New Zealand Radio Stations
Yes, radio is still alive in New Zealand and going strong with almost 30 radio networks and countless local stations. There’s a station for almost anything, serving New Zealand’s ethnic minorities to Maori iwi (tribes) to religious groups. But if all you’re looking for is just some music to listen to while you’re driving, don’t worry, New Zealand has plenty of that too, where you’ll find genres from classical music to hip-hop. This quick guide to radio stations in New Zealand will go through some of the most popular stations across the country.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in TV Channels in New Zealand and 12 Movies Shot In New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Most Popular Radio Stations
- Most popular radio stations in Auckland: Newstalk ZB and Mai FM
- Most popular radio stations in Christchurch: More FM and The Edge
- Most popular radio stations in Wellington: ZM and The Edge
Learn more about the New Zealand culture in New Zealand Music: What Music is From New Zealand.
© Radio New ZealandRadio New Zealand National
Radio New Zealand is New Zealand’s state-owned national public service radio. The main station from Radio New Zealand, or RNZ, is Radio New Zealand National broadcasting news reports, interviews and feature programmes.
Another station from RNZ is Radio New Zealand Concert broadcasting jazz and classical music, as well as news updates.
If you want to read online news about New Zealand, Radio New Zealand is often a go-to for a trusted source of information in comparison to the more commercialised news outlets.
© Te Whakaruruhau o Nga Reo Irirangi MaoriIwi Radio Network
Te Whakaruruhau o Nga Reo Irirangi Maori consists of local radio stations that serve the local Maori communities. The network receives government funding to run around 30 Maori radio stations around the country.
Iwi Radio Network stations cover news, music and Maori sports and cultural events like kapa haka in a combination of English and te reo Maori (Maori language).
See where you can experience the Maori culture with the 10 Best Maori Tours in New Zealand.
© CoastCoast
One of New Zealand’s most popular stations, Coast, plays easy listening, pop, rock and R&B music. The national station has news bulletins every hour, as well as longer news programmes at breakfast.
Currently, Coast can be tuned in at New Zealand’s major coastal cities around the North Island and on the east coast of the South Island.
© George FMGeorge FM
A dance radio station broadcast to New Zealand’s major cities, George FM plays dance music particularly electro, drum & bass, dubstep, hip-hop, house and other dance genres. They also have a programme schedule with regular presenters.
George FM can be tuned in from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and on TV through Freeview channel 70.
© Mai FMMai FM
New Zealand’s largest urban radio station, Mai FM is one of the most popular in Auckland, broadcasting hip-hop and R&B music. The station also has a focus on Maori language and culture.
Mai FM can be listened to in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu and Wellington.
© The EdgeThe Edge
The Edge plays contemporary chart music on its radio station and music TV channel. The Edge has regular shows with popular radio and TV personalities, Jono & Ben.
It’s possible to tune into The Edge from most settlements in the North Island, and Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland in the South Island.
© Life FMLife FM
Life FM is a youth-orientated Christian music radio station run by Rhema Media. It has a programme schedule with consistent presenters, such as the Morning Wake Up, Days and Nights. 75% of its operating costs are from listener donations.
Similar radio stations from the same company include Star and Rhema, as well as the TV channel Shine TV. Life FM can be picked up around most settlements in New Zealand.
More About New Zealand Culture
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
