Buying Home Security Cameras in New Zealand: Top 4 Things You Need to Know

Searching for security cameras in New Zealand and thinking which to choose for your home or farms?

Or, have your eyes on some qualified home security systems in NZ but cannot find any local distributors around you?

To help you pick out the right ones for your security needs, we will walk you through some of the essential things to look for and reliable shopping platforms before purchasing CCTV cameras in NZ.

Let’s get going.

Buying Security Cameras in New Zealand: What to Look for

Don’t know which security cameras in NZ may fit your needs?

Check out this video for the top things to consider when choosing security cameras first and scroll down to read the tips specific for NZ!

With the useful and specific tips below, you are able to narrow down the choices and make a wise purchase of security systems in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.

#1. Check If Home Security Cameras in NZ Fit the Environment You Are in

As you know, New Zealand has mild temperatures and moderately high rainfall all around the year.

So, if you are looking for outdoor security cameras in NZ, examine their weatherproof ratings (better at IP65 or even higher) and working temperature (inland alpine area of the South Island can be cold as -10℃/14℉ in winter) before making a purchase.

In addition, you may take further steps to protect outdoor security cameras in New Zealand from the elements and vandalism:

• Install outdoor security cameras under eave, soffit or other shelters

• Add a junction box to conceal cables and cable connectors

• Use a waterproof lid to cover cable connector (some top security camera brands also offer such accessories in their security camera packages)

• Apply a camouflage skin to blend your security cameras in an outdoor environment

Further Reading: Click this post and learn how to protect outdoor CCTV cameras like a pro.

Also, most parts in New Zealand receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. So, you can take full advantage of solar-powered security cameras in NZ that receive non-stop power via solar panels.

Moreover, by using such energy-saving and eco-friendly CCTV cameras, you are free of the battery power drainage concerns and the labor to get the batteries charged from time to time, making solar outdoor security cameras another ideal surveillance option in Nelson, Hamilton, and other NZ cities.

#2. Choose DIY Home Security Camera Systems in New Zealand

Should I get a professional to install my security system in New Zealand?

No, if you are buying DIY home security camera systems.

Some top security camera brands offer plug & play security camera kits in NZ, which allow you to install and set up the surveillance systems on your own without paying high installation fees.

Besides, by applying DIY security systems, you are able to add extra IP cameras to the systems and customize settings in line with your security needs when you plan to enlarge the monitoring area at your home.

Further Reading: Check out this post on how to install & set up DIY home security cameras in a breeze.

#3. Use Security Cameras without Contracts in NZ to Keep an Eye on Your Home

When you are looking for home security systems in NZ, confirm whether a contract is required or not.

If yes, you’d better figure out the services included in the contract, such as professional monitoring, cloud storage, and the cost for such additional services.

But, in fact, you don’t have to choose a security system with monthly fees to keep tabs on your home.

By applying security cameras without contracts, you are able to monitor and access the CCTV security cameras with free official app or Client at any time, anywhere.

Once any suspicious events are detected, such smart IP cameras in New Zealand will send you instant push notifications.

And some CCTV cameras in NZ like Reolink Argus 2 are also equipped with 2-way audio, making it possible for you to listen in and talk back. So, you are able to deter unwanted visitors via the speaker without risking your life when someone intrudes into your house.

#4. Select Hacker-proof Security Systems in New Zealand to Avoid Peeping Eyes

A qualified home security system in NZ shall not only protect your home from burglars and thieves, but also from hackers.

To make sure that you are buying hacker-proof IP security cameras in NZ, check if they are secured by multiple-level security features like SSL encryption, WPA2-AES encryption and SSL-TLS enabled to avoid getting hacked.

Further Reading: Click here to learn how to protect home security systems from being hacked.

Top Picks of Security Cameras & Systems in New Zealand

Picking out the security cameras in NZ that are perfect for your home and your wallet is not an easy task, with hundreds of models to choose from.

So, we've rounded up some of the top CCTV cameras available in New Zealand with different features and attributes for your reference.

Argus 2 – Wire-Free Solar Powered WiFi Security Camera in New Zealand

As mentioned above, New Zealand has abundant sunshine throughout the year, which makes it an energy-saving option to operate solar-powered security cameras in NZ like Reolink Argus 2.

This IP security camera demands no complicated installation jobs: attach the security camera and a solar panel to the wall and connect the camera to the solar panel via a USB cable. And that’s it!

