Choosing the right dating platform is key to building meaningful connections—especially in New Zealand, where the online dating scene has expanded rapidly in recent years, offering a wide range of apps and websites designed to cater to different needs, whether you are looking for long-lasting relationships, casual connections, or a space that’s LGBTQ+ friendly. However, with so many dating platforms available, it can be hard to know which one is the best. So, in this article, let’s explore some of the best NZ dating sites to help you find the one that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
EliteSingles
EliteSingles is a well-known dating platform for educated singles. It is reported that more than 90% of people who use this dating platform are over 30 years old, and over 80% have higher education, making it a good choice for those who want a partner with similar interests and values. Since the platform attracts a significant number of professionals, it’s an ideal option for those looking for someone with similar career aspirations. Unlike mainstream dating platforms that rely on a swipe-based matching system, EliteSingles uses a detailed personality test, based on the Five Factor Model Theory of personality traits. When the test is completed, it suggests appropriate matches to users. EliteSingles suggests only three to seven matches per day, helping users focus on quality connections.
On top of this, EliteSingles offers two membership plans: free and premium. The free membership plan allows users to create profiles, view the personality test results, upload photos, receive match suggestions, and send likes and smiles. With the premium subscription, users are allowed to access all the advanced features.
Pros
- The dating platform has a large user base
- It uses an in-depth personality test based on the Five Factor Model to match users
- It is ideal for mature users seeking long-term relationships
- The free version allows users to create a profile and use the basic features
Cons
- The personality test may take a while to complete
- To access all the features, users require a paid subscription
- This dating platform might not be suitable for people seeking casual encounters
eharmony
Launched in 2000, eharmony is a popular dating website that is committed to helping singles find love every day. It is the first dating platform to use a proprietary matching system developed to connect with highly compatible singles. eharmony uses its 32-Dimensions Model to match people based on key traits found in thousands of successful relationships. It uses a compatibility quiz to match people who share compatible personality traits, interests, and relationship preferences. Based on the results of the compatibility quiz, eharmony provides a compatibility score that indicates how compatible each user is with another. This score ranges between 60 and 140, and here’s a rough guide to what they mean:-
Compatibility score under 100- It generally suggests that two users may not be highly compatible according to the platform’s algorithm, which is based on the results of the compatibility quiz. However, they should not dismiss these matches entirely. Even if the score is low, there’s still a chance for a meaningful connection, especially if they share similar interests or a sense of humour.
Compatibility score over 100- This suggests a high level of compatibility between two users, based on the platform’s matching system. It means users are likely a good match in terms of personality, interests or values, and there’s potential for a strong connection.
Compatibility score of 100- It represents an average level of compatibility. This means two users likely share common traits or values, but they are not an exceptionally strong match based on the quiz results. The user should take a closer look at the other person’s profile, and if they like what they see, they should consider starting a conversation.
To keep the community safe and welcoming for everyone, eharmony reviews all photos before they appear on the website. Photos must adhere to the platform’s standards, including being clear, in .jpg format and featuring the user themselves. The platform also uses an SMS Verification process, which adds an extra layer of security by confirming the user’s identity via text message. While the basic features are free to use, additional perks such as unlimited messaging and distance search are available with a premium membership.
Pros
- Suitable for people seeking long-lasting and serious relationships
- It has a simple and user-friendly interface
- To keep everyone safe, eharmony reviews all photos before they appear on the website
- It uses a detailed compatibility quiz to match users
Cons
- The free version offers a limited number of features
- The compatibility quiz may feel long for some users
- The cost of subscription plans may be higher compared to many other dating platforms
Things To Consider
In 2005, eharmony faced criticism for not serving LGBTQ+ users. Linda Carlson, who is gay, filed a lawsuit claiming she was denied access to eharmony because of her sexual orientation. The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawyers who brought the case said that they believed it was the first lawsuit of its kind against eharmony, which had upset the gay community for a long time by not offering a ‘men seeking men’ or ‘women seeking women’ option. Later, eharmony agreed to settle the lawsuit in California. As part of the settlement, it agreed to connect its straight and gay dating websites so users could access both without having to pay twice. The company also agreed to pay about $500,000 to 150 affected people and $1.5 million in legal fees.
NZDating
Now, let’s take a look at NZDating. Since 1998, it has helped many Kiwis connect. It is one of New Zealand’s longest-running and most recognised dating and friendship sites. The aim of NZDating is to keep things safe and clean, so Kiwis can relax and meet new people from the comfort of their home. The dating site is one of the few online dating services that is truly 100% NZ-owned and operated. It’s Swipematch feature makes dating easier by allowing users to swipe through matches and focus on individuals they are genuinely interested in. Users stay in control and only connect with those whom they find appealing. It also has threaded instant messaging that keeps the chats organised and easy to follow. Users can reply to specific messages, making conversations clearer and more natural.
While NZDating is free to use, Gold Membership significantly boosts profile visibility, helping users get noticed. It offers some extra features such as Get Noticed, Inclusion In Perfect Match Lists, Gold Member Star And Highlighting, Sorting Search Results, Find Newest Members Fast, Limit Search By Last Time Online, Auto Block By Age, Member Reply Ratio, Online Indicator, Buddy Lists, Access More Serious Users, Better Customer Support and Enhanced Messageboards. Gold Membership is priced at $14.95 for 1 month, $27.95 for 3 months, $39.95 for 6 months and $59.95 for a year.
Pros
- It is primarily designed to meet the needs of New Zealand singles who are looking to meet new people
- Access to real-time chat rooms and the option to contact NZDating users with the mail system are some of the free features
- Its SMS verification features allow users to show their trustworthiness by confirming their local status with a New Zealand contact number.
