Telephone and Postal Services in New Zealand

There are 6,500 payphones throughout New Zealand. The blue and yellow Telecom payphones will take phone cards, credit cards, Telecom TalkAway cards, Telecom Calling cards, and some will accept coins too. Telecom payphone cards come in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Five hundred indoor payphones also offer modem access. Learn more about New Zealand postal services.

Local calls made from payphones cost 50 cents, regardless of how long you talk. Toll calls are charged at current rates. To direct dial a national (toll) call in New Zealand, dial the national access code, 0, then the area code, then the number. For instance, to call Auckland 123 4567, dial 0, then 9 (the area code), then 123 4567. Area codes are in telephone directories, or dial directory assistance on 018. To place a national call through an operator, dial 010.

To direct dial an international call, dial the international code, 00, then the country code, then the area code, then the number. Eg, to call Sydney, Australia, 123 4567, dial 00, then 61 (the country code), then 2 (the area code) then 123 4567. Country and area codes are in the telephone directory, or dial 0172. To place an international call through an operator, dial 0170.

Telecom accepts American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Diners credit card payments for national and international calls. To place a credit card or transfer charge call through an operator, dial 010 for national and 0170 for international. In emergencies, contact the police, fire department and/or ambulance on 111 from any phone. There is no charge.

Postal services New Zealand Post operates 316 Post Shops throughout the country, providing a full range of services from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some also opening on Saturday mornings. There are also 703 post centres, which are scaled-down versions of a Post Shop and are part of an existing business, such as a dairy, chemist or bookshop.

Visitors can pick up mail at Poste Restante counters in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Central Post Offices and Post Shops will also hold mail if it's clearly marked. Local mail can be sent fast-post for a slightly higher postal fee. International mail should be posted in the red and white mail boxes.

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