Best Booking Software for Salons in New Zealand (2026)

Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

Finding the right booking software for your salon, nail studio, or spa in New Zealand can be overwhelming. With options like Timely, Fresha, Booksy, and new platforms like Timia, how do you choose?

What to Look for in Salon Booking Software

  • Online booking 24/7 — Let clients book anytime, even outside business hours
  • Automated reminders — Reduce no-shows by 30-50% with SMS/email reminders
  • Staff management — Individual schedules, commissions, and performance tracking
  • Payment processing — Accept deposits and payments online
  • Loyalty programs — Reward repeat customers and boost retention
  • NZ-friendly pricing — No surprise currency conversion fees

Top Booking Software in NZ (2026 Comparison)

1. Timia — Best Free Option for NZ Salons

Timia is a New Zealand-built booking platform designed specifically for salons, nail studios, and beauty businesses. It offers a free plan with unlimited bookings, making it perfect for new businesses.

  • ✅ Free plan available (no credit card required)
  • ✅ Built for NZ businesses — NZD pricing, local support
  • ✅ Online booking, reminders, staff management
  • ✅ Loyalty rewards program built-in
  • ✅ No per-booking fees

2. Timely — Popular but Pricey

Timely is well-known in NZ but starts at $15/month per staff member. For a team of 5, that's $75/month. Good features but expensive for small studios.

3. Fresha — Free but Takes Commission

Fresha is free to use but charges a 20% commission on new client bookings through their marketplace. For a $50 service, that's $10 lost per new client.

4. Booksy — Good for Mobile Services

Booksy works well for mobile hairdressers and barbers. Monthly fee applies and the interface can be complex for clients.

Why NZ Salons Are Switching to Timia

Timia was built in New Zealand with local businesses in mind. No currency surprises, no overseas support delays. The free plan includes everything a small-to-medium salon needs:

  • Unlimited appointments
  • Up to 5 staff members
  • Automated email reminders
  • Customer management
  • Online booking page
  • Loyalty points system

Try Timia Free for Your Salon

Set up your online booking in under 5 minutes. No credit card required.

How to Choose the Right Software

  • Try before you buy — Most platforms offer free trials. Test the booking flow from your client's perspective.
  • Check NZ support — Can you get help during NZ business hours?
  • Calculate total cost — Include per-booking fees, SMS costs, and payment processing fees.
  • Read NZ reviews — What do other NZ salon owners say?

Ready to upgrade your salon's booking experience? Create your free Timia account today.