Get information on how much domain names cost?

How much does a .nz domain name cost?

The cost of a .nz domain name varies depending on what your provider charges you.

Some domain name providers also offer website/hosting services, whereas some only offer domain name registration. So it's worth shopping around to find your best fit. The Domain Name Commission recommends using a .nz authorised provider. 

View a list of .nz-authorised registrars.

Other domain name providers may resell domain names through .nz authorised providers

Most providers will charge a fee on a re-occurring basis (for example yearly)

What can domain name providers charge for?

Domain name providers (registrars) can charge for additional services. Charges are not the same across domain name providers.

Some of these additional services are listed below:

• Change of registrar (transfer in) - When a domain name is transferred to a new domain name provider (registrar), the gaining registrar may charge a fee for the transfer. These costs may relate to costs involved in setting up the account, etc. You can learn more about transferring your domain name to a new domain name provider (registrar) here.
• Change of registrant - Some registrars may charge a fee for a change of registrant (domain name holder). You can learn more about how to perform a change of registrant here. 
• Reinstatement - When a domain name is renewed, you might have to pay a reinstatement fee, as well as your normal registration fees. 
• Privacy option - Some registrars may charge registrants to apply the privacy option on their domain names. You can learn more about the Privacy Option and how to apply it here.

Other services that a domain name provider can charge for: 

• Administrative or miscellaneous charges
• DNS hosting, website hosting 
• Personalised email accounts and mail servers
• Some providers charge fees for any missed payment 
• Security Features (such as DNSSEC).

When in doubt, check the terms and conditions you entered into with your domain name provider to verify if the charges you are being charged are covered. If you can't find these, contact your domain name provider to ask where in the T/C the charges are covered.

If any additional fees are being charged, they need to be covered via the terms and conditions that the customer entered into.

What can domain name providers not charge for?

Registrars are not allowed to charge registrants for some services. 

• Change of registrar (Transfer out) -  When a domain name is transferred away from one registrar to another, the current registrar needs to let the registrant transfer the domain name free of charge. The current registrar cannot charge an exit fee. 
• Authorisation codes (UDAI) - When a registrant requests an Authorisation Code, registrars are not allowed to charge for generating the Authorisation code. 

If your registrar has charged you for a service and you are unsatisfied, you can contact the Domain Name Commission (DNC) via Email: at [email protected] or submit a complaint against a provider here. 

Additional information

• Some domain name registrars offer domain name discounts on first-year purchases, but their renewal costs are more expensive. Always check what ongoing costs might be associated with your registration. 
• Some registrars offer website hosting and email services with domain name registrations, while Others offer the registration as a stand-alone service.
• It pays to check your cart, remove any additional features you don’t want with your domain name registration, and ensure all the features you want are there too.
• Pay all registration fees when they become due to avoid the possibility of losing your domain name.
• A domain name that's been registered by someone else can cost more to buy. If you want to buy an already registered domain name, we recommend buying from reputable sellers to ensure a safe transfer.  Any sale and purchase agreement entered is a private arrangement between the buyer and seller.