Best Crypto Exchanges in New Zealand in 2025

Looking for the right crypto trading platform to buy Bitcoin in NZ? Researching and comparing crypto exchanges can be tedious and time-consuming, so we did the hard work for you.

In this article, we will share our insights and provide our nominees for the best crypto exchange in NZ. We will also explore the country’s current regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrency and discuss whether crypto trading is legal in New Zealand.

Top Crypto Exchanges in NZ

Without further ado, here is our selection of the top crypto exchanges operating in New Zealand.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Crypto Exchanges Available in New Zealand

Take a moment to review each exchange and decide which one best suits your trading needs.

Disclaimer: Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risk. Values are highly volatile. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. This site does not provide financial advice. Act based on your own research and consult with a financial professional before making decisions. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Why Trust CCN’s Reviews

CCN is a free platform specializing in curating high-quality, informative content and delivering the latest insights on the crypto market. Our goal is to provide our audience with the necessary information to make the right decisions when trading cryptocurrencies.

Multiple reviewers craft each of our reviews, guides, or comparisons with years of experience in cryptocurrency trading, blockchain technology, and financial analysis. To ensure that our content is reliable and accurate, we don’t just rely on external data but personally test platforms, tools, and strategies to provide first-hand insights.

Most importantly, our content is fact-checked and unbiased. We don’t want to influence your decisions but give you the tools to make informed choices on your own. So whether you are learning how to buy Bitcoin in NZ or comparing crypto exchanges, you can trust that our information is accurate and reliable.

Different Types of Crypto Exchanges in NZ

When looking for the best app to buy Bitcoin in New Zealand, it is important to know that many different types of exchanges cater to various needs.

Based on their market reach and the type of user base, crypto exchanges can be split into:

• Local Crypto Exchanges: These platforms focus on meeting the trading needs of users within a specific region and may offer a limited variety of options.
• International Crypto Exchanges: Catering to a global audience, these exchanges may offer a wider range of options but lack the localized support that local exchanges provide.

Furthermore, depending on whether they are regulated by a central authority and hold custody of user funds, crypto exchanges are also categorized as:

• Centralized Crypto Exchanges: Similar to traditional financial institutions, these platforms are governed by a central entity that oversees crypto transactions.
• Decentralized Crypto Exchanges: Platforms that connect buyers and sellers directly and facilitate crypto trading without intermediation in an unregulated environment.

Finally, based on their complexity and the range of additional features and services they provide, crypto exchanges can also be split into:

• Cryptocurrency Apps: Mobile apps with limited options focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and beginner-friendliness.
• Full-Scale Exchanges: Comprehensive platforms that not only facilitate the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies but also offer advanced features like margin trading, staking, lending, and other financial services.

This is why the best way to decide how to invest in cryptocurrency in NZ is to consider all possible options and evaluate them against your own needs and criteria.

Local vs. International Exchanges

New Zealand has several great local crypto exchanges users can choose from. These exchanges understand the needs of the local population and support fiat deposits and convenient payment methods that align with regional preferences.

What’s more, crypto trading in NZ is regulated, meaning these local exchanges are legally obligated to comply with the country’s financial regulations, making them a secure and trustworthy option for Kiwis to trade on.

On the other hand, while not all of them may support NZD deposits and region-specific payment methods, international exchanges offer much more. They typically support a wider range of cryptocurrencies, offer advanced trading options, charge lower trading fees, etc.

However, regulation is always a concern with exchanges registered and licensed outside of New Zealand's jurisdiction, as not all are guaranteed to comply with the local laws or provide the same level of consumer protection as local exchanges.

Centralized vs. Decentralized Exchanges

Centralized exchanges are trading platforms that allow traders to rely on a centralized system to manage and facilitate transactions. Here, traders don’t trade with each other directly but issue orders that the exchange processes by matching buyers with sellers.

Additionally, these exchanges act as custodians for user funds. Apart from facilitating trades, they are also responsible for securing and managing user assets, which is why they are more suitable for beginners who don’t want complete control over their coins.

