Best POS Systems for New Zealand Businesses

Find the perfect Point of Sale system for your business. Compare features, pricing, and capabilities of top POS providers including Square, Lightspeed, Vend, and Shopify POS with our comprehensive New Zealand-focused guide.

Top POS Systems for New Zealand Businesses

Compare the leading POS systems available in New Zealand, with detailed analysis of features, pricing, and suitability for different business types.

Square POS

4.5/5 Expert Rating
Small to Medium

Comprehensive POS solution with integrated payments, perfect for small to medium businesses across various industries

Pricing

Free plan available, paid plans from $60/month

Processing: 1.9% + 30c per transaction

Best For Industries

RetailFood & BeverageServicesPop-up shops

Key Features

Free card reader included
Real-time sales analytics
Digital receipt management
Staff management tools
Inventory tracking
Customer database
Online ordering integration
Mobile payment acceptance

Hardware Support

iPad terminalsCard readersCash drawersReceipt printers

Key Integrations

XeroMYOBWooCommerceShopifyQuickBooks

New Zealand Specific

Full EFTPOS integration, supports NZ payment methods

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • No monthly fees for basic plan
  • Strong analytics
  • All-in-one solution

Cons

  • Transaction fees can add up
  • Limited customization
  • Hardware lock-in

Lightspeed Retail

4.3/5 Expert Rating
Medium to Large

Advanced cloud-based POS designed for growing retail businesses with sophisticated inventory management needs

Pricing

From $139/month per location

Processing: Varies by payment processor

Best For Industries

Fashion retailElectronicsSporting goodsMulti-location retail

Key Features

Advanced inventory management
Multi-location support
Detailed reporting suite
Customer loyalty programs
E-commerce integration
Purchase order management
Serial number tracking
Vendor management

Hardware Support

iPad/Android tabletsBarcode scannersReceipt printersCash registers

Key Integrations

XeroMYOBShopifyBigCommerceTradeGecko

New Zealand Specific

Strong NZ retail focus, local payment gateway support

Pros

  • Excellent inventory management
  • Scalable
  • Great reporting
  • E-commerce sync

Cons

  • Higher cost
  • Complex setup
  • Learning curve for staff

Vend (now Lightspeed)

4.4/5 Expert Rating
Small to Large

New Zealand-born retail POS system, now part of Lightspeed, offering local expertise with global capabilities

Pricing

From $99/month per outlet

Processing: Integrated with multiple NZ payment providers

Best For Industries

FashionBeautySportsHome & GardenGeneral retail

Key Features

Cloud-based flexibility
Offline mode capability
Customer management
Loyalty program tools
Multi-outlet management
Smart inventory tracking
Integrated payments
Staff performance tracking

Hardware Support

iPad POS systemsBarcode scannersReceipt printersCash drawers

Key Integrations

XeroMYOBWooCommerceShopifyTradeGecko

New Zealand Specific

Founded in NZ, excellent local market understanding

Pros

  • Local heritage
  • Strong offline capability
  • Excellent customer support
  • Retail-focused

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Overkill for very small businesses

Shopify POS

4.2/5 Expert Rating
Small to Large

Unified commerce platform combining online and offline sales, ideal for businesses with e-commerce presence

Pricing

From $39/month (requires Shopify plan)

Processing: 1.9% for Shopify Payments

Best For Industries

FashionBeautyHome goodsOmnichannel retail

Key Features

Unified online/offline inventory
Omnichannel customer profiles
Mobile POS capability
Staff management
Real-time synchronization
Order management
Custom receipts
Tax management

Hardware Support

Shopify POS Go deviceiPad terminalsCard readersBarcode scanners

Key Integrations

Native Shopify appsXeroMYOBKlaviyo1000+ app integrations

New Zealand Specific

Shopify Payments available in NZ, local tax compliance

Pros

  • Perfect for omnichannel
  • Massive app ecosystem
  • Scales with growth
  • Great for online businesses

Cons

  • Requires Shopify subscription
  • Can be complex
  • Limited offline reporting

Kounta (TouchBistro)

4.1/5 Expert Rating
Small to Medium

Hospitality-focused POS system designed specifically for restaurants, cafes, and food service businesses

Pricing

From $69/month per terminal

Processing: Varies by payment processor

Best For Industries

RestaurantsCafesQuick serviceBars & pubs

Key Features

Table management
Kitchen order management
Split bill functionality
Menu customization
Staff scheduling
Food cost tracking
Loyalty programs
Online ordering integration

Hardware Support

iPad terminalsKitchen display systemsReceipt printersCustomer displays

Key Integrations

XeroMYOBDeputyMenuLogUber Eats

New Zealand Specific

Strong NZ hospitality presence, local payment integration

Pros

  • Hospitality-specific features
  • Easy table management
  • Good kitchen integration
  • Local support

Cons

  • Limited to hospitality
  • Can be expensive for multiple terminals
  • Learning curve

EFTPOS NZ Solutions

4/5 Expert Rating
All sizes

Traditional EFTPOS terminals and integrated POS solutions from major NZ payment providers

