The following is a comprehensive list of where to buy Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrency) in New Zealand.
Easy Crypto
Easycrypto.nz is a full service cryptocurrency broker in New Zealand.
The platform offers an all-inclusive service, so there are no separate fees or charges. The price you see is what you pay. All orders are processed in NZD.
It has an impressive offering of around 60+ currencies, including all the standards such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin etc, and rates are very reasonable.
You can buy instantly with NZ bank transfer, Poli, Account2Account or credit card.
Because of how fast and easy it is, this is always our first recommendation for NZ investors.
Independent Reserve
Independent Reserve is an Australian based exchange that serves New Zealand customers. Deposits, trading and withdrawals in NZD are available.
Fees are low (half a percent on all trades, with bonus discounts for high volume).
Coins available to trade are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple XRP, 0x, OMG, Stellar and EOS, plus several others.
This is easily the cheapest fiat-based exchange that allows trading in NZD, the only issue is it requires a SWIFT transfer to an Australian based account to get started.
However, for high volume traders, or anyone trading in AUD, this is a very good option.
BitPrime
BitPrime is a cryptocurrency retailer in New Zealand, with over 60 currencies on offer. All can be purchased with NZD.
Prices are okay, but higher than other platforms in New Zealand. Their fees are not static (they change with price) so it can be difficult to forecast exactly how much you will be paying.
Their ID verification process is very strict - they request a lot more information than other platforms on this list.
Kiwi-coin
Kiwi-coin is a New Zealand based Bitcoin exchange.
The exchange itself is decent and reasonably well trusted. However, spreads can be high and the verification process is lengthy. Liquidity can also become low during quiet periods.
Dasset
Dasset is a cryptocurrency exchange based in New Zealand.
They currently offer trading of Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Chainlink, Augur, 0x, EOS, Storj and True USD.
You can deposit and trade with NZD. Low liquidity is a problem.
international exchanges
To buy coins other than Bitcoin, you will often need to utilise larger, international exchanges. Below is a list of the main international exchanges open to New Zealanders.
Binance
Binance is probably the most popular exchange in the world today. They offer almost all established coins and fees are incredibly low.
To trade on Binance you need to deposit finds in cryptocurrency. It does not accept NZD or any other fiat deposits.
As of 2018, KYC (ID verification) is required.
Kucoin
Kucoin is a fast growing exchange that lists most major coins.
Listing requirements are less stringent on Kucoin, so many of the less established coins are listed here too. Usually Kucoin is the place to pick up coins before they become popular.
Liquidity is not as good as Binance, but fees are low and the user interface is great.
Bitfinex
Bitfinex is a long established cryptocurrency exchange based in Hong Kong.
It has had a turbulent history, mainly surrounding two hacks where they lost $72 million of trader funds. Those funds have since been paid back to customers in full.
They key point of difference with Bitfinex is their lending platform, where you can lend out your cryptocurrency to traders and earn interest. It is one of the few places where you can earn legitimate passive income on your Bitcoin.
Bitcoin wallets
While you are able to store your Bitcoin on exchanges, it is generally recommended to move them into your own wallets. Listed below are wallets that have been vetted by the community and are considered secure.
For an introduction to why you need wallets and how to use them, check out our guide by clicking here.
Coinbase Wallet
There are hundreds of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets available, so it's important to choose one that's trustworthy.
Our top recommendation is the Coinbase Wallet.
Coinbase is the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the USA and one of the biggest in the world. Anyone can set up a wallet using their app. It's available on both iOS and Android and it's 100% free.
The Coinbase Wallet is a software wallet. To understand the differences between software wallets and hardware wallets, check out our wallet guide by clicking here.
Ledger wallet
The Ledger is the current industry standard for hardware wallets today.
The Ledger works by keeping your private keys encrypted on the device, so they are never seen by any person or website, not even you. Your cryptocurrency is accessible by a 4-digit pin that you select.
General consensus is a Ledger hardware wallet is the safest method of storing Bitcoin available today.
For a guide on how a Ledger wallet works and how to use it, check out our guide by clicking here.