Vodafone has continued the rollout of its 4G network, with the launch of 4G in parts of Tauranga this week.

Tauranga joins other coastal destinations enjoying life at the speed of 4G – including parts of the Coromandel, Rodney district and Gisborne – before Christmas.

Vodafone's 4G launched in Tauranga this week. Photo: file image.

Launching in Tauranga on Friday, Vodafone's technology director Sandra Pickering says the rollout of a commercial 4G network is great news for locals and visitors to the area.

'We're proud to be the first and only provider bringing 4G to Tauranga.

'Vodafone pioneered 4G in New Zealand, giving Kiwis access to the world's best technology – technology that allows them to do whatever they need to do, whenever they need to do it.

Sandra says with 4G extending to 35 per cent of Tauranga City by Christmas, there's even more opportunity for locals and visitors to experience the speed of 4G.

'Our customers in New Zealand's major centres are already enjoying the speed of 4G, and now they can enjoy 4G in Tauranga – whether that's using their device as a WiFi hotspot, shopping online streaming content, accessing the cloud or web browsing.”

Vodafone offers the largest range of 4G-capable devices at a range of price points – 29 now, including the recently-launched Apple iPhone 5s and Apple iPad Air.

Kiwis wanting to experience the speed of 4G will need a 4G-capable device with the latest software, a qualifying plan and be in a 4G coverage area. The device seamlessly switches to Vodafone's next fastest 3G speeds when customers leave the 4G coverage area.

Sandra says Vodafone's 4G network is now well-established, with broad national coverage available to more than 1.3 million Kiwis across more than 14 locations – including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Lake Brunner, Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Arrowtown, Gisborne and parts of the Coromandel and Rodney.

For more information and 4G coverage maps, visit: www.vodafone.co.nz/network/coverage/

Vodafone 4G is included in all current On Account and SIM only plans, and will be available to Prepay customers – at no extra cost – from December 11.

The following 4G-capable devices are available (subject to stock): • Apple iPhone 5s • Apple iPhone 5c • Apple iPhone 5 • Apple iPad Air • Apple iPad Mini • Apple iPad with Retina Display • BlackBerry Z10 • Windows Phone 8X by HTC • HTC One SV • HTC One • HTC One Mini • Huawei Ascend G526 • Nokia Lumia 625 • Nokia Lumia 925 • Nokia Lumia 820 • Samsung GALAXY Ace 3 • Samsung GALAXY SIII (4G Variant) • Samsung GALAXY Note II (4G Variant) • Samsung GALAXY Note 3 (CAT 4) • Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 (4G Variant) • Samsung GALAXY S4 • Samsung GALAXY S4 (CAT 4) • Samsung GALAXY S4 Mini • Samsung GALAXY S4 Active • Sony Xperia SP • Sony Xperia Z • Sony Xperia Z1 (CAT 4) • Vodafone Pocket WiFi R212 • Vodafone Pocket WiFi R215 (CAT 4)