Source: Freepik
Key Takeaways
- Crypto is not legal tender in New Zealand, but businesses operating in the space are regulated under financial laws.
- Businesses in New Zealand such as Aro Hā Wellness Retreat and Dixie Browns accept crypto payments, making everyday transactions easier.
- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is exploring a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a digital version of the NZD.
- Taxable events under New Zealand’s taxation law, include selling crypto for NZD, trading one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods and services.
An Overview Of Spending Crypto In New Zealand
Crypto is no longer just an investment in New Zealand; it’s becoming a practical way to pay for everyday purchases. With nearly 1.94 million users expected by 2025, more businesses are accepting digital currencies, making shopping and dining more accessible without traditional banking.
“…Close to 50% of New Zealanders own, have owned, or are considering future investment in crypto in the next 12 months. It’s here to stay, and we’re committed to making sure the industry is as safe and trustworthy as possible.”
This shift highlights New Zealand’s growing adoption of crypto in everyday transactions. In fact, New Zealand ranked among the top 30 in Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index for 2023, highlighting its increasing engagement with digital money.
As crypto gains traction, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is also exploring a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which could further shape the country’s financial landscape.
But for now, where can you actually spend your crypto? Let’s look at the best places to spend crypto in New Zealand and how businesses are making digital payments more accessible.
Best Places To Spend Crypto In New Zealand
| S/N | Best Places to Spend Crypto In New Zealand | Category |
| 1 | Aro Ha Wellness Retreat | Health & Wellness |
| 2 | Dixie Browns | Restaurant |
| 3 | Oyster & Chop | Restaurant |
| 4 | Mane Salon | Hair Salon |
| 5 | Wheeler Motor Companies | Automotive |
| 6 | Jens Hansen | Jewelry Store |
| 7 | Mangawhai Osteopathy | Health and Wellness |
| 8 | Whānau Āwhina Plunket | Charity |
Aro Hā Wellness Retreat
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat is located in the beautiful Southern Alps, just 40 minutes from Queenstown, New Zealand. It offers wellness programs designed to improve your overall health and well-being.
Aro Ha blends modern medical research with traditional wellness techniques to manage chronic health issues, and now you can easily pay with Bitcoin for their services.
Dixie Browns
Read Also: Best Places to Spend Crypto in Japan
If you’re looking for a great spot to spend your crypto in New Zealand, Dixie Browns is a fantastic choice. With locations in Taupo and Mt Maunganui, it offers a warm, relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The menu features freshly made dishes, including lakeside specialities, vegetarian meals, and gluten-free options. Additionally, the restaurant mainly accepts Bitcoin.
Oyster & Chop
Oyster and Chop is an outstanding steakhouse and oyster bar in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Since opening in 2015, this spot has been serving up premium food with excellent, friendly service and they now accept Bitcoin payments.
Their menu features top-quality beef and lamb, sourced both locally and internationally. With beautiful water views from every table, it’s a great place to spend crypto and enjoy delicious food.
Mane Salon
Mane Salon is the spot to visit if you’re looking for a fresh hairstyle and a place to spend your crypto. Here, they provide personalized services to suit your style, bring your hair vision to life and also accept Bitcoin payments.
The salon also has a welcoming atmosphere and even hosts training sessions for up-and-coming stylists.
Wheeler Motor Companies
Wheeler Motor Company in Christchurch is a great place to buy a quality used car using cryptocurrency. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, including popular brands like Mazda, Toyota, Honda, and various European models.
Committed to excellent customer service, they provide flexible buying options to suit different needs. Plus, with the option to pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, they make it easy for crypto users to make a purchase without hassle.
Jens Hansen
If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings or just love beautifully crafted jewellery, Jens Hansen in Nelson is the perfect place to spend your crypto.
Known as the makers of the famous Movie Ring, they create stunning handmade pieces, from wedding rings to bracelets and pendants. Now, you can pay with Bitcoin, making it easier than ever to own a piece of timeless jewelry.
Mangawhai Osteopathy
Mangawhai Osteopathy provides expert osteopathic care, helping people recover from injuries and improve their overall well-being. With a focus on hands-on therapy, rehabilitation, and health advice, they aim to support long-term health, not just short-term recovery.
Now, you can pay with Bitcoin, making it even easier to access quality care. If you’re in New Zealand and looking for professional osteopathic treatment, Mangawhai Osteopathy is a great choice.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is New Zealand’s largest provider of support services for tamariki and whānau, helping families with health, development, and well-being. Their work focuses on equity, especially for Māori and Pacific communities, ensuring every child gets the best start in life.
By donating crypto like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Aave, Litecoin, Gemini Dollar and more, you’re helping provide essential support services to families who need them most.
Tools For Spending Crypto In New Zealand
Source: Freepik
Spending crypto in New Zealand is getting easier, thanks to a growing number of tools that let users pay for goods and services using digital assets.
Here are some of the common options:
Crypto Debit Cards
Crypto debit cards function like regular bank cards but are linked to your crypto wallet instead of a bank account. For example, UPay cards allow users to load their cards with cryptocurrency, which is then converted to New Zealand dollars (NZD) at the time of purchase.
