Deal
Try out Prime Video with a 7-day free trial
Prime Video's free 7-day trial will give you instant access to thousands of premium TV shows and movies. T&Cs apply.
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Amazon Prime Video New Zealand: price, features and content compared
Online retail giant Amazon shifted into the video streaming market in 2011 and went global with the service in late 2016. Here's what you need to know to watch in New Zealand.
No reviews yet.
Write a review
Long before Netflix launched in New Zealand and even before video streaming became a thing, movie fans looking for a bargain on the latest DVDs would often head to Amazon to try and get a better price, despite the hefty shipping fees or waiting times that were a common nuisance back in the day. And while that still happens, the rise of streaming platforms has changed the way Kiwis consume their entertainment.
Amazon wasn’t oblivious to the benefits of streaming. As far back as 2006, Amazon offered video rental and download services like iTunes, but in 2011 it launched Amazon Prime Instant Video in the United States, a streaming platform offering a huge range of content to customers of its Amazon Prime service. But it wasn’t until December 2016 that Amazon’s streaming efforts really became relevant for Kiwis.
Timed around the launch of the spiritual Top Gear successor The Grand Tour, Amazon took Prime Video global to 200 countries around the world, including New Zealand. While global licensing arrangements meant that the line-up of content at launch was not as extensive as Netflix or Neon, Amazon has made significant investments in original series, and rapidly grown the Prime Video library.
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost in New Zealand?
There was plenty of discussion around how much Amazon Prime Video might cost when it went global in late 2016. Fortunately for Kiwis, Amazon has decided to be rather aggressive with the pricing strategy for its streaming video platform.
Subscribers get a free seven-day trial. Once that period is over, you will have to pay a regular price of US$5.99/month to get access to Amazon Prime series and movies. This is less expensive than similar services. Add in the fact that all content comes in 4K and Prime Video is a very intriguing add to your streaming services line up.
How much data will Amazon Prime Video use?
Amazon’s streaming app has a pretty robust range of streaming quality settings, depending on the device you use. Below is a guide to how much data Amazon Prime Video will consume at each quality grade:
Amazon does also allow users to download videos for offline viewing, with files taking up about the same amount of space on your device as the streaming settings. Here are the numbers provided by Amazon within the iOS and Android apps:
- Low quality: 270MB – 300MB/hour
- Standard definition (SD): 270MB – 600MB/hour
- High definition (HD): 460MB – 900MB/hour
What devices are compatible with Amazon Prime Video?
The fact that Amazon Prime Video has been active in some international markets for years before its global launch means that there’s a solid line-up of devices you can use to access the service. In addition to the standard web browser, there are dedicated apps for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. For iOS you’ll need to be running iOS 7 or above, while Android users will need Android 4.0 or above.
Since Amazon also plays in the hardware space, it’s not surprising to learn that its range of Amazon Fire tablets also support Prime Video streaming. You can also stream through the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. You can also access the service via popular LG, Sony and Samsung Smart TVs if you own them.
If you do want the full smart TV experience for Amazon Prime Video in New Zealand, you’ll need to ensure you own one of the compatible LG, Sony or Samsung Smart TVs. There’s also no native support for Chromecast. You can cast your screen using Android devices, but native support is much better for your mobile’s battery life. Still, as usually happens with streaming services, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that the compatible device list will improve consistently over time.
Don’t have a smart TV? No problem. The Prime Video app is available on the Fire TV stick, Android TV by Sony, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Apple TV.
Amazon Prime Video frequently asked questions
How does Prime Video compare?
How does Amazon’s streaming service stack up against the competition?
More guides on Finder
-
How to watch Formula 1 live stream in New Zealand
Every race of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship is being broadcast live into New Zealand.
-
Streaming Statistics New Zealand
New Zealand ranks top out of 18 for the percentage of its population with at least one streaming service, with 65% paying for a subscription.
-
New Zealand travel restrictions: Where you can go in October 2021
Find out everything you need to know to explore your own backyard in New Zealand.
-
Disney+ price rise: Save $30 before the subscription hike hits New Zealand
With the addition of a new channel to Disney+, prices are about to rise. This is how you can save money on a subscription.
-
Disney+ Star New Zealand: Full list of movies and TV shows
Every TV show and movie launching on the new Disney+ Star channel.
-
Where to buy PS5 games online in New Zealand
Find out where to get you hands on the latest PS5 game releases right here.
-
Where to buy the Xbox Series X in New Zealand
Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox has officially launched. Find out if and where you can get your hands on one in New Zealand.
-
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Performance, price, features, games and more
Who will win in the PS5 vs XSX video game console war? We compare the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, including specs, design, controllers and games.
-
How to sign up to DAZN in New Zealand: A step-by-step guide
You’ll be able to watch exciting boxing events within minutes on streaming site DAZN.
-
Where to buy the PlayStation 5 in New Zealand
The fifth PlayStation console is in hot demand. But can you actually buy one in New Zealand?