goods. Keep in mind that a shopping trip searching for power adapters in an unknown location might be impractical, especially as this needs to happen quickly before batteries run out.
Hotel receptions could have a power adapter for sale, hire or as a complimentary extra for guests; however, availability is normally limited and a hotel might not have the exact type required for your country. If in doubt, call ahead to the hotel first and request a reservation as it is unlikely that an adapter will be found in your room on arrival.
Where to buy a power adapter for New Zealand in the UK
New Zealand to UK power adapters will most likely be available to buy in the UK from airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham prior to departure, however the range of adapters might be limited to popular destinations. It is recommended to research the exact type of adapter required prior to shopping at the airport. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores and pharmacists such as WH Smith, Dixons or Boots but expect to pay 50% more than regular prices.
It will be more convenient and cheaper to buy the correct power adapter in advance of your trip. UK high street electrical shops, newsagents and chemists such as Currys PC World, WH Smith or Boots normally typically only sell popular types of travel adapters covering a limited number of countries however for widest choice it is recommended to buy a power adapter online. In January 2019 we checked 2 high street branches of WH Smiths without seeing any power adapters available to purchase and 1 branch of Boots only had a pack of European adapters available.
External links
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- Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about New Zealand.
- Type I power adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
- Wikipedia - power adaptor