In contrast, decentralized exchanges allow users to trade directly with each other, and they don’t act as intermediaries when trades are executed. These exchanges don’t take custody of user funds and allow traders to swap tokens directly from their wallets.

What’s more, these exchanges operate unregulated, which means they are not obligated to enforce KYC verification requirements. For this reason, many users who want to trade cryptos anonymously prefer using them over centralized exchanges.

Cryptocurrency Apps vs. Full-Scale Exchanges

If you are looking for the easiest way to buy Bitcoin in NZ, a straightforward, no-nonsense cryptocurrency trading app may be the ideal solution. These apps are specifically designed for beginner traders and offer the simplest path to owning cryptocurrency.

Rather than offering a variety of trading options, these apps focus solely on buying and selling crypto and usually support convenient payment methods for fiat deposits. However, their biggest drawback is that they often charge comparatively higher fees.

Full-scale exchanges are one-stop-shop platforms that offer much more than buying and selling cryptocurrencies. They support large numbers of trading pairs, offer derivative and leveraged trading, provide staking services, have the best trading tools, graphs, charts, etc.

However, because of their complexity and wide range of advanced features, many traders, particularly those new to crypto, find them intimidating and not user-friendly, so they avoid trading on them for fear of making a costly mistake.

Regulatory Compliance: How Crypto Exchanges Are Regulated in New Zealand?

Before we discuss choosing the best crypto exchange in NZ for your needs, let’s examine the regulatory framework governing these platforms.

Registration Requirements for Crypto Exchanges in New Zealand

In order to register and operate legally in the jurisdiction of New Zealand, crypto exchanges must meet the following registration criteria:

• They must be registered with the FSPR
• They must be a member of a dispute resolution scheme
• They must comply with the AML/CFT obligations
• They must adhere to the fair dealing provisions

For more information about the registration requirements, you can visit the official website of the Financial Markets Authority .

These strict regulations ensure that the crypto exchanges operating in NZ are transparent, secure, and trustworthy and work according to best business practices that protect consumers' interests.

AML/CFT Compliance

As previously mentioned, crypto exchanges operating in New Zealand must comply with AML/CFT regulations. These include, but are not limited to:

• Verifying the identity of their users
• Verifying the source of income of their users when necessary
• Monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions
• Keeping detailed records of transactions

For a detailed explanation of AML/CFT obligations, visit the official guidelines on the Financial Markets Authority website .

By adhering to the AML/CFT regulations, crypto exchanges operating in NZ can minimize the risk of using their services to fund terrorism, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Licenses Cryptocurrency Exchanges Must Have

In New Zealand, crypto exchanges do not need specific licenses to operate legitimately. All they need to do is register with the FMA and adhere to the abovementioned laws and regulations.

Financial Service Provider Registration

Registration with the FSPR  is a legal obligation for every entity that wants to provide financial services in New Zealand. By registering, these entities make their business details public, contributing to their operations' legitimacy and transparency.

Additionally, being registered with the FSPR is also a prerequisite for becoming a member of a dispute resolution scheme, which is another requirement for registering a crypto exchange in the country.

AML/CFT Reporting Entity Compliance

Crypto exchanges in New Zealand fall under the AML/CFT reporting entities category, which means they must comply with strict regulations outlined in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.

In addition to the obligations we mentioned above, they need to fulfill other requirements, such as conducting regular risk assessment audits, implementing a comprehensive compliance program, and enforcing other measures that minimize the risk of financial crimes.

Derivatives Issuer License (If Applicable)

While there are no crypto exchange-specific licenses in New Zealand, crypto trading platforms that want to offer derivative products, like futures and options, need a derivatives issuer license from the FMA.

The registration and license application process is complicated and requires extensive documentation, which the platform must submit to the FMA. You can learn more about it on the Financial Markets Authority's official website .