With a stable WiFi network connection, this outdoor battery-powered security camera in NZ is also capable of sending you instant alerts and upload recorded footage to Cloud (if you need).

More importantly, Reolink, the security camera provider, has upgraded Argus 2 to work with Google Assistant now. So, you are able to control and access the surveillance camera via voice commands!

Tech Spec:

Here is video footage recorded by Argus 2, capturing a perfect landing of a red squirrel.

Reolink Go – Wire-Free 4G LTE Battery Security Camera in NZ

If you are looking for farm security cameras in NZ, 4G cellular battery-powered security cameras like Reolink Go are ideal options.

With a SIM card inserted, this wireless security camera in NZ is able to record motion-triggered events and transmit data to your smartphone and Cloud (if you need) even in remote places where power supply and the Internet are not available.

So, you can apply this off-grid security camera not only in farms but also in isolated cabins, campsites, and boats in New Zealand.

Tech Spec:

Install a security camera to look after your horse is a brilliant idea. A farm owner has already installed Reolink Go to monitor his horse. Check out the video below and see how it performs it an off-grid stall.

RLC-520 – Best Value PoE IP Security Cameras in NZ

Supposed that you prefer security cameras in NZ that operate on stable power supply and transmit data via a more reliable network connection, PoE IP cameras like Reolink RLC-520 may fit your needs.

This outdoor & indoor IP security camera is featured with easy PoE configuration, which allows you to set them up on your own in a breeze.

Tech Spec:

Take a look at the video footage recorded by this PoE IP security camera, showing the whole process of a driving fail.

Editor’s Tip: If you plan to set up more CCTV cameras to cover large areas around your home and record 24/7 continuously, apply a home security camera system in New Zealand like Reolink RLK8-410B4.

Where to Buy CCTV Security Cameras in New Zealand

Deciding which channel or platform to buy IP security cameras in NZ is also of great importance.

Because it may affect their price and after-sale services like warranty and customer support.

Currently, there are multiple channels available for you to shop for home security cameras in NZ, such as security camera brand official online stores, reputable online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart and even local retailers.

To make sure that you get the best deals, consult the salesperson of various shopping channels about the security camera price in NZ, items included in the package and after-sales services like warranty and customer support, etc.

For example, top security camera brands like Reolink may sweeten the deal by offering flash deals and free shipping to their customers if you place orders on their official online stores.

In addition, they guarantee your rights with excellent after-sales services like a money-back policy, the product warranty (up to 2 years), and 1-on-1 customer support.

The bottom line is to choose reliable security camera brands with a warranty instead of no-name ones without warranty or support.

Security Camera Laws in New Zealand

More security cameras can be seen easily in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public areas throughout the cities of New Zealand.

However, when you set up IP cameras in NZ to protect your property, make sure that such surveillance equipment is used in a manner that complies with the video surveillance laws and regulations in New Zealand.

Operating Security Cameras in Residential Areas of NZ

According to the guideline of operating security cameras in residential areas in New Zealand, you are required to consult your neighbors and obtain their support if possible before installing a security camera at your home in NZ.

Also, you are only allowed to monitor public places or your own properties. It is considered to be illegal by filming others without their consent.

As a homeowner who has security cameras in NZ, you take responsibility for your surveillance devices as well, which includes:

• liaising with the local authority & Police

• setting up security camera signs in NZ

• keeping a note of the security system admins and the reason

• saving and deleting the video footage

• maintaining the security of equipment and videos

Using Surveillance Cameras in Workplace of New Zealand

Employers in New Zealand own the right to set up video cameras in the workplace but they can only do so if the right is exercised in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Follow the items below to ensure that the security cameras for workplace in NZ won’t intrude on employees’ privacy:

• Employees are aware of the existence of such surveillance equipment with proper notices

• The use of CCTV cameras in workplace in NZ is for legitimate and business purpose only, such as preventing thieves, tracking the business process, etc.

• Employers shall keep the footage of security cameras in office and don’t offer access to the cameras or footage randomly.

Applying CCTV Cameras in Public Places of New Zealand

According to the New Zealand Police, CCTV cameras in public places are not used to maintain surveillance on individuals but to reduce the incidence of crime and disorder.

Even so, the usage of security cameras in public areas in NZ must comply with the Privacy Act 1993 and Crime Prevention Cameras (CCTV) in Public Places Policy as well.

Share Your Ideas!

We are keen to know your opinions and ideas. Are you looking for security cameras in NZ? What kinds of features that you care the most about home security systems in New Zealand? Leave your comments below and we would love to hear!