How to Buy Tyres Online in New Zealand
New to buying tyres online? This guide walks you through every step — from finding your correct tyre size (and why rego lookups can get it wrong) to getting them delivered and fitted. We've made it simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Find Your Tyre Size — The Right Way
This is the most important step — and where many people make expensive mistakes. Take a few minutes to get this right.
The Golden Rule: Check What's Actually On Your Car
The most reliable method is to look at the tyres currently fitted to your vehicle. The size is printed on the sidewall — look for numbers like "225/45R17 91W" or "265/65R17 112T".
Why is this better than using your door jamb or rego lookup? Because your car may not have its original tyres.
⚠️ Why Rego Lookups Can Give You the Wrong Size
Many tyre websites let you enter your registration number and automatically show "compatible tyres." While this seems convenient, it has a significant flaw: it shows what the car left the factory with, not what's actually on your vehicle today.
Real example: You buy a 2008 Nissan X-Trail. The NZTA database says it came with "215/65R16 or 215/60R17". But when you look at the car, it has 225/50R18 tyres fitted — a previous owner upgraded to 18" alloys (completely legal). If you search by rego and order 16" or 17" tyres, they won't fit your 18" rims.
This causes problems when:
- A previous owner changed wheel sizes (upgraded to bigger alloys)
- The original OE tyres weren't available in NZ, so a different size was fitted
- The car came with run-flat tyres that were swapped to standard tyres
- Someone upgraded to wider or more aggressive tyres (legally within tolerance)
- The door jamb lists multiple OE sizes and the search picks the wrong one
When Rego Lookups Are Useful vs. Risky
| Situation | Rego Lookup | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing all 4 tyres AND want to change sizes | Can help show approved sizes | Still verify rim diameter matches |
| Replacing 1, 2 or 3 tyres | DO NOT USE | Must match existing tyres exactly |
| Bought car secondhand | RISKY | Check what's actually fitted first |
| Car has aftermarket wheels | DO NOT USE | Read size from current tyres |
✓ Simple Rule: If your current tyres have passed a WOF and you've had no handling issues, stick with that size. There may be a good reason they're different from the door jamb — and they're clearly working for your vehicle.
🔧 Coming Soon: We're building a vehicle database tool that shows all approved OE sizes for NZ vehicles. Until then, the most reliable method is checking what's physically on your car, then verifying against your door jamb where possible.
Understanding Tyre Size Formats
There are two size formats you'll encounter: metric (most common) and imperial (used for 4WD/off-road tyres). You need to know which format your tyres use.
Metric Sizes (Most Common)
Example: 205/55R16 91V
| Code | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 205 | Width in millimetres | 205mm wide |
| 55 | Aspect ratio (sidewall height as % of width) | 55% of 205mm = ~113mm sidewall |
| R | Radial construction | Standard for modern tyres |
| 16 | Rim diameter in inches | Fits 16" wheels |
| 91 | Load index | 615kg per tyre max |
| V | Speed rating | 240 km/h max |
Imperial Sizes (4WD / Off-Road)
Example: 31x10.5R15 109Q
| Code | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Overall diameter in inches | 31 inches tall (~787mm) |
| 10.5 | Width in inches | 10.5 inches wide (~267mm) |
| R15 | Rim diameter in inches | Fits 15" wheels |
| 109Q | Load index & Speed rating | 1030kg per tyre, 160km/h max |
💡 Common Imperial Sizes We Stock: 31x10.5R15, 32x11.5R15, 33x12.5R15, 33x12.5R17, 33x12.5R18, 33x12.5R20. Browse our Mud-Terrain or All-Terrain collections for these sizes.
For full explanations of load and speed ratings, see our guides:
Replacing 1, 2, or 3 Tyres? Critical Matching Rules
If you're not replacing all four tyres at once, there are critical matching requirements you need to follow — both for safety and to pass your WOF.
Same Axle = Must Match
Tyres on the same axle (both fronts or both rears) must be the same:
- Same size — width, aspect ratio, rim diameter all identical
- Same tread pattern type — can't mix an all-terrain with a highway tyre
- Same or higher load rating — never go lower than required
- Same or higher speed rating — must meet your vehicle's requirements
- Similar tread depth — significant differences affect handling
⚠️ WOF Requirement: Mismatched tyres on the same axle will fail your Warrant of Fitness. This includes mixing different tread pattern types, construction types (radial vs bias), or sizes.
Understanding Tread Pattern Types
When matching tyres, you also need to consider tread pattern design:
Can be fitted any direction. Most passenger tyres.
Inside/outside marked. Performance tyres.
Rotation arrow on sidewall. Must spin correct way.
Learn more: Complete Tread Pattern Guide
Replacing Two Tyres?