Pricing

Terminal rental from $20/month + transaction fees

Processing: 1.1-2.9% depending on card type and volume

Best For Industries

All retail typesHospitalityServicesMobile businesses

Key Features

Integrated EFTPOS terminals
Paywave/contactless payments
Split payments
Surcharging options
Settlement reporting
Chargeback management
Multi-merchant support
Offline transaction capability

Hardware Support

Ingenico terminalsVerifone devicesIntegrated PIN padsContactless readers

Key Integrations

Major POS systemsAccounting softwareBusiness banking

New Zealand Specific

Local NZ payment processing, compliance with NZ banking standards

Pros

  • Reliable payment processing
  • Local support
  • Works with most POS systems
  • Established infrastructure

Cons

  • Limited POS functionality
  • Hardware dependency
  • Additional integration needed

Types of POS Systems

Understanding the different categories of POS systems helps you choose the right type for your business needs and technical requirements.

Cloud-Based POS Systems

Modern, internet-connected POS systems that store data in the cloud

Benefits

  • Access from anywhere
  • Automatic updates
  • Real-time reporting
  • Multi-location management
  • Backup and security

Typical Costs

Monthly subscription model, typically $50-200/month

Hardware Requirements

Tablets, smartphones, basic terminals

Best For

Growing businesses, multi-location operations

Popular Examples

SquareLightspeedShopify POSVend

Traditional On-Premise POS

Self-contained POS systems that operate independently without internet dependency

Benefits

  • No monthly fees
  • Complete data control
  • Works without internet
  • One-time purchase
  • Customizable

Typical Costs

High upfront cost, $2,000-10,000+ per terminal

Hardware Requirements

Dedicated POS terminals, servers, networking equipment

Best For

Established businesses with stable operations

Popular Examples

Traditional cash registersLegacy POS systems

Mobile POS Solutions

Smartphone and tablet-based POS systems for businesses on the move

Benefits

  • Ultimate portability
  • Low setup cost
  • Quick deployment
  • Accept payments anywhere
  • Minimal hardware needed

Typical Costs

Low monthly fees, $0-50/month plus transaction fees

Hardware Requirements

Smartphone/tablet, card reader attachment

Best For

Mobile vendors, markets, food trucks, service businesses

Popular Examples

Square ReaderPayPal HereSumUp

Industry-Specific POS

Specialized POS systems designed for specific business types and workflows

Benefits

  • Industry-specific features
  • Optimized workflows
  • Compliance built-in
  • Specialized reporting
  • Expert support

Typical Costs

Premium pricing, $100-500/month depending on features

Hardware Requirements

Specialized terminals and peripherals

Best For

Restaurants, salons, medical practices, specialty retail

Popular Examples

Toast (restaurants)Fresha (salons)Lightspeed Restaurant

POS Recommendations by Business Size

Choose the right POS system based on your business size, transaction volume, and growth plans. Our recommendations are tailored for New Zealand businesses.

Small Retail Stores & Cafes (1-5 employees)

Up to $500K annually | Budget: $0-100/month

Focus on ease of use and low ongoing costs. Transaction fees may be more important than monthly fees.

Recommended POS Systems

Square POS

Free plan available, easy setup, integrated payments, perfect for getting started

Kounta

Great for hospitality businesses, table management, kitchen integration

Essential Features

Simple setup
Integrated payments
Basic inventory
Customer management

Medium Businesses & Multi-location (5-20 employees)

$500K - $2M annually | Budget: $100-300/month

Need for scalability, integration with existing systems, staff training requirements.

Recommended POS Systems

Lightspeed Retail

Advanced inventory management, multi-location support, detailed reporting

Vend

Strong retail focus, excellent inventory management, local NZ heritage

Shopify POS

Perfect for omnichannel businesses with online presence

Essential Features

Multi-location management
Advanced inventory
Staff management
Detailed reporting

Large Enterprises & Franchises (20+ employees)

$2M+ annually | Budget: $300+/month

Integration with ERP systems, custom development needs, dedicated support requirements.

Recommended POS Systems

Lightspeed Retail

Enterprise features, extensive integrations, scalable infrastructure

Custom Enterprise Solutions

Tailored solutions for specific business needs and complex operations

Essential Features

Enterprise integrations
Custom workflows
Advanced analytics
Multi-tenant management

Industry-Specific POS Recommendations

Different industries have unique needs. Find POS systems optimized for your specific business type and workflow requirements.

Restaurants & Cafes

Specific Needs

Table managementKitchen ordersSplit billingMenu customization

Top Choices

Kounta
Toast
Lightspeed Restaurant

Key Features to Look For

Kitchen display systems
Order management
Staff scheduling
Food cost tracking

Fashion & Apparel

Specific Needs

Size/color variantsSeasonal inventoryCustomer stylingE-commerce sync

Top Choices

Lightspeed Retail
Vend
Shopify POS

Key Features to Look For

Matrix inventory
Customer profiles
Loyalty programs
Omnichannel integration

Beauty & Wellness

Specific Needs

Appointment bookingService trackingCommission managementClient history

Top Choices

Fresha
Square Appointments
Lightspeed

Key Features to Look For

Booking system
Staff commissions
Client management
Product retail integration

Grocery & Convenience

Specific Needs

Fast checkoutAge verificationWeighted itemsLoyalty cards

Top Choices

Square
Lightspeed
Traditional POS

Key Features to Look For

Barcode scanning
Quick payment processing
Inventory alerts
Multi-payment methods

POS System Selection Criteria

Evaluate POS systems systematically using these key criteria to ensure you choose the best solution for your business needs.

