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Where to Buy Bitcoin In New Zealand

The following is a comprehensive list of where to buy Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrency) in New Zealand.

Easy Crypto

  • RECOMMENDED

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.

  • Prices are fair
  • Easy verification process
  • No extra fees or charges
  • Large selection of currencies
  • Orders processed within minutes
  • Instant confirmation with Poli or Account2Account
  • $3 surcharge for Poli (but bank deposit is free)

Independent Reserve

  • RECOMMENDED

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.

  • Best rates in New Zealand
  • Very low fees
  • Easy to use interface
  • Deposits by SWIFT only (48 hours)

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.

  • Large selection of currencies
  • Odd fee structure
  • Difficult verification process
  • Higher prices than other platforms

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.

  • Low fees (0.4%-0.8%)
  • Trusted exchange
  • High prices due to low liquidity
  • Long verification process for higher tiers
  • Bitcoin only

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.

  • Reasonable fees (up to 0.65%)
  • Very low liquidity
  • Significantly higher prices

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

  • RECOMMENDED

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.

  • Extensive coin selection
  • Very low fees
  • User interface is excellent
  • Liquidity is excellent
  • KYC required

Kucoin

  • RECOMMENDED

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.

  • Extensive coin selection
  • Many less established coins
  • Low fees
  • User interface is excellent.
  • No KYC
  • Lower liquidity

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.

  • Lending platform
  • Allows USD deposits
  • Bad history with security
  • Not a large coin selection

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.

  • Free to use
  • Easy to set up
  • Safe and secure
  • Not as secure as a hardware wallet

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.

  • Keeps private keys encrypted at all times
  • Very easy to use
  • Safest storage option available today
  • Stores Bitcoin and all major cryptocurrencies
  • Not free
  • Must be ordered from overseas