How to Switch from Smoking to Vaping NZ 2026 — Complete Beginner's Guide
This guide is for adults who smoke and are thinking about moving to vaping in New Zealand. It covers the practical side: choosing a nicotine strength, picking a pod vape, getting a starter kit, choosing a flavour and using your device day to day.
For support to stop smoking, talk to your GP or Quitline (0800 778 778).
Shop pre-filled pod vapes How to use a pod vape
What adults who smoke look at when choosing a vape
- Convenience: pods can be ordered online, and most orders arrive the next business day.
- Flavour: options range from tobacco and menthol to fruit flavours.
- Compliance: every vape sold in NZ must be rechargeable, with a refillable tank or replaceable pod.
Step 1: Choose your nicotine strength
Nicotine strength is the first thing to decide. Too low and it may not feel satisfying; too high and some people get headaches or feel unwell.
If you smoke fewer than 5 cigarettes a day, you might look at a lower-strength pod such as the Wotofo Nexpod 25K (20mg/mL) or the Bud 8000 (10mg/mL).
Most pre-filled pods we stock are 28.5mg/mL nicotine salt. Some ranges are also available in lower strengths, so check the product page before you buy.
Step 2: Choose a pod vape system
When moving from cigarettes, many people look for:
- A tight, mouth-to-lung draw, similar in feel to a cigarette
- A nicotine strength that suits how much they smoke
- Simple use: no settings and no refilling
- NZ compliance: rechargeable battery and child lock
IGET Edge 15000 Puffs
A tight mouth-to-lung draw, 28.5mg/mL nicotine and a wide flavour range. Up to 15,000 puffs per pod.
Solo MAX 16K
Up to 16,000 puffs per pod, so fewer pod changes for heavier users. Pods from $16.90.
For more options, see our IGET pod guide.
Step 3: Get a starter kit
If you don't already own a pod vape device, start with a starter kit. It includes the rechargeable device and one pre-filled pod, so you have everything you need in one purchase.
After that, you only need to buy replacement pods. There's no need to buy a new device each time.
Step 4: Choose your first flavour
If you want something close to what you're used to:
- Tobacco
- Menthol
- Mint
If you want to try something different:
- Strawberry Kiwifruit
- Lychee Passionfruit
- Blueberry Raspberry
Many people start with a tobacco or menthol tobacco pod, then try fruit flavours later.
Step 5: How to use your pod vape
- Charge your device fully using the USB-C cable.
- Insert your pod into the device until it clicks into place.
- Unlock the device if it has a child lock (on many devices, press the button 5 times; check your device's instructions).
- Draw slowly and steadily. You don't need to puff as hard as on a cigarette.
Tips
- Take slower, longer draws than you would on a cigarette.
- Leave a short gap between puffs to avoid dry hits.
- Keep your device upright when not in use.
- Recharge before the battery goes completely flat.
Our how-to guide has more detail.
Step 6: Getting used to vaping
- Check your nicotine strength: if it doesn't feel satisfying, the strength may be too low for you.
- Keep your vape charged: carry it with you so it's ready when you need it.
- Try different flavours: it can take a few tries to find one you like.
- Give it time: the draw and feel are different from a cigarette, and it can take a couple of weeks to get used to.
What does vaping cost?
Your cost depends on how much you vape and which pods you use. As a guide, a Solo MAX 16K pod is $16.90 and lasts up to 16,000 puffs. Check each product page for current prices and puff counts.
NZ vaping rules to know
- You must be 18 or over to buy vaping products.
- Nicotine strength is capped by law.
- Since 17 June 2025, disposable vapes are banned. Every vape must be rechargeable, with a refillable tank or replaceable pod.
- No discounts, free products, rewards or gifts can be offered on vaping products.
- Vaping is not allowed in cars carrying passengers under 18.
- All products at NZ Vapez are NZ-compliant.
Read more in our NZ vaping laws guide.
Where to buy
All the starter kits and replacement pods in this guide are available online at NZ Vapez and in our Christchurch stores in Sockburn (161B Yaldhurst Road) and New Brighton (14 Bower Ave). Both stores are open 7 days. Phone 03 260 0036.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
Shipping & FAQs ▾
What nicotine strength should I start with?
Most pre-filled pods are 28.5mg/mL. If you smoke fewer than 5 cigarettes a day, you may prefer a lower strength such as 20mg/mL or 10mg/mL.
Do I need a starter kit?
Yes, for your first purchase. The kit includes the rechargeable device and one pod. After that, buy replacement pods only.
Are disposable vapes still sold in NZ?
No. Disposable vapes have been banned since 17 June 2025. Pre-filled pod vapes are rechargeable devices with replaceable pods.
How fast is delivery?
Orders before 2pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. Same-day delivery in Christchurch and Rolleston is $19.90 (Monday to Friday, minimum order $45). Courier delivery is $4.99 ($9.99 rural), free on orders over $49.
R18+. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.