Gear

Choosing smart home gear in New Zealand can be a bit of a mission. Our stores have a limited range, online listings are a gamble and many devices recommended overseas either do not ship here or arrive with the wrong plug. This section keeps things simple by highlighting gear that I have used myself, seen working reliably or had consistently good feedback on from other Kiwi users.

You will find recommendations for:

• Starter kits that are actually worth buying
• Wi Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee devices that play nicely with common hubs in NZ
• Reliable sensors, switches, lights and hubs
• Options for different budgets and household types
• The occasional hidden gem and the occasional warning sign

If I have not tested an item myself, I will make that clear and base the recommendation on strong feedback from trusted users.

Everything here is based on real testing, trusted community feedback and everyday use. No flashy show home equipment, no overpriced bundles you do not need and no guessing about compatibility in New Zealand conditions.

More gear recommendations will be added as I test new devices and gather more local feedback. If there is something specific you want help choosing, feel free to let me know.