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1st Domains is a domain registration service commonly used in New Zealand for managing web addresses, hosting, and email services. Understanding how 1st Domains works can help you make informed decisions when setting up a personal blog or managing domains for a business.
Registering a Domain Name
Registering a domain name through 1st Domains involves searching for your preferred name using their domain search tool. This allows you to check if a name is available in top-level domains such as .nz, .co.nz, .com, or .org. If it’s available, the registration process is typically completed by providing accurate contact information for the registrant and selecting a registration term between one and ten years.
When registering, you’re required to supply registrant, admin, and technical contact details. These don’t have to be the same person, but must include valid, up-to-date information. New Zealand-based domain names (like .co.nz) are managed under rules set by InternetNZ and must meet local domain policy standards.
You can register multiple domains at once using the bulk registration tool, which is ideal for securing name variations or protecting your brand. For insight into how popular online platforms handle their digital presence, you can also learn more about bet365, a leading sports betting website in New Zealand.
Transferring a Domain Name
Transferring a domain to 1st Domains is simple but requires preparation. First, unlock your domain and get an EPP code from your current registrar. Then, start the transfer with 1st Domains by providing the domain and code. An approval email is sent to the domain contact, and the transfer usually completes within 1–5 business days.
Make sure the WHOIS contact email is current, as the confirmation is sent there. Transfers don’t cause downtime, but check nameserver settings before and after. Some domains, like .nz, use a UDAI code instead of an EPP code, valid for 30 days.
Renewing a Domain Name
1st Domains offers both manual and automatic renewal options. Automatic renewals are enabled by default for most users and help prevent domains from accidentally expiring. You’ll receive reminder emails prior to the renewal date, usually 30, 7, and 1 day before expiry.
If your domain is not renewed before its expiration, it enters a grace period during which you can still renew it without additional cost. After this grace period, most domains move into a redemption phase (see next section).
To renew a domain manually, log in to your account, locate the domain under your dashboard, and select the renewal term. You can renew for multiple years at once, which can help reduce the risk of accidental expiry.
What is the Redemption Period?
The redemption period is a 30-day timeframe that begins after the domain has passed both the expiration and grace periods. During redemption, the domain is no longer active, and associated services such as email or websites will stop functioning. However, you still have the opportunity to recover the domain.
Restoring a domain during the redemption period typically incurs an additional fee, as it requires intervention from the registry. The cost can vary depending on the domain extension. After redemption, if the domain is not restored, it will be released and made available to the public for re-registration.
Managing a Domain Name
Once registered, domains can be managed through the 1st Domains control panel. This includes editing contact details, updating name servers, configuring DNS records, and managing renewals. You can also lock or unlock the domain to control whether it can be transferred to another provider.
Access to WHOIS information can be limited using domain privacy settings where supported. For .nz domains, privacy settings allow registrants to hide contact information from public view, though some details remain visible under New Zealand domain policy.
Name server changes typically propagate within 24–48 hours. If you’re switching hosting providers or updating DNS zones, plan changes with enough lead time to avoid disruptions.
Web Hosting
1st Domains offers basic web hosting services, primarily for users who want to maintain a simple website or landing page. Their hosting supports static HTML sites, basic CMS installations, and file uploads through a web-based file manager.
While the hosting offering is limited in comparison to full-service providers, it can be a suitable choice for domain parking, low-traffic sites, or temporary pages. It supports basic website management features and is tied directly to domain registration, which simplifies account handling for small projects.
If more complex features are needed, like WordPress-specific environments or large-scale traffic capacity, you may need to integrate your 1st Domains-registered domain with external hosting through DNS management.
Email Hosting
Email hosting through 1st Domains allows users to create and manage custom email addresses associated with their domain name. This is often used for business purposes, such as [email protected].
The service includes basic webmail access, mail forwarding, and spam filtering. It’s suitable for individual users or small teams that need a professional email presence but don’t require enterprise-level features like shared calendars or collaboration tools.
MX record management is handled through the same control panel used for DNS and domain settings. Users can also configure external email services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 using custom MX records.
FAQs
How do I set up Email Forwarding from 1st Domains?
To set up email forwarding, log into your 1st Domains account, navigate to the Email section, and choose the domain. Select “Add Forwarding Address,” input the custom email address you want to use, and specify the destination email. Changes usually take effect within 30 minutes.
Does 1st Domains offer a reseller plan?
1st Domains does not offer a public reseller program. However, users managing multiple domains can centralize management under a single login. There are bulk tools and dashboard features that assist with registering, renewing, and updating domains efficiently.
How do I change the Owner, Organisation, or Registrant of a domain name?
To update the registrant information, go to your domain settings and select “Edit Registrant Details.” You’ll be prompted to provide the new owner’s information. Some changes, especially involving .nz domains, may require verification through email or a new UDAI code.
How do I configure custom DNS zone records in 1st Domains?
Custom DNS records can be added by accessing the “DNS Manager” in your account dashboard. You can add or modify A, CNAME, TXT, and MX records as needed. DNS changes typically begin propagating within 30 minutes, though full updates may take up to 48 hours, depending on the TTL settings.