Cons
- Because it’s NZ-specific, the dating site’s pool of users is small
- Though moderation tools are in place, fake profiles may still appear
- Key features such as sorting the search results, buddy lists, and enhanced message boards require a paid subscription
Tinder
Launched in 2012, Tinder is a well-known online dating app that helps people meet others nearby or in different locations using features like Passport Mode. Though it’s widely known for casual dating, many also use it for long-term relationships. On Tinder, users swipe right if they like someone or swipe left to dislike profiles, which include pictures, a crisp bio and users’ interests. The dating app uses a double-opt-in system, which means two people have to like each other before they can start chatting. Because Tinder has a large user base, there’s a good chance of finding someone who shares similar intentions, whether casual or serious. It can be a good option for meeting people in New Zealand, as it’s popular globally and has a significant user base in NZ. Its Relationship Goals feature allows users to indicate their dating intentions on their profile, helping them connect with others who share similar goals and intentions. Users can choose from six options, including Short-term open to long, Long-term partner, Long-term open to short, New Friends, Short-term fun, and Still figuring it out.
The dating app allows users to specify their gender and sexual orientation on their profiles, offering a range of options to identify with. Users can choose from various gender options, including man, woman, and non-binary identities. Additional options may be available to help users better express themselves. For sexual orientation, users can choose up to three options to describe their sexual orientation. Users can also choose whether and how their gender or orientation is displayed. While Tinder is free to use, users can upgrade to Plus, Gold and Platinum subscriptions for an enhanced experience. Tinder Select is a special membership that gives users access to the app’s best features.
Pros
- The interface and swipe feature are user-friendly
- It can help people expand their social circle and find a romantic partner
- It has a massive and diverse user base
- It’s Passport Mode lets users connect with people in different locations by changing their virtual location
Cons
- Its swiping feature can be addictive and lead to spending excessive time on the app
- Matching is often based on appearance due to its swipe-based nature
- The free version offers a limited number of features
Bumble
Launched in 2014, Bumble is an online networking and dating app that gives women the power to make the first move in straight connections. In same-gender and non-binary connections, either person can make the first move. After matching, the person making the first move has 24 hours to message. If they do, the other person has another 24 hours to respond, otherwise, the match expires. On Bumble, users see potential matches and can swipe right to show interest or left to pass. In 2024, the app launched Opening Moves, which allows female users to add prompts to their profiles for men to respond. For non-binary users, either person can set and respond to these prompts. With its Dating Intention Badges, users can specify their dating intentions such as casual encounters, long-term relationships and more.
It also offers Photo Verification to help ensure that users are real and genuine. To start the process, users either have to tap the verify button in their profile or another person’s verified badge. Then, take a selfie performing the random pose they see on the screen and send it to Bumble by following the steps. The app then checks whether the selfie matches the profile photo or not. While it is free to use, users can upgrade to Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium and Bumble Premium+ for an enhanced dating experience.
Pros
- It has three modes: Date for dating, Bizz for networking and BFF for making new friends
- Its interface is considered intuitive and user-friendly
- Liked You, Travel Mode, Advanced Filters, and Unlimited Swipes are some of the premium features
- The 24-hour match window helps prevent ghosting
- Photo Verification helps reduce fake and spam profiles
Cons
- Compared to other dating platforms, Bumble’s premium plans are a little expensive
- The 24-hour time limit can be a disadvantage as matches may be lost, especially for users who aren’t frequently active
SilverSingles
SilverSingles is an exclusive dating site for singles aged 50 and above. It is a well-known dating platform for finding serious relationships and is specifically designed for mature singles seeking meaningful connections. It understands the unique needs and desires of mature adults and focuses on helping them find truly compatible matches. SilverSingles uses a detailed matching system based on the Five-Factor Model Theory of personality traits, which evaluates 5 key personality traits. This system helps to make personalised profiles and suggest compatible matches.
Rather than overwhelming users with many options, the dating site suggests some chosen matches every day to save time and effort. It’s Have You Met feature gives users a chance to see profiles that wouldn’t normally appear in their regular match list because they did not meet the user’s set preferences, but are still a good match. While it is free to use, users can upgrade to a premium membership for added features like unlimited access to other profiles, unrestricted communication and more.
Pros
- It is ideal for people seeking long-lasting relationships
- It is specifically designed for people aged 50 and above
- The dating app suggests a certain number of matches every day
- The matches are based on a detailed personality test
Cons
- The personality test takes time to complete
- To send and receive messages without any limitations, users require a paid subscription
- Even if users set a location limit, they may still receive matches from outside their selected area
Christian Connection
Launched in 2000, Christian Connection is a multi-award-winning dating site, dedicated to matching single Christians across various countries, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa. The dating platform has facilitated thousands of connections, leading to successful relationships, marriages and friendships. According to the platform, over 100,000 Christians started their relationship journey on this dating platform. Moreover, it provides simple and friendly ways for users to initiate contact with individuals they are interested in. Rather than immediately initiating a conversation, users can send a wave, like or profile reaction to show interest. These features are free and easy to use. The dating site also hosts dating events where users can meet other single Christians in a relaxed and community-oriented environment.
The technical developers ensure that the site works securely and efficiently on all devices. It is functioning almost all the time, 99.9% of the month, so users can always use features like messaging, waving, and chatting. On top of this, Christian Connection offers two membership plans: free and premium. As a free user, you can wave, like and use the present replies to respond to messages. With the premium subscription, you’ll have access to features like free text alerts, view who’s online, discover filters and more.
Pros
- It allows users to connect with others who share similar faith and values
- Specifically designed for Christian singles
- It has an international reach as it is available in multiple countries
- Organises dating events and meetups for Christian singles
Cons
- Compared to other dating platforms, Christian Connection might have a small user base
- To access all the features and functions, users require a paid subscription
- It is not suitable for people seeking casual encounters
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