Both work equally well for a New Zealand business. .co.nz is the one most Kiwis know; .nz is shorter. If you can, register both and point one to the other, so customers find you whichever they type.
The difference
.co.nz has been the standard for New Zealand businesses for decades. .nz is shorter and has been open to everyone since 2015, when InternetNZ allowed registrations directly at the second level (yourbusiness.nz).
For Google, there’s no difference: both tell search engines your website is for New Zealand. The choice is about what your customers will remember and type.
Which to choose
| Choose | If |
|---|---|
| .co.nz | Your customers are used to it, or the .nz version is taken |
| .nz | You want the shortest possible address |
| Both | You want to protect your name; one points to the other |
| .com | You also sell overseas, and the name is free |
Whatever you choose, use one main address on your website, your email and your business cards, and redirect the others to it.
What .nz domains cost
All .nz domains, including .co.nz, have the same wholesale fee set by InternetNZ, which rose to NZ$22 a year from 1 July 2025. Registrars add their margin on top, so most charge between about NZ$30 and NZ$60 a year.
If the name you want is taken
- Try the other ending: if yourbusiness.co.nz is taken, yourbusiness.nz may be free.
- Add your town or trade: smithplumbing.co.nz, smithplumbingnelson.nz.
- Keep it short and easy to say on the phone. Avoid hyphens and numbers if you can.
- Check the name isn’t a registered trade mark before you buy it.
Who should own your domain
Your domain should be registered to your business. If your web designer registers it for you, make sure you can move it if you ever change provider.
At Upfront Sites, your .nz domain is included for the first year with every website, and if you ever leave, we transfer it to you.
Compare our three websites side by side, prices and all.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a .nz domain if I’m not in New Zealand?
Yes, .nz domains are open to anyone, but it makes most sense for businesses serving New Zealand customers.
Does a .nz domain help my Google ranking?
A .nz or .co.nz ending tells Google your website is for New Zealand, which helps with local searches. It doesn’t make you rank higher on its own.
Can I keep my email address when I get a new website?
Yes. Your email is linked to your domain, not your website. Moving your website doesn’t change your email if it’s set up carefully.