Optional Certifications

In addition to the mandatory registration and license requirements, many of the best crypto exchanges that operate in New Zealand pursue additional certifications to establish better credibility in the eyes of both authorities and consumers.

One commonly sought certification is the ISO 27001 standard, which demonstrates that its holder has implemented a comprehensive and effective information security management system to protect sensitive data and mitigate risks.

How Cryptocurrency is Regulated in New Zealand

If you want to buy Bitcoin in NZ, you may also be interested in learning how the country regulates cryptocurrency.

Legal Status of Cryptocurrency in New Zealand

Although investing in cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand, cryptocurrency is not recognized as legal tender. Rather, the country’s law recognizes cryptocurrency as property, which means it is subject to property laws and taxation.

In other words, cryptocurrency in New Zealand is treated similarly to traditional investment assets, like stocks and shares. While you can’t use them to pay for various goods and services, the state recognizes them as taxable assets.

Consumer Protection

Despite cryptocurrency being legal and crypto exchanges regulated, crypto traders in New Zealand and elsewhere don’t have the same consumer protections that traditional banking or investment services offer.

For example, like banks or credit unions, crypto exchanges don’t offer deposit insurance. If your crypto exchange account gets breached and someone steals your funds, exchanges are not obligated to reimburse you for the loss.

How Is Cryptocurrency Taxed in New Zealand?

Before we discuss how to find the best app to buy Bitcoin in New Zealand, we need to discuss one more important matter: the taxation of cryptocurrencies.

Capital Gains Tax on Cryptocurrency

Unlike most other countries, New Zealand does not have a separate capital gains tax and applies tax on profits through its income tax system.

Cryptocurrency Taxed as Income

As we mentioned before, cryptocurrency in New Zealand is taxable property, and users are legally obligated to report to the IRD several crypto-related activities, including:

• Selling cryptocurrency for profit
• Earning through mining or staking cryptocurrency
• Receiving airdrops
• Receiving payment in crypto
• Swapping crypto coins at profit

Depending on whether your crypto gains are your primary or secondary source of income, you may be subject to different tax rates. Here are the current income tax brackets for primary income in New Zealand:

Keep in mind that these rates are applied cumulatively, which means each portion of your income is taxed at the rate corresponding to its bracket.

If you need the secondary income tax brackets or are interested in any additional information regarding cryptocurrency taxation in New Zealand, we suggest you visit the official IRD website .

Comparing Crypto Exchanges in New Zealand: How to Pick the Best Exchange for Your Needs?

Now that we have explored crypto regulation, let’s move on to the key factors you need to pay attention to when choosing the best trading platform in NZ and how to ensure your choice aligns with your trading style and preferences.

Available Cryptocurrencies

Thousands of cryptocurrencies are in circulation, and not all exchanges support the same selection of trading pairs. This is why you need to check the list of supported cryptocurrencies and ensure the coins you want to trade are listed on the exchange.

Moreover, looking for an exchange that supports many coins is always a good idea, as you never know which crypto will capture your interest in the future. As market conditions shift, so does the value of different cryptocurrencies.

Some coins trend downwards, while others gain momentum and offer promising investment opportunities. Access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies will give you better flexibility and allow you to create a well-diversified portfolio.

Security and Insurance

As we mentioned before, insurance is not a priority for crypto exchanges, and only a handful of platforms actually maintain emergency funds. That said, even these exchanges don’t provide coverage for individual account losses and only partially cover large-scale security breaches.

This limitation makes security essential when choosing the best app to buy Bitcoin in New Zealand. As the security measures offered by the exchange are the only shield between you and a hacker, you must carefully evaluate your options.

To maximize the security of your funds, choose an exchange that, in addition to the standard two-factor authentication and advanced encryption protocols, regularly conducts security audits and neutralizes threats proactively.

Fees and Trading Costs

As with any service, affordability and cost-effectiveness can be major in choosing the best crypto exchange in NZ. While all platforms charge trading fees, trading on an exchange with lower costs will allow you to maximize your profits.

