Website World vs Shopify vs Wix: Which Website Builder is Best for NZ?

As a NZ business owner looking to build a professional website or online store, choosing which website builder to use is a key decision. With multiple options available, there are three options that stand out: Website World, Shopify and Wix.

To help you choose the one which suits your needs the best, we're comparing these platforms side-by-side from a New Zealand perspective.

Comparison of Website World vs Shopify vs Wix

Below is a comparison table which shows the key differences between Website World, Shopify and Wix, with a New Zealand focus.

Features	Website World	Shopify	Wix
Fast & secure NZ based hosting	Yes	No	No
NZ support	Yes	No	No
eCommerce features	Yes	Yes	Yes
Drag & drop editor	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cost NZ$	Yes	No	No
Payment options without transaction fees	Yes	No	No
Built in trade ordering/pricing	Yes	No	No
Email hosting	Yes	No	No
Rural delivery detection & address verification	Yes	No	No

Now let's take a more in-depth look at each of these three website builders, from the perspective of what a NZ based business needs:

Website World - Made for NZ Businesses

Since 2000, Website World has been the first choice of website builder for thousands of local businesses. Website World is a locally owned and operated specialist eCommerce platform, ideal for small to large businesses, online stores, service providers and tradies.

Fast and secure NZ based hosting
Built-in eCommerce shopping cart
Local support team available via phone and email
Multiple payment gateway options, with zero transaction fees from Website World
DIY website builder, with our drag and drop editor
Free SSL certificate with website plans from our Starter SSL upwards, with email included
Trade pricing and B2B selling

Shopify - Canadian Based

Shopify is an enormous brand based in Canada which if focused on eCommerce websites. It has plenty of apps and integrations available, but comes at a high monthly cost and is not optimised for NZ web hosting services.

eCommerce features and paid apps
No NZ domain or website hosting
Expensive, uses US$ pricing
Well known global brand
No NZ local support

Wix - Israel Based

Wix is a global brand based out of Tel Aviv in Israel. Wix offers a drag and drop editor and is best suited to portfolios and small businesses. It is not optimised for NZ web hosting services and is priced in US$.

Limited eCommerce capabilities
No NZ local support
No NZ domain or web hosting
Good for small brochure or portfolio websites
Uses $US pricing

Why NZ Web Hosting & Support Matters

Choosing to use a local website builder over one based overseas can provide your NZ business with advantages, including:

Fast & secure NZ based hosting
NZ support
Uptime reliability
NZ$ and not $US - cheaper web hosting and domain names

Verdict: The Best Website Builder for NZ?

Website World stands out as the best website builder for New Zealand users. It is local, fast, affordable and designed with Kiwi businesses in mind. While Shopify and Wix are giant international brands, they are not tailored to meet the needs of NZ businesses. Website World offers the perfect balance of features, local support, local rural address detection and value - making it the best choice for NZ businesses.

Start your free trial with Website World today, and join thousands of local businesses succeeding online today.

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Tags: website builder

Posted: Monday 28 July 2025