When replacing two tyres:
- Replace both tyres on the same axle (both fronts OR both rears)
- Put the new tyres on the rear axle — this is the safety recommendation regardless of whether your car is front or rear-wheel drive (better wet weather grip where it matters most for stability)
- Move your better existing tyres to the front
Check Your Axle Setup
Use our WOF Tyre Checker to verify your axle setup meets NZ requirements:
✓ Pro Tip: When replacing 2 tyres, consider whether your remaining tyres have enough life left. If they're over 5 years old or below 3mm tread depth, replacing all four now might save you another purchase in 6-12 months. Use our DOT Age Decoder to check tyre age.
Tools to Help You Find the Right Tyres
Once you know your size, use these tools to explore options:
Choose Your Tyres
Once you know your size, it's time to pick the right tyres. We stock quality brands at competitive prices, with options for every vehicle type and driving style.
Browse by category:
Browse by brand:
Need help deciding? Our guides explain the differences:
✓ Quality Guaranteed: Every tyre we sell meets international safety standards. Check our Tyre Factory Certifications page to see the manufacturing standards behind our brands.
Add to Cart & Checkout
Found your tyres? Here's what happens when you add them to your cart:
- Select your quantity — Most people buy 2 or 4 tyres. If you only need 1, that's fine too.
- Choose "Tyre Only" or "Fitted + Balanced" — If you're coming to Te Puke and want us to fit them, select the fitted option.
- Review your cart — Check quantities and pricing. Delivery fees are calculated based on your location.
- Complete payment — We accept all major payment methods (see below).
Payment Options
Learn more: All Payment Options | Afterpay | Zip
Need a WINZ quote? We provide official quotes for Work and Income. Use our instant quote generator or contact us directly.
About the Tyre Stewardship Fee
You'll notice a "Tyre Stewardship Fee" line item in your cart showing $0.00. This is the Tyrewise environmental levy required on all new tyres sold in NZ — but don't worry, we've already included it in our prices. It shows as a separate line for transparency and compliance, but you're not paying extra.
Learn more: What is the Tyre Stewardship Fee?
✓ No Hidden Fees: The price you see on our product pages is the price you pay. Stewardship included, GST included.
Delivery Options
We ship tyres NZ-wide from our Te Puke warehouse. Here's what delivery costs and how long it takes:
| Location | Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| North Island (Non-Rural) | FREE | 1-3 business days |
| North Island (Rural) | $8 per tyre | 2-5 business days |
| South Island (Non-Rural) | $10 per tyre | 3-10 business days |
| South Island (Rural) | $18 per tyre | 5-12 business days |
| Click & Collect (Te Puke) | FREE | Instant |
⏰ Same-Day Dispatch Cutoff: Orders placed before 12pm Monday–Friday are dispatched the same day. Orders after 12pm Friday ship Monday.
Our Courier Partners
Team Global Express (TGE)
Nationwide delivery for all North & South Island orders. Once TGE collects your order from our warehouse, you'll receive an email with your tracking number.
Courier Co (Local Same-Day)
Same-day delivery for orders placed before 12pm to Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke & Welcome Bay.
Tracking Your Order
Once Team Global Express collects your tyres from our warehouse, you'll receive an email with your tracking number and a link to track your delivery. You can follow your tyres all the way to your door.
Click & Collect — Instant Pickup
Collecting from our Te Puke warehouse? Your order is ready immediately after purchase.
Address: 31 Station Road, Te Puke 3119
✓ Instant Collection: Some customers even place their order on their phone while standing in our shop, pay via the website, and walk out with their tyres minutes later. It's that quick. You can also use phone payWave if you prefer to pay in person.
Note: If you want tyres fitted at pickup, you'll need to book a fitting appointment (see below). Walk-in fitting is subject to availability.
Getting Your Tyres Fitted
Got your tyres — now you need them on your vehicle. You've got several options:
🔧 Coming Soon: Fitter Network
We're building a network of trusted fitting partners across NZ. Soon you'll be able to choose a fitter near you at checkout and have everything arranged — tyres delivered, fitting booked, all in one transaction. Interested in becoming a partner?
Fitting & Balancing Prices: See our Fitting Services page for current pricing.
After Your Purchase
Order Confirmation
You'll receive an email confirmation immediately after purchase with your order details and (if you chose fitting) a link to book your appointment.
Tracking Your Delivery
Once Team Global Express collects your order from our warehouse, you'll receive a second email with your tracking number. You can track your delivery through the TGE website or app.
Warranty & Returns
All tyres come with the manufacturer's warranty. If you receive damaged or incorrect tyres, contact us within 48 hours and we'll sort it out — no hassle. See our Refund Policy and Satisfaction Guarantee for full details.
Tyre Care
Want to get the most life out of your new tyres? Check out our Complete Tyre Care Guide for maintenance tips, rotation schedules, and pressure recommendations.
Need Help?
Questions about your order? Get in touch:
📧 email@tyredispatch.co.nz
📞 (07) 573 9090
📍 31 Station Road, Te Puke
Free Tools & Safety Resources
We've built a suite of free tools to help Kiwi drivers make informed decisions:
Why Buy From Tyre Dispatch?
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Ready to Find Your Tyres?
Use our search tool to find tyres in your size, or browse our full range.
