Just choose the speed you need
Get your mate on board & you'll both be better off
Winner Best Value Mobile Provider
NZ Compare Awards '23, '24 & '25
Available now on eSIM compatible devices*
Quick answer: An unlimited data eSIM plan in New Zealand lets you get truly unlimited mobile data without inserting a physical SIM card. Rocket Mobile activates eSIMs instantly via QR code, offers three unlimited data speed tiers (Rocket, Rocket Plus, and Rocket Max), and runs on One NZ’s network, covering 98.5% of where Kiwis live, work, and play. No contracts, no credit checks.
Switching phones, starting a new job, or heading off to uni for the first time? Setting up mobile data shouldn’t be the hard part. That’s where an unlimited data eSIM comes in.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built straight into your phone. There’s no plastic card to collect, swap, or lose down the back of your couch. You scan a QR code, and you’re connected. For anyone juggling a busy schedule between lectures, flatting, and weekend plans, that kind of speed matters.
This guide breaks down what an unlimited data eSIM actually is, how it works, and what Rocket Mobile offers if you’re searching for an eSIM in New Zealand with unlimited data.
An unlimited data eSIM combines two things: a digital SIM (eSIM) and a mobile plan with no data cap. Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data eSIM plans give you truly unlimited data at a set speed, with no slow-down to unusable speeds once you hit a certain threshold. You just choose the speed you need, and that’s what you get, month after month.
This matters if you’re constantly streaming, gaming, video calling, or scrolling. You’ll never need to hunt for WiFi or watch your data bar creep toward zero before the month’s out.
Unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM doesn’t need a plastic card inserted into your phone. Instead, you install it digitally using a QR code.
Here’s what that means in practice:
Note that if you’re installing an eSIM on a tablet, you’ll need to activate it first on a device that can receive an SMS one-time link (like your phone), then transfer it across.
Rocket Mobile offers three unlimited data plans, all eSIM ready, so you can pick the speed that matches how you actually use your phone.
Every plan also includes unlimited calls and SMS to NZ and Australian numbers, free voicemail, and hotspot data at matching speeds. Rocket Plus is currently Rocket Mobile’s most popular option, striking a balance between price and performance for streaming, gaming, and video calls in Ultra HD.
Beyond the convenience of instant activation, unlimited data eSIM plans from Rocket Mobile come with a few standout perks:
Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data eSIM setup works for everyone.
Students and young professionals get flexibility without the barriers. No 12-month contract to stress about, no credit check standing between you and a solid mobile plan.
Frequent travellers can run an eSIM alongside their existing number – no need to swap physical SIMs when you’re hopping between home and abroad. Keep your NZ number active while adding a local eSIM for data on the road, or use Rocket Mobile’s Daily Roaming add-on when you get there.
Remote workers who rely on their phone as a primary data source will appreciate plans that don’t throttle to unusable speeds mid-Zoom call. Pick the speed you need and know it’ll be there whether you’re working from a café, a co-working space, or the bach.
People upgrading from capped plans will find this the simplest step up. No confusing data caps, no topping up every few days – just unlimited data at a set speed, billed once a month with no surprises.
Rocket Mobile runs on One NZ’s network, independently rated as award-winning by umlaut. That coverage extends to 98.5% of the areas where Kiwis live, work, and play, so whether you’re in a city center or a smaller town, chances are you’re covered. WiFi calling is included on every plan too, which helps keep you connected even if mobile reception is patchy indoors.
Getting connected takes just a few steps:
No waiting around, no store visits required.
Is Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data really unlimited?
Yes. Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data plans don’t slow to unusable speeds after a certain amount of usage. You simply choose the speed tier that fits your needs, subject to the Fair Use Policy.
How much does an unlimited data eSIM cost in NZ?
Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data eSIM plans start from $40/mth for Rocket (10Mbps) and go up to $75/mth for Rocket Max (Max Speed, 5G-ready).
Do I need a physical SIM as well as an eSIM?
No. An eSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM entirely. You just need an eSIM-compatible device.
Are there any contracts or credit checks?
No. Rocket Mobile’s plans are paid upfront each month with no long-term contract and no credit check required, just a valid credit or debit card.
Can I use an eSIM on a tablet?
Yes, most eSIM-compatible tablets will work, but eSIM support depends on your specific device model. For phones, eSIM is supported on iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer – check your device settings for an “Add eSIM” option to confirm. For tablets, you’ll need to activate the eSIM on a phone first (to receive the SMS verification code), then transfer it to your tablet.
An unlimited data eSIM takes the hassle out of staying connected: no physical SIM to wait for, no contract to worry about, and no data cap to watch. Whether you’re after everyday HD streaming with Rocket, or 5G performance with Rocket Max, Rocket Mobile has an unlimited data eSIM plan built for how you actually use your phone.
Explore Rocket Mobile’s unlimited data eSIM plans and get connected in minutes.
| What is it | How much | Do I have any other options |
|---|---|---|
| Voicemail | Calls to voicemail are FREE | Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry. |
| MMS PXT | Not available | If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead. |
| International calls & texts | $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on | You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location. |
| Roaming | For just $9 a day you can use your NZ data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. | Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling. |
| Premium rate numbers | Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. | To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS |
Your unlimited Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including unlimited mobile data at the speed you need, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:
| What is it | How much | Do I have any other options |
|---|---|---|
| Voicemail | Calls to voicemail are FREE | Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry. |
| MMS PXT | 10 free MMS/PXT per month to NZ mobiles then no more can be sent. | If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead, using your unlimited data. |
| International calls & texts | $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on | You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location. |
| Roaming | For just $9 a day you can use your NZ non-stop data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. | Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling. |
| Premium rate numbers | Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. | To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS |
