Top 5 Restaurant POS Systems in New Zealand: 2025 Edition

Defining Restaurant POS for New Zealand

A Restaurant POS (Point of Sale) system isn't just a cash register; it's the backbone of your modern New Zealand restaurant. It streamlines everything from taking orders and managing tables to tracking inventory and generating insightful reports, ultimately optimizing your business operations and improving customer experience. Beyond processing transactions, it acts as a central hub for customer relationship management (CRM), integrates with third-party apps like delivery services, and provides valuable data-driven insights.

In the competitive New Zealand F&B scene, a comprehensive POS is no longer a luxury but a necessity for staying ahead. Key features for NZ businesses include integrated EFTPOS capabilities for seamless debit/credit card processing (including contactless payments like Paywave), robust inventory management to handle GST and accurately track stock, and reporting that simplifies compliance with NZ tax regulations. Imagine having all your essential business data at your fingertips, ready to inform strategic decisions.

 

Read more: Choosing the Best POS System for Quick Service Restaurants (eats365pos.com)

 

Essential Features of a Top Restaurant POS

To run a successful restaurant in New Zealand, you'll need specific features in your POS system. An intuitive user interface and robust payment processing, including EFTPOS and payment integration, are essential for smooth operations. Effective inventory management helps track stock, minimize waste, and simplify ordering. Integrated CRM allows you to personalize service and foster customer loyalty. Comprehensive reporting and analytics provide insights into sales, popular dishes, and customer behavior, informing your business strategies. Finally, seamless integration with third-party apps, especially delivery services, is crucial in today's market. These combined features enhance efficiency and create a positive customer experience.

 

Read more: 5 Tips to Choose the Right POS Software in New Zealand (eats365pos.com)

 

Top 5 Restaurant POS Systems in NZ (2025 Edition)

Finding the right POS system can be challenging. We've compiled a list of potential systems to help you get started, but remember to choose the one that best suits your specific needs. This list may change as 2025 market data becomes available, and we're committed to providing the most current information.

 

1. Lightspeed Restaurant

Overview: Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants of all sizes. Its sleek interface and comprehensive features cater to businesses focused on efficiency and growth.

Type of POS: Cloud-based (iPad & browser), with optional offline mode.

Pricing Plans:

– Starter from US $69/month (~NZD 112), includes core POS features.

– Essential at US $189/month (~NZD 307), adds online ordering, advanced inventory, multi-location support.

– Premium US $399/month (~NZD 649), includes raw API, revenue center support, KDS add-on (~$30/screen/month)

Suitable For: Full-service, casual dining, multi-location cafes/bars, franchise operations.

General User Feedback:

✓ Intuitive UI, robust reporting, strong customer support.

✗ Some report expensive add-ons, occasional lag, and a learning curve.

Pros: Feature-rich, scalable, multi-location support.

Cons: Higher-tier pricing, hardware costs, and complexity for small operators.

 

Read more: Lightspeed Restaurant pricing

 

2. Kounta by Lightspeed

Overview: Kounta, now part of Lightspeed, offers a cloud POS with flexible workflows and open API integrations.

Type of POS: Cloud (iPad, Android, web).

Pricing: Core POS ~NZD 60/month; additional modules (inventory, loyalty, scheduling) priced separately

Suitable For: Cafes, casual dining, bars, venues needing customization or integrations.

User Feedback:

✓ Highly flexible and integration-capable

✗ Needs technical knowledge for full setup; cost grows with modules.

Pros: Custom workflows, strong API support.

Cons: IT support needed; unpredictable total pricing.

 

Read more: Lightspeed website

 

3. TouchBistro

Overview: TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS tailored for restaurant use, offering portability and ease.

Type of POS: Native iPad app with local backups and cloud sync.

Pricing: Starts at NZD 99/month per terminal; add-ons for online ordering, reservations, loyalty

Suitable For: Full-service restaurants, cafés, food trucks, quick-service venues.

User Feedback:

✓ Easy to learn, great for tableside ordering, responsive support.

✗ Offline mode limited, some want deeper analytics.

Pros: Portable, user-friendly iPad interface.