Most crypto exchanges utilize tiered fee structures that provide discounts for generating a certain trading volume. To optimize your costs, you will need to consider your trading style and match it with the exchange that gives you the best value for your activity level.

However, in addition to trading fees, most exchanges charge additional costs, such as withdrawal and currency conversion fees. Consider these costs when choosing, as they can also impact your earnings.

Educational Resources

Nowadays, it is standard for most reputable financial platforms to offer educational resources on their websites. These may include articles, videos, webinars, and other interactive guides and tutorials that help users understand the basics of trading.

However, besides showing you the ropes, some platforms offer advanced educational content that can provide valuable insights into the market, such as professional market analysis, in-depth reports, and expert commentary.

If you are looking for a platform that will not only allow you to buy Bitcoin in NZ but also help you expand your knowledge of investment strategies, be sure to research and evaluate the educational resources that crypto exchanges have to offer.

Interface and User Experience

Crypto trading platforms come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more simplistic and offer a seamless and straightforward experience, while others are convoluted and offer many tools and features that beginners may find overwhelming.

Assessing the user experience of these platforms comes down to your preferences. A simple mobile app will do just fine if you are looking for the quickest and most painless path to owning cryptocurrency.

However, traders using charts, graphs, indicators, and other advanced trading tools will need to carefully evaluate their options and find a suitable platform that will allow them to analyze data, execute trades, and track performance in a single window.

Licenses

As noted earlier, New Zealand does not require crypto exchanges to hold a specific license to operate within its jurisdiction. However, this doesn’t mean you should not check the registration and compliance information of the exchanges you are considering.

The FSPR is a public registry and allows all users to verify the essential information about a registered entity. If you are unsure of an exchange’s regulatory status, you should feel free to search the registry and address your concerns.

What’s more, if the exchange you are considering operates globally, you can check its licensing information for the other regions where it is regulated. This can provide additional reassurance about the platform’s credibility and adherence to international regulatory standards.

Payment Methods and NZD Payment Options

Even though most centralized crypto exchanges try to be fiat-friendly, many only accept the major fiat currencies. Only a handful of international exchanges go the extra mile and support many regional currencies and less popular payment methods.

When it comes to New Zealand traders, opting for an exchange that accepts direct deposits with NZD may significantly limit your options. Luckily, you can consider several great local exchanges if using the native currency is your priority.

If you want to use an international exchange that does not support NZD, you might have to use a third-party payment processor to convert your funds into a supported fiat currency and incur a currency conversion fee when making your deposit.

Customer Support Options for Users from New Zealand

When weighing your options for the best trading platform in NZ, you may also want to think about support, as it can be an important aspect of your trading experience. You will likely have a question or run into an issue at some point, so you want someone to help you.

Centralized platforms typically offer support through multiple communication channels, like live chat and email. On the other hand, decentralized platforms rarely provide customer service, and you will need to rely on community-based support.

If having access to a dedicated support team is important to you, then you should evaluate your options carefully. Just keep in mind that on large platforms with massive user bases, response times might not be ideal, and you will need to be patient.

Conclusion

Crypto trading in New Zealand is well-regulated, and there are clear guidelines and requirements for crypto traders and crypto exchanges that want to ensure legitimate operation in the country.

This structured regulatory framework supports the growth of local crypto exchanges, but also allows international trading platforms to operate in New Zealand, giving the local traders plenty of options to choose from.

If you are looking to start trading cryptocurrency, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements and revise the New Zealand taxation laws to make sure you adhere to all legal and tax obligations. You may also consider soliciting professional advice from a tax consultant or financial advisor if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rundown of the Best Crypto Exchanges in New Zealand in 2025

1. Uphold 
2. eToro US 
3. Kraken 
4. CEX.IO 
5. Gemini 
6. Coinbase 
7. Binance US 
8. Bitstamp 
9. BitFlyer 
10. Crypto.com