Upfirst

AI Answering Service for Kiwi Businesses—Never Miss a Call Again

Take messages

Capture every message from your customers and get instant notifications by text or email. Stay in the loop, whether you're on the job or out in the field.

Answer questions

Give your virtual receptionist the info it needs to answer FAQs, pricing queries, or business hours—so your customers always get the right answer, first time.

Illustration of an AI answering service in action, showing a smartphone screen with a caller and chat bubbles where the AI answers calls, books appointments, and collects caller information.

Book appointments

Let callers book directly into your calendar or simply collect their preferred time and date. Upfirst helps you fill your diary and keep your schedule humming.

Transfer calls

Need to talk to a caller right away? Seamlessly transfer important calls to you or your team, ensuring urgent matters are handled without delay.

See all features

New Zealand virtual receptionist

How to set up your answering service in New Zealand

Get started in minutes and make sure every call to your Kiwi business is answered—day or night, in English or Te Reo Māori.

1. Add your information

Tell us about your business and how you’d like your calls handled. Add details like your business hours, preferred greetings, and whether you want us to send texts, transfer calls, or book appointments.

Upfirst AI receptionist setup screen showing how a real estate agent can add info about showing availability and buyer/seller services.

2. Set the rules

Pick a local New Zealand number with your preferred area code. All you need is proof of address and a valid photo ID—our support team will help with any extra documentation if needed.

Call transfer rule setup for a real estate agent, showing how to forward tour requests or property inquiries to a mobile number.

3. Forward your calls

Once your number is set up, your AI receptionist will answer every call 24/7. You’ll receive instant call summaries by text and email so you’re always in the loop and never miss an opportunity.

AI receptionist greeting an incoming call for Lemon Tree Real Estate, demonstrating 24/7 answering service for realtors.

4. Never miss a call again

Whether it’s a new buyer, seller, or tenant calling, your AI answering service answers 24/7. You’ll get a detailed call summary by text and email so you can follow up fast.

Call summary and transcript of a real estate lead asking about a 3-bedroom home, showing how Upfirst captures buyer inquiries for real estate agents.

Get a New Zealand phone number

What information is needed to get a virtual number in New Zealand?

Good news! New Zealand has some of the simplest regulations for virtual phone numbers. **No documents are required** to get started. Just reach out to the Upfirst support team, and we’ll set up your New Zealand number instantly.Once you have your new virtual number, you can easily forward calls from your existing phone number so that Upfirst’s AI receptionist can answer them for you.

key features

Get your New Zealand number and boost your business with an AI receptionist

Our smart answering service gives small businesses in New Zealand affordable tools to look professional, handle calls efficiently, and never miss an opportunity.

24/7 live call answering

Stay connected around the clock. Answer every call and capture leads automatically even when you're busy or out of office.

Bilingual receptionist

Answer calls in English, Te Reo Māori, Samoan, and 90+ other languages. Make every caller feel welcome and expand your reach across New Zealand’s diverse communities.

Lead capture

Collect lead details the moment they call. Qualify leads and tell us the right questions to ask callers.

Appointment scheduling

Let your realtor virtual receptionist set up showings and appointments. Send calendar links live on the call to interested clients.

Customized scripting

Shape every conversation whether the caller is a seller, buyer, landlords, or even tenants. Customize call handling how you want.

Call forwarding

Forward calls fast to the right person. Set up call routing rules and transfer callers when it matches your criteria.

Emergency dispatching

Handle urgent tenant calls without delay. Dispatch them to the appropriate on-call maintenance worker.

Detailed call summaries

Receive detailed summary of each call, allowing you to follow up effectively. Upfirst also captures a recording and the full transcript, just in case.

New Zealand answering service FAQs

Have a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch with our team.

How does my business benefit from your answering service?

Upfirst’s New Zealand answering service ensures your customers always reach a real person, even outside business hours or during busy periods. You’ll never miss an important call, meaning more opportunities and better customer satisfaction. Our professional receptionists handle calls just like your own team, so you can focus on running your business while we take care of your callers.

How long does it take to get set up with a local New Zealand number?

It’s instant! No documents are required. Simply get in touch with the Upfirst support team, and we can provide you with a local New Zealand number right away. Your business will be ready to start taking calls within minutes.

Can you help with appointment scheduling or urgent messages?

Absolutely. Our team is trained to handle more than just message taking. We can manage appointment bookings, urgent job dispatches, and even integrate with your calendar or CRM system if needed. Let us know your requirements and we’ll tailor the service to fit your workflow.

Are your receptionists based in New Zealand?

Yes, our receptionists are based locally in New Zealand. They understand Kiwi business culture and communicate with your customers just as you would. This ensures every caller gets a friendly, professional experience that represents your brand perfectly.

New Zealand virtual phone numbers with AI answering