Business Size & Growth Plans

  • Current transaction volume
  • Number of employees and locations
  • Growth projections
  • Scalability requirements

Industry Requirements

  • Industry-specific features needed
  • Compliance requirements
  • Workflow optimization
  • Integration with industry tools

Budget & Pricing Model

  • Monthly subscription costs
  • Transaction fee structure
  • Hardware investment required
  • Setup and training costs

Payment Processing

  • Accepted payment methods
  • EFTPOS integration
  • Contactless payment support
  • International card acceptance

Inventory Management

  • Product catalog complexity
  • Multi-location inventory
  • Automated reordering
  • Supplier integration

Reporting & Analytics

  • Real-time sales data
  • Financial reporting
  • Staff performance tracking
  • Customer insights

POS System Implementation Guide

Follow our step-by-step implementation guide to ensure a smooth transition to your new POS system with minimal business disruption.

1

Requirements Analysis

1-2 weeks

Define your business needs and evaluate current processes

Document current sales processes
Identify pain points and requirements
Define success metrics
Set budget parameters
2

System Selection

1-2 weeks

Research and compare POS systems based on your requirements

Create vendor shortlist
Request demos and trials
Compare features and pricing
Check references and reviews
3

Hardware Planning

1 week

Determine hardware needs and infrastructure requirements

Assess internet connectivity
Plan terminal locations
Order necessary hardware
Arrange payment processing
4

Setup & Configuration

1-3 weeks

Install and configure the POS system for your business

Install software and hardware
Configure products and pricing
Set up user accounts and permissions
Test all functionality
5

Staff Training

1-2 weeks

Train your team on the new POS system

Conduct initial training sessions
Create user guides and procedures
Practice with real transactions
Address questions and concerns
6

Go Live & Support

Ongoing

Launch the system and provide ongoing support

Monitor system performance
Provide ongoing training
Regular system updates
Optimize based on usage

Comprehensive POS System Buying Guide for New Zealand

Payment Processing in New Zealand

New Zealand businesses must ensure their POS system supports local payment methods including EFTPOS, Paywave, and all major credit cards. Consider these factors:

  • • EFTPOS integration with local banks (ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, ASB)
  • • Contactless payment support (Paywave, PayPass)
  • • Mobile payment integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • • International card acceptance for tourism businesses
  • • Competitive processing rates (typically 1.1-2.9%)

Hardware Considerations

Choose hardware that suits your business environment and budget:

  • iPad/Tablet Systems: Modern, user-friendly, great for customer-facing roles
  • Traditional Terminals: Robust, reliable, suitable for high-volume environments
  • Mobile Readers: Perfect for pop-up shops, markets, and service businesses
  • Integrated Systems: All-in-one solutions for streamlined operations

Integration Requirements

Ensure your POS integrates with your existing business systems:

  • • Accounting software (Xero, MYOB are NZ favorites)
  • • E-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce)
  • • Inventory management systems
  • • Staff scheduling and payroll systems
  • • Customer loyalty and marketing tools

Common Implementation Challenges

Data Migration Issues

Plan for product catalog, customer data, and transaction history transfer. Allow extra time for data validation.

Staff Training Resistance

Involve staff in selection process and provide comprehensive training. Start with champions who can help train others.

Internet Connectivity

Ensure reliable internet for cloud-based systems. Have backup connectivity options and offline capabilities when possible.

Cost Optimization Tips

  • Negotiate transaction fees: Higher volumes can secure better rates
  • Consider lease vs. purchase: Leasing hardware can reduce upfront costs
  • Bundle services: Payment processing, software, and hardware bundles often offer savings
  • Start small: Begin with essential features and add modules as you grow
  • Annual payments: Many providers offer discounts for annual payments

Ready to Find Your Perfect POS System?

Get personalized recommendations and competitive quotes from top POS providers in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cloud-based and traditional POS systems?

Cloud-based systems store data online, offering anywhere access and automatic updates, while traditional systems store data locally with no monthly fees but limited accessibility.

How much should I budget for a POS system in New Zealand?

Expect $50-300/month for software plus $20-100/month for payment processing, depending on your transaction volume and required features.

Do I need special hardware for modern POS systems?

Many modern systems work with standard tablets and smartphones. You'll typically need a card reader, receipt printer, and potentially a cash drawer.

Can POS systems work offline in New Zealand?

Some systems offer offline modes for basic transactions, but internet connectivity is essential for real-time reporting, inventory updates, and payment processing.