Need a hand? Happy to help.

What is Crazy Domains and Why Are Kiwis Using It?

Crazy Domains is one of those names you’ve probably seen pop up when you’re looking to buy a domain or set up a website. It’s been around for ages and is known for its bold branding and cheap prices. This guide breaks it down for Aussies and Kiwis thinking of jumping in.

Big Claims, Small Price

They’re loud, they’re bright, and they’re cheap. Crazy Domains often advertises some of the lowest prices for .com or .co.nz domains. It's tempting if you're just starting out or want something quick. Their home page throws a lot at you, but beneath the bold colours, it’s a basic domain and hosting service.

  • Low-cost domains
  • Basic website builder tools
  • Email hosting bundles
  • Various upsells (some handy, some not)
“If you're not fussed about fancy features, it's a tidy little place to start.”

What You Get with Crazy Domains

Here’s what’s on offer, plain and simple:

  • Domain name registration (.com, .co.nz, .net and more)
  • Web hosting (shared or VPS)
  • Email hosting
  • Website builder
  • SSL certificates

The extras can pile on, though. They’ll offer add-ons like business tools, marketing help, and site security. Whether you need those depends on how DIY you want to go.

Pricing: Cheap Up Front, But Watch the Renewals

This is where Crazy Domains earns its name. The entry price is often under $20 for the first year, but renewals are where the real cost lives. It’s common to see prices double or triple on renewal, especially for hosting or email.

  • Initial Domain: Cheap – sometimes under $10
  • Renewal: Usually $30 to $50 depending on the extension
  • Email Hosting: Basic plans from $5/month
  • SSL: Costs extra, not included by default
“It looks like a bargain now, but chuck a reminder in your calendar for renewal.”

Support and User Experience

Support is decent. You’ll get live chat, phone, and email options. It’s not always lightning fast, but you’ll usually get help the same day. The dashboard is busy but manageable once you’ve poked around a bit.

The main site can feel cluttered. There’s a lot of upselling and flashy banners. If you can look past that, the tools underneath are serviceable. Not elegant, but they do the job.

Who’s Crazy Domains Good For?

  • Solo entrepreneurs
  • Tradies
  • New side hustlers
  • Anyone who wants a fast, low-cost start

If you’re just dipping your toe into the web world, it’s a solid place to get moving. But if you’re more advanced or plan to grow fast, you might find it limiting down the line.

What About Hosting?

They offer web hosting, including:

  • Basic shared hosting
  • VPS (Virtual Private Servers)
  • WordPress hosting

Performance is okay for smaller sites. Don’t expect rocket speed, but for simple business sites or landing pages, it holds up. If speed and uptime matter more, look at hosts like Rocket.net or SiteGround.

Using Their Website Builder

Crazy Domains includes a basic drag-and-drop website builder. Think of it like Wix or Squarespace, but more stripped back. It's alright for a brochure site or simple portfolio. No code needed.

That said, if you want full creative control or top-tier design, you’re better off building in Webflow and just pointing your domain here.

Set Up a Branded Email

You can create a proper email like hello@yourbusiness.co.nz with their email hosting. It’s not free, but it looks much more professional than Gmail or Yahoo. Plans start from around $60/year per inbox.

You’ll also get a webmail portal and can connect it to Gmail or Outlook if that’s your jam.

Managing DNS and Domains

Their DNS tools are simple enough. You can update records (like A, MX, CNAME) without too much drama. This matters if you’re connecting to a website builder or setting up email with another provider.

There’s also an auto-renew feature, which is helpful so you don’t lose your domain by accident.

How Does It Compare to Others?

Feature Crazy Domains 1st Domains GoDaddy
Initial Price Very low Mid-range Low
Renewal Cost Higher Consistent High
Hosting Options Yes No Yes
Extras Plenty Few Lots

Things to Watch For

  • Renewal prices – always check the fine print
  • Auto-selected add-ons – untick what you don’t need
  • Extra fees for transfers or changes
  • Non-refundable purchases

It’s not shady, but you’ve got to stay sharp during checkout.

How to Register a Domain

  1. Go to crazydomains.co.nz
  2. Type your desired domain name in the search bar
  3. Select from the available options
  4. Choose the registration term (1-5 years)
  5. Decide if you want email, hosting, or other extras
  6. Create your account and pay

It takes 5-10 minutes to get set up.

SEO and Domain Names

Search engines like Google don’t give huge priority to domains these days, but a clean, local domain still helps. If your audience is in NZ or AUS, go for a .co.nz or .com.au extension. It adds trust and signals relevance.

Wrapping It Up

Crazy Domains is easy to get into, especially if you’re new to the web game. It’s budget-friendly, full of extras, and pretty flexible with upgrades. If you’re keen on launching your site or setting up a branded email, it’s worth a look. Just read the fine print and don’t get sucked into features you don’t need. Simple as.

Get in touch