Extension
.nz
.nz in short
The .nz domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for New Zealand, operated by InternetNZ. It is openly registrable worldwide and is available both as a short .nz and in long-standing forms like co.nz.
.nz at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
InternetNZ
Launched
1987
Country / scope
New Zealand
Restrictions
Open to anyone (no local presence required)
Typical price
$18/yr
Example sites
NZ sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .nz domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .nz mean?
The .nz extension is the official internet country code for New Zealand, assigned under ISO 3166-1 and overseen by InternetNZ (with day-to-day registry operations handled on its behalf). It is the recognised marker of the New Zealand web — used by Kiwi businesses, organisations, media and individuals.
.nz comes in two familiar shapes: the short, direct second level (example.nz), opened up in 2014, and the older categorised forms such as co.nz for companies, org.nz for organisations and net.nz. The long-established co.nz remains the most common business address, while the short .nz reads as cleaner and more modern.
Who uses .nz?
.nz is used by New Zealand companies, community and non-profit organisations, news and government sites, and individuals. For a business serving the New Zealand market, a co.nz or short .nz address signals genuine local presence and supports trust and regional search visibility.
If your reach is global, a generic .com avoids the national framing. But for New Zealand specifically, .nz is the trusted local standard, sitting alongside neighbouring .au and the wider family of country-code domains.
.nz registration rules and requirements
.nz is open to registrants worldwide with no New Zealand-residency or local-presence requirement, which makes it easy for international brands to localise. Registration runs through accredited registrars on a first-come, first-served basis. Both the short .nz form and the categorised forms like co.nz are available; where someone already holds the matching second level, conflict rules can affect who may take the short form.
How much does .nz cost?
A .nz domain typically runs about $18 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .nz price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Accredited .nz registrars | ~$15–25/yr |
| New Zealand hosting providers | ~$15–22/yr |
| co.nz categorised form | ~$15–22/yr |
.nz pros and cons
Pros
- Strong local trust with New Zealand users and search engines.
- Open to registrants worldwide — no local presence required.
- Both modern .nz and established co.nz forms available.
- Backed by InternetNZ, a stable community-focused registry.
Cons
- Short .nz availability can be limited by existing co.nz holders.
- Pricier than budget gTLDs and some European ccTLDs.
- No advantage for a worldwide, non-NZ audience.
- Two parallel forms (.nz and co.nz) can cause confusion.
Example .nz websites
- New Zealand businesses run primary sites on established co.nz addresses.
- Community and non-profit groups use org.nz for member resources.
- Modern brands adopt the short brand.nz form for a cleaner identity.
.nz — frequently asked questions
What is the .nz domain?
The .nz domain is the country-code top-level domain for New Zealand, overseen by InternetNZ. It marks a website as Kiwi and is available both as a short .nz and in long-standing forms like co.nz, which remains the most common business address.
Can a foreigner register a .nz domain?
Yes. .nz is open to registrants worldwide with no New Zealand-residency or local-presence requirement, making it straightforward for international brands to localise for the New Zealand market.
What is the difference between .nz and co.nz?
Both are part of the New Zealand namespace. .nz is the short, direct form introduced in 2014, while co.nz is the older categorised form for companies. co.nz is still the most common business address; the short .nz reads as more modern.
How much does a .nz domain cost?
A .nz domain typically costs around $18 per year, with most registrars in the $15–$25 range, and co.nz is similar. Confirm the renewal price before buying, as it can differ from first-year promotions.