Cons: Connectivity reliance; lacks full back-office tools without add-ons.

 

Read more: TouchBistro pricing

 

---

4. Square

Overview: Square is a cloud-based POS ideal for small/simple F&B setups.

Type of POS: Cloud-based, available on iPad, Android, or proprietary hardware.

Pricing: Free core software; transaction fees ~1.6–1.9% in NZ; hardware from NZD 59

Suitable For: Startups, cafés, kiosks, food trucks, pop-ups.

User Feedback:

✓ Quick setup, low upfront cost, hardware flexibility.

✗ Lacks advanced reporting/inventory; limited scalability.

Pros: No monthly fees, intuitive to use.

Cons: Fees accumulate; not fit for complex ops.

 

Read more: Square NZ pricing

 

---

5. Eats365

Overview: Eats365 is a cloud POS with iPad/Android support, offline mode, kiosks, and robust integration between front- and back-of-house

Type of POS: Cloud-based with mobile apps and offline backup.

Pricing Plans:

• Biz‑Lite: Free, online ordering only.
• Biz: US$25/month (~NZD 40).
• POS Basic: US$29/month (~NZD 46).
• POS Advanced: US$55–69/month depending on billing plan, includes multi‑outlet, 300+ settings, 20+ reports, 13+ module
• Enterprise: Custom pricing.

Suitable For: QSR, full-service restaurants, bars, multi-site brands, delivery operators.

General User Feedback:

✓ Scalable, multilingual, flexible menu management, strong reporting

✗ NZ pricing transparency limited; custom setup quotes required.

Pros: Feature-loaded, offline resilience, kiosk support.

Cons: US prices may not reflect NZ reality; full cost unclear.

 

Choosing Your Ideal Restaurant POS in NZ

Choosing a POS system is a crucial investment for your business. Consider factors beyond just features. Establish a realistic budget—cloud-based solutions typically have lower upfront costs than enterprise systems. Think about your future growth and choose a system that can scale with you. An easy-to-use system simplifies staff training. Prioritize POS vendors with reliable, local New Zealand customer support. Assess your hardware needs – will you use existing equipment, or purchase new? Ensure compatibility between your chosen POS and hardware. Data security and compliance with New Zealand's standards are paramount. Cloud-based, customizable systems offer valuable flexibility and ongoing updates. Above all, choose a POS that fits your restaurant's specific requirements. For regional guidance and vendor recommendations in the NZ market, consider consulting industry bodies like Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA).

 

Ready to Elevate Your Restaurant Experience in NZ?

The right POS system is fundamental to your restaurant's success. If you're seeking a comprehensive solution to simplify operations, engage customers with features like self-service kiosks and QR code ordering, and leverage a robust restaurant CRM, Eats365 is here to help. New Zealand F&B entrepreneurs, contact us today to explore how our tailored solutions can transform your business.

 

Restaurant POS FAQs

What is a restaurant POS system and why do I need one?

A restaurant POS system is a comprehensive software solution that streamlines operations, manages orders, processes payments (including EFTPOS and Paywave), tracks inventory, and generates sales reports. It's essential for thriving in the competitive New Zealand F&B market by improving customer service, providing valuable data insights, and ensuring compliance with local regulations like GST.

 

What are the essential features of a top restaurant POS?

A top restaurant POS for New Zealand businesses should have an intuitive user interface, robust local NZ payment processing, comprehensive inventory management, integrated CRM, strong reporting and analytics, and seamless integration with third-party apps.

 

How does a restaurant POS help with inventory management?

A good restaurant POS system helps manage inventory efficiently through real-time stock tracking, simplified supplier management, and an optimized ordering process. It reduces food waste, improves stock control, and facilitates accurate GST reporting.

 

Can a restaurant POS integrate with local NZ payment methods?

Yes, integration with local New Zealand payment methods like EFTPOS and Paywave is a key feature of a suitable restaurant POS, ensuring efficient transactions.

 

What should I consider when choosing a restaurant POS for my business?

When choosing a POS, consider your budget, scalability, ease of use, local NZ customer support, hardware compatibility, and data security. Cloud-based, customizable systems generally provide flexibility and future-proofing.