Getting Started Online with 1st Domains in New Zealand

Kickstarting Your Website with 1st Domains

1st Domains is a local gem for getting your domain sorted in New Zealand. Whether you're keen to build a site for your side hustle, set up your business online, or just lock in a name before someone else does, it's a good first step. This guide runs you through how it all works, what to watch for, and why it's worth doing with a Kiwi provider.

What is 1st Domains?

1st Domains is a domain name registrar based in Aotearoa. You can buy a website name, manage it, and hook it up with email or hosting. They’ve been around for ages, and heaps of local businesses use them because it’s simple, no-nonsense, and made for Kiwis.

Why Does Your Domain Matter?

Your domain name is your address on the internet. It’s like putting your sign up on the street. Whether it’s your brand, nickname, or business idea – once you register it, it’s yours to keep. Owning your name online helps with trust and keeps others from using it first.

Common Reasons Kiwis Buy Domains:

• Start a business or blog
• Redirect to social media profiles
• Use as a branded email address
• Secure an idea for the future
• Build SEO trust with a .nz address

"Getting a domain early is like buying land – it’s not urgent, until it is."

Features You Get With 1st Domains

Here’s what comes standard when you sign up with them:

• Free DNS hosting – Control where your domain points
• Email and web forwarding – Redirect visitors or emails where you want
• WHOIS privacy – Hide your personal info from the public
• Local support – Chat with someone who gets our lingo
• Secure dashboard – Easy place to manage your names

It’s all pretty straightforward. No hidden extras, just the basics done right. They don’t overload you with extra tools, but that can be a good thing when you’re just getting started.

How to Register a Domain

Signing up is easy as. Here’s the quick version:

1. Head to 1st Domains' official website.
2. Search for the domain name you want.
3. If it’s available, hit register and follow the prompts.
4. Pay with your card, and boom – it’s yours.

Most of the time it’s done in under five minutes. No dramas, no weird upsells.

Domain Extensions They Offer

You’ve got the classic .co.nz for businesses, .nz for a modern look, .kiwi if you want to show some flair, and a bunch of others. Some folks like to grab multiple – just in case.

What Makes 1st Domains Different?

Honestly, it’s the local touch. You’re not dealing with a giant overseas brand. They’re New Zealand owned and operated, and their whole system is built with simplicity in mind. They’re also one of the few .nz-authorised providers, which means they’re legit.

There’s no flashy marketing. Just tools that work and pricing that makes sense. Perfect for small business owners, creatives, or even your nan who wants her own email.

Setting Up Email with Your Domain

Once you’ve got your domain, you can use email like yourname@yourbusiness.co.nz. It’s a good look, makes you look pro, and keeps things tidy.

You can forward email to your Gmail or set up full email hosting with other providers. 1st Domains keeps that side open so you can choose how fancy you want to get.

What If You Need Hosting Too?

1st Domains focuses on domains only. If you want website hosting, you’ll need to connect it to a host like Webflow, Wix, Squarespace, or even a local Kiwi host. They make it easy to update your DNS and get connected.

Recommended Hosting Partners:

• Webflow
• Squarespace
• Rocket.net

What’s It Cost?

Domain pricing is usually about $25 to $40 per year, depending on the extension. .co.nz and .nz are usually the cheapest. You can pay for one year or stack up a few years in advance if you don’t want to deal with it often.

Renewals are easy, and you’ll get reminder emails before anything expires. No sneaky auto-renew scams – you’re in control the whole time.

Transferring Domains to 1st Domains

If your domain is with someone else and you’re over it, you can move it to 1st Domains. The process is pretty simple. Just grab your UDAI (transfer code), enter it into your account, and you’re away. They won’t charge you to bring a domain in – nice touch.

Pros and Cons

What’s Good:

• NZ-based and easy to deal with
• Clean and clear dashboard
• No upsells or fluff
• Great for .nz domains

What’s Not So Flash:

• No website builder or hosting
• Basic interface might not suit tech-heads
• Support isn’t 24/7

Who’s 1st Domains Good For?

It’s ideal for people who just want to get online without a bunch of distractions. Think:

• Tradies wanting a basic web presence
• Startups testing an idea
• Locals locking in a name
• Freelancers or creatives setting up a portfolio

"You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start."

Tips for Picking a Good Domain

If you’re still figuring out your name, keep this in mind:

1. Keep it short and easy to spell
2. Use keywords if possible (like your town or service)
3. Avoid numbers and hyphens
4. Check social handles too – consistency is handy
5. Grab .co.nz and .nz if you can

Domain Names and SEO

Google doesn’t care heaps about your domain these days, but a clear, local name still helps. If someone searches for a plumber in Christchurch and your domain is christchurchplumbing.co.nz, you’re more likely to show up.

Future-Proofing Your Brand

Even if you’re not building a site right now, owning your name keeps your options open. It stops others from taking it and gives you time to plan.

You can even sell domains later if you’ve got something others want. Some people treat them like digital real estate – buy low, sell high.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Letting your domain expire – someone else could grab it
• Buying a name with trademark issues – do a quick check first
• Spelling mistakes – double check before clicking buy
• Using niche extensions that confuse people (.xyz, .online etc.)

Wrapping It Up

If you're just starting out online, 1st Domains gives you a solid base. It’s not full of fluff – just a straight-up way to grab your domain and get going. Whether you’re a tradie, a freelancer, or running a local club, your website starts with a good name – and you can sort that out in under 10 minutes. Too easy.