How to Use 1st Domains Webmail in New Zealand

1st Domains webmail is the built-in email service that comes with domain hosting from 1st Domains NZ. If you've bought a domain and want to use a custom email like yourname@yourdomain.co.nz, this guide will show you how to get sorted. No jargon, no fluff – just the essentials in Kiwi plain speak.

What is 1st Domains Webmail?

Webmail is a way to access your email through a browser – no Outlook or Gmail needed. It’s included with most domain hosting plans at 1st Domains, so you can log in from anywhere and manage your emails like a pro.

Use your domain name for email
Login from any device with a browser
No need for extra software

“It’s a clean, no-fuss way to keep things looking professional without overcomplicating it.”

Why Use 1st Domains Webmail?

Using a branded email makes you look more legit – whether you're a tradie, freelancer, or running a club. Instead of yourname@gmail.com, go with something like hello@yourbiz.co.nz. That’s the kind of polish customers notice.

How to Set Up Webmail at 1st Domains

Once you’ve bought a domain, setting up your email is pretty straightforward:

Login to your 1st Domains account
Go to ‘Email Hosting’ and pick a plan (if you haven’t already)
Create a new mailbox
Set your password
Head to the webmail login link

You can log in at: webmail.1stdomains.nz

Choosing a Good Email Plan

Basic Plan – Good for personal or light use
Business Plan – More storage, spam filters, and better deliverability

Most Kiwis just starting out are fine with the basic option. You can always upgrade later.

Webmail Features

It’s not flashy, but it’s got everything you need:

Send/receive email
Create folders to organise messages
Spam filter and safe sender lists
Auto replies and email forwarding

Simple interface, easy to use – you won’t get lost.

Connecting Webmail to Other Apps

If you’d rather use Gmail or Outlook but still want to send from your branded email, you can. Just hook up 1st Domains’ SMTP and IMAP settings in your app of choice. They give you the info right in your dashboard.

That way, you keep the polish of a proper domain email but get the convenience of your favourite tools.

Pros and Cons

What’s Good:

Quick to set up
Clean interface
Can be accessed anywhere
Works well with custom domains

What’s Not So Great:

Not as flashy as Gmail or Outlook
Limited if you need advanced features
Paid plan required for email hosting

Troubleshooting Tips

Some common things that trip people up:

Login not working? – Make sure you're using the full email address and correct password.
Email not arriving? – Check your DNS settings and MX records are pointing to 1st Domains.
Can’t send emails? – You might need to configure SMTP in your mail client or unblock port 587.

Still stuck? Reach out to their support – they’re usually pretty quick to help.

Backing Up Your Emails

Webmail’s simple, but it doesn’t always auto-back up your inbox. If your messages matter, consider exporting your emails or connecting to Gmail where Google keeps a backup. Or, use email clients like Thunderbird or Apple Mail to archive important stuff.

Best Practices for Your Webmail Setup

Use a secure password and change it regularly
Set up email forwarding if you check multiple inboxes
Enable auto-replies if you’re away
Keep your inbox tidy – it helps performance
Test your email after setup so nothing gets missed

Using Webmail on Mobile

Webmail is responsive, so you can use it on your phone’s browser. But for daily use, it’s better to plug it into the Mail app on iPhone or Gmail app on Android. Just use the IMAP settings and you’ll get all your mail on the go.

Alternatives to 1st Domains Webmail

Looking for more power or features?

Google Workspace – Gmail with your domain
Zoho Mail – Free option with lots of features
Microsoft 365 – Outlook email with calendar tools

All of these let you keep your domain email but use a different interface. You’ll just need to update DNS and pay a bit more each month.

Security and Spam Protection

1st Domains webmail comes with standard spam filters. You can create safe sender and blocked sender lists. There’s also an auto-delete option for spam, which is handy if you don’t want to go digging.

If you’re getting spoofed or weird phishing emails, set up SPF and DKIM in your DNS records to protect your domain name.

Webmail for Small Teams

If you’ve got a team of 2–5 people, you can create multiple inboxes and manage aliases easily. You’ll just need to make sure your hosting plan allows for extra mailboxes. Some plans let you bundle a few together for better pricing.

Wrap-Up: Is 1st Domains Webmail Right for You?

For most small businesses and personal sites in New Zealand, 1st Domains webmail is a solid starting point. It’s easy to set up, easy to access, and it works. If you’re not fussed about bells and whistles, it’ll do the job. And if you want to level up later, you’ve still got your domain ready to plug into Gmail or Outlook. Choice.