Battery Buying Guide NZ: Types, Sizes and How to Choose
Batteries all look similar on the shelf, but chemistry and size decide how long they last and whether they suit your device. This guide explains the common types sold in New Zealand and how to pick the right one.
Match the chemistry to the job
- Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): the everyday choice for remotes, torches, clocks and toys. Cheapest per cell and fine for low-drain devices.
- Lithium: lighter, holds voltage better in the cold and lasts longer in high-drain gear like cameras and outdoor sensors. Good for baches, boats and tramping.
- Rechargeable (NiMH): costs more upfront but pays back in devices you use daily — game controllers, wireless mice, kids toys.
- Button and coin cells (CR2032, LR44, etc.): check the code printed on the old cell before ordering; the codes are not interchangeable.
Work out the size you need
Open the battery compartment and read the marking, or count the cells. AA and AAA cover most household gear; C and D show up in older torches and radios; 9V is common in smoke alarms.
Buy the quantity that suits your use
Bulk packs are cheaper per cell and make sense for AA and AAA. For rarely used sizes, buy smaller packs — alkaline cells slowly self-discharge in storage.
Storage and safety
Keep batteries in a cool, dry place, never loose in a drawer with coins or keys, and remove them from devices you are storing for months. Take used cells to a battery recycling drop-off rather than the rubbish.
Ordering in New Zealand
We ship batteries NZ-wide with free delivery on orders over $75, so it is worth topping up household sizes in one order.