Whether you're launching a new online store or looking to switch to a more powerful ecommerce solution, choosing the right ecommerce platform is a crucial decision for Kiwi businesses. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which platform truly meets your needs, especially when Shopify dominates the conversation.
But here’s the good news: Shopify isn’t your only option.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 ecommerce platforms for New Zealand businesses, highlighting key features, pros and cons, and how they stack up in terms of ecommerce website design, ease of use, scalability, and local support. And yes, we’ve included our own powerful local solution, ActiveShop, designed specifically with Kiwi businesses in mind.
Why Choosing the Right Ecommerce Platform Matters
Your ecommerce platform is the backbone of your online store. It affects:
- How your site looks and feels
- Conversion rates and mobile responsiveness
- Local payment and shipping integrations
- SEO and visibility on NZ search engines
- Ease of scale and customisation
Choosing the wrong platform can limit growth, frustrate customers, and cost more over time due to expensive add-ons or developer workarounds.
1. Shopify
Best for: Businesses looking for a mainstream, all-in-one ecommerce solution
Shopify is globally recognised and has an extensive app ecosystem, which makes it an attractive option for quick deployment. However, it’s not always ideal for New Zealand-specific needs, especially around payment gateways, customisation, and support.
Pros:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Huge app marketplace
- Extensive tutorials and community
Cons:
- Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments (not available in NZ)
- Limited design flexibility without developer help
- Can be costly when scaling or adding apps
2. ActiveShop (by Activate) ✅ Best Local Shopify Alternative in NZ
Best for: New Zealand businesses wanting a tailored, high-converting ecommerce solution with local support
ActiveShop is a premium ecommerce platform created by Activate, a top NZ web development agency. Unlike cookie-cutter platforms, ActiveShop is designed around your brand and audience, with no reliance on third-party plugins and zero hidden fees.
Pros:
- Custom-built ecommerce websites designed for NZ customers
- Full local support with no offshore delays
- Built-in SEO, speed optimisation, and mobile-first design
- No ongoing app or theme fees, everything’s included
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment than DIY platforms
3. WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin)
Best for: WordPress users wanting full control over design and functionality
WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce plugin that transforms a WordPress site into a full-featured online store. It’s incredibly flexible but requires more technical involvement.
Pros:
- Highly customisable with themes and plugins
- No monthly platform fees
- Deep SEO flexibility
Cons:
- Requires separate hosting
- Performance depends on hosting quality
- Plugin conflicts can affect site health
4. BigCommerce
Best for: Growing businesses with larger inventories or B2B needs
BigCommerce offers a SaaS platform similar to Shopify but includes more advanced features out of the box, including multi-channel selling and enterprise-grade tools.
Pros:
- No transaction fees
- Built-in advanced features (e.g., customer groups, B2B pricing)
- Better SEO structure than Shopify
Cons:
- Less intuitive interface
- Revenue-based pricing tiers
5. Squarespace Commerce
Best for: Small creative businesses wanting beautiful design with minimal effort
Squarespace provides stunning templates, ideal for artists, photographers, and small lifestyle brands. While not as feature-rich as Shopify or WooCommerce, it covers the basics for light ecommerce.
Pros:
- Visually striking templates
- Simple bundled platform (hosting + design + commerce)
- Fast to launch
Cons:
- Limited shipping and tax features
- Minimal payment gateway options in NZ
6. Wix eCommerce
Best for: Beginners and small businesses wanting to DIY their store
Wix offers a simple drag-and-drop builder with basic ecommerce functionality. It’s easy to get started but can quickly feel limited as your business grows.
Pros:
- Very beginner-friendly
- Built-in hosting
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as scalable
- Less SEO control
- Limited third-party integration for NZ
7. Ecwid
Best for: Adding ecommerce to an existing site
Ecwid allows you to plug ecommerce into an existing website on WordPress, Squarespace, or even Facebook. It’s great for side hustles or service businesses selling a few products.
Pros:
- Integrates with existing websites
- Quick to set up
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not ideal for standalone ecommerce stores
- Limited marketing tools
8. Shopline
Best for: Asia-Pacific businesses expanding into NZ or AU
Shopline is popular in the APAC region and growing as a Shopify competitor. It supports multilingual sites and offers customisable storefronts with marketing features baked in.
Pros:
- Localisation and internationalisation support
- Built-in advertising tools
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Smaller plugin/app ecosystem
- Support options less localised for NZ
9. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Best for: Large-scale enterprises with technical resources
Magento is a powerful, open-source ecommerce platform owned by Adobe. It’s used by large retailers with complex product structures, integrations, and in-house dev teams.
Pros:
- Unmatched flexibility and scalability
- Extensive API and third-party support
- Enterprise-level performance
Cons:
- High cost of setup and maintenance
- Requires dedicated developers
10. Zyro (by Hostinger)
Best for: Micro-businesses wanting a super simple launch
Zyro is a stripped-back ecommerce platform from Hostinger. It’s best for people who want to test selling online before committing to a larger solution.
Pros:
- Low-cost plans
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Very limited features
- Lacks NZ-specific payment integrations
- Not ideal for long-term scaling
Platform Comparison Snapshot
Key Considerations for NZ Ecommerce Website Design
When choosing an ecommerce platform in New Zealand, don’t just consider the software, consider your customers:
- Payment Integrations: Does the platform support POLi, Afterpay, Laybuy, and local banks?
- Shipping: Can you integrate with NZ Post, Aramex, and local couriers easily?
- Speed: NZ-hosted sites often load faster than overseas ones.
- Support: Do you get local customer service during NZ working hours?
Platforms like ActiveShop are tailored to these needs. You won’t need dozens of plugins or late-night Zoom calls to get help.
Ecommerce SEO Tips for NZ Businesses
Ranking well in NZ search results requires:
- Fast-loading, mobile-optimised pages
- Clean, crawlable site architecture
- Local keyword targeting (e.g., “handmade jewellery NZ”)
- Structured product data for Google Shopping
- Integration with Google Analytics 4 and Search Console
ActiveShop is designed from the ground up with ecommerce SEO in mind, giving your products the visibility they need without complex third-party SEO tools.
Final Thoughts: Why Local Platforms Like ActiveShop Are Worth Considering
While international ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer powerful features, they often fall short when it comes to local support, flexibility, and design freedom for New Zealand businesses.
ActiveShop, on the other hand, offers:
- Custom-built ecommerce websites tailored to your brand
- Deep integration with local payment and logistics systems
- Full control over the look, feel, and performance of your site
- Hands-on support from the expert team at Activate
Ready to Build a High-Converting Ecommerce Store?
Visit ActiveShop.co.nz to see how we’re helping Kiwi businesses create powerful, scalable online stores, designed for local success, backed by real support, and built with performance in mind.
