On this page 6 sections
A note before we start: Matcha is our app. We've tried to be fair to everyone, including ourselves, and we say where Matcha fits and where it doesn't.
Start with what you actually want
Most frustration with dating apps comes from being on one that's built for something else. Before you download anything, be honest with yourself about what you're after:
Something serious.
You want an app where most people are open about wanting a relationship, and profiles show more than a few photos.
Something casual.
You want a big pool of people and a quick way to meet them.
Not sure yet.
That's fine too. Pick a bigger app to start with, and be upfront in your profile about where you're at.
Whatever you choose, say it on your profile. It saves everyone time.
The best-known apps
Tinder
The biggest name in dating apps. It's built around fast swiping, so it's quick to use and there are a lot of people on it, with every kind of intention. It's free to start, with paid tiers that unlock extra features.
Hinge
Hinge profiles are built around photos and short written prompts, and you can like or comment on a specific part of someone's profile. That makes it easier to start a conversation that isn't just "hey". It positions itself as an app for relationships.
Bumble
Bumble made the idea of women making the first move well known. It's worth a look if you like that approach.
What to look for in any dating app
Enough people near you
A huge user base is no use if nobody is within reach. In New Zealand this matters more than in big countries: outside the main centres, the pool on any app can be small. Look at how many profiles you see within your distance range in the first few days, not at the app's total downloads.
How the first message works
Some apps let either person message first. Some make you react to something specific on a profile. Some leave the first message to women. Each one changes the kind of conversations you'll get, so pick the one that suits you.
Profile depth
Prompts, a proper bio and basics like height, work and whether someone wants children tell you far more than photos alone. If you're looking for something serious, more depth is better.
Safety and moderation
Check that you can block and report easily, and look at what the app does about fake profiles and inappropriate photos. Apps that check photos when they're uploaded catch a lot before it ever reaches you.
What's free and what isn't
Most apps are free to join and charge for extras. Look at what the free version actually lets you do: how many likes you get, whether you can see who liked you, and whether messaging is free. You should be able to get a real feel for an app before paying.
Where Matcha fits
Matcha is built in Auckland for people in New Zealand who want something real. Here's how it works:
- Women message first. When a man and a woman match, she sends the first message within 24 hours. Here's how that works.
- Profiles with depth. Up to three prompts, a bio, and optional basics such as height, work, education and what you're looking for.
- Photos are checked on upload. A photo needs a face in it, explicit images are removed, and photos copied from elsewhere online are flagged.
- Gentle nudges against ghosting. If a conversation goes quiet, the person who owes a reply gets one reminder.
- Meet in the middle. Plan a date from your chat and Matcha suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live. Here's how it works.
- Free to join. You get free likes every day, with optional Premium plans for extras like seeing who liked you.
To be straight about it: Matcha is newer and smaller than the big international apps. It runs on Android and in your browser, including on iPhone, at matchadating.app.
Tips, whichever app you pick
Use one or two apps, not five. Spreading yourself thin makes it harder to keep good conversations going.
Finish your profile. Clear photos, a real bio and filled-in prompts get more replies. Our profile tips go into detail.
Be specific in your first message. Mention something from their profile and ask a question.
Suggest meeting in good time. Weeks of messaging often fizzle out. A coffee or a walk is an easy first step, and our first date ideas cover cities from Auckland to Queenstown. On Matcha, meet in the middle finds a spot halfway between you.
Common questions
What's the most popular dating app in New Zealand?
Tinder is the best-known dating app in the world and widely used here. Popular doesn't always mean right for you, though: think about what you want first.
Is there a dating app made in New Zealand?
Yes. Matcha is one: it's built in Auckland, for people in New Zealand.
Are dating apps free in NZ?
Most are free to join and use, with paid upgrades. Matcha is free to join, with free daily likes and optional Premium plans.