Charging the iPhone 3G when staying in New Zealand

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a New Zealand power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type I USB adapter.

New Zealand power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of voltages and region codes can often cause confusion when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. This page is a step by step guide telling you how to charge your iPhone 3G in New Zealand using a standard 230 volt 50Hz I Type wall outlet, the New Zealanders will use AS/NZS 3112 plugs for charging. If you are visiting New Zealand from a different country please make sure that your iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v double check the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged whilst powering it up. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in New Zealand

Can the iPhone 3G be used in New Zealand?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in New Zealand.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in New Zealand?

If you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3G and visiting multiple countries then the best travel power adapter for New Zealand is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger.

As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the heads over. If your type of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of power adapters plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters this means you can recharge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers on your New Zealand trip or occupying additional wall sockets. Only packing a single USB travel charger will also keep the size down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and suitable for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional wall outlet.

We suggest searching for a flexible power adapter of this nature online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for New Zealand

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both New Zealand and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting New Zealand.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting New Zealand. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in New Zealand?

How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a New Zealand power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a New Zealand power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type I USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G using the New Zealand power outlet you will need a Type I USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already included with your iPhone 3G by Apple.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type I USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the New Zealand power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by three thin slots in a triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the base and the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the New Zealand power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a New Zealand power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - New Zealand Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..