However, it’s important to be aware of potential fees. UPay charges around 2% for ATM withdrawals. Nonetheless, crypto debit cards make it easier to pay at businesses that don’t directly accept crypto, as they receive the payment in fiat currency.
Crypto Wallet Payments
Some businesses accept direct payments from crypto wallets, such as UPay, allowing customers to transfer funds instantly. While this can be a quick way to pay, it’s important to remember that you’ll receive cryptocurrency, not NZD. If your goal is to convert it to fiat, you’ll need to handle the conversion yourself.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Transactions
For those who prefer dealing directly with sellers, P2P transactions offer a flexible way to spend crypto. Platforms connect buyers and sellers, enabling payments without intermediaries.
This method works well for freelance services, rentals, and even some retail purchases. Just ensure both parties agree on the terms before proceeding.
Crypto ATMs
Crypto ATMs are another convenient option, allowing users to exchange crypto for cash or load their digital wallets.
While they are not as widespread as traditional ATMs, their presence in major cities such as Auckland, Hamilton and Canterbury is increasing. This makes it easier for you to access funds in NZD when needed.
Tips For Spending Crypto In New Zealand
Source: Freepik
Spending crypto in New Zealand comes with a few considerations, from legal regulations to practical tips for getting the most out of it. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Understand the Regulations
While crypto isn’t legal tender, businesses dealing with it must follow financial regulations. This means you have consumer protection rights when making purchases with crypto, and businesses must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.
Be Aware of Tax Implications
In New Zealand, spending crypto is considered a taxable event, similar to selling or trading it. If you use crypto to pay for goods or services, you might need to report it as income. In essence, keeping track of your transactions will help with tax compliance.
Choose Businesses That Accept Crypto
More restaurants, retail stores, and travel companies in New Zealand are embracing crypto. However, before making a purchase, confirm that the business accepts digital payments.
Additionally, some companies only accept specific cryptocurrencies or use third-party payment processors, so confirm details before making a purchase. You can also check if they offer discounts for crypto transactions.
Check Fees Before Spending
Crypto transactions may come with gas fees, exchange rate fluctuations, or ATM withdrawal fees (some crypto cards, like UPay, charge 2% for withdrawals). Always check fees before making a purchase.
Prioritize Security
Always double-check wallet addresses before sending payments, use secure networks, and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. Crypto transactions are irreversible, so mistakes can be costly.
Challenge Of Spending Crypto In New Zealand
Source: Freepik
While crypto adoption is growing in New Zealand, there are still hurdles to overcome. Here are some key challenges you might face when trying to spend your digital assets:
Unclear Regulations
New Zealand doesn’t have a fully developed regulatory framework for crypto. While some guidelines exist, there’s still uncertainty about how digital assets should be classified and regulated. This lack of clarity can make businesses hesitant to accept crypto payments.
Conversion Challenges
Unlike traditional currency, crypto isn’t automatically converted into NZD when used for purchases. If a business accepts direct crypto payments, it must manually convert it to fiat, often incurring conversion fees and delays.
Limited Public Awareness
Many people find crypto confusing, and terms like blockchain, DeFi, and gas fees can be overwhelming. Without proper education, new users struggle to navigate the space, making them vulnerable to scams or poor investment decisions.
“While the consensus around confusion is disappointing, the findings are a clear call for the crypto industry to do a lot better when it comes to engaging with both existing and future investors.”
Security Risks and Scams
Crypto transactions are irreversible, making them a target for fraud and hacking. Scams have caused major financial losses, and without strong consumer protections in place, recovering lost funds can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to always double-check transaction details and use trusted platforms.
“The cryptocurrency scam landscape continues to evolve, becoming increasingly difficult to navigate as crypto’s popularity grows”.
Read Also: Best Places to Spend Crypto in Ireland
Conclusion
New Zealand is steadily embracing cryptocurrency, offering more ways to use digital assets for everyday transactions. From dining at Dixie Browns to booking a stay at Auckland City Hotel, crypto payments are becoming a practical choice.
Despite challenges like regulatory uncertainties and security concerns, adoption is growing, and businesses are making digital payments more accessible. Nevertheless, as more businesses join in, finding the best places to spend crypto in New Zealand will only get easier.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Yes, many businesses in New Zealand now accept crypto payments for dining, retail, and services. From restaurants like Oyster & Chop to wellness spaces like Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, crypto is becoming a practical payment option.
Yes, cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand but is not recognized as legal tender. Businesses and financial services related to crypto must comply with financial regulations, including the Financial Service Providers Act and Anti-Money Laundering laws.
Paying with crypto in New Zealand can be done through different methods, including crypto debit cards, direct wallet transfers, and so on. Businesses that accept crypto usually provide a digital wallet address for transactions. Some platforms like UPay allow customers to use a crypto debit card for easy payments.
In New Zealand, cryptocurrency is considered personal property and is subject to Income Tax. Transactions such as selling crypto for NZD, trading one cryptocurrency for another, or using it to purchase goods and services may be taxable. There is no specific Capital Gains Tax on crypto.
