Kiwi shoppers have put their money where their mouse is with more than half the population choosing to shop online, according to the latest statistics.

Figures released by Statistic New Zealand in ‘The Household Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Survey‘ show New Zealand's use of the internet is continuing to increase with four out of five homes now connected to the internet.

The number of people shopping online in New Zealand has increased by 11 per cent since 2009.

The survey measuring access to computers, the internet, and mobile phones shows the number of people making online purchases since 2009 (43 per cent of Kiwis) has increased by 11 per cent.

Statistics New Zealand spokesperson Hamish Hill says as a country we are increasingly opting for the convenience offered from the internet.

'The fact that more than 1.8 million people made online purchases in 2012 shows that our internet use has evolved considerably from sending the occasional email.”

Half of all Kiwis made an online purchase in the 12 months before the survey was carried out, between July and September last year, while almost half a million spent between $100 and $500 online in the four weeks before the survey.

More than 70 per cent of Kiwis aged between 25-34 years opted for the online convenience though the biggest increase was for those aged 35-44 years with a jump of 14 per cent to 68 per cent.

This amounts to more than one third of the working-age population and 400,000 more people than in 2009, says Hamish.

He is unable to clarify whether these online purchases are pricier one-off's or multiple smaller purchases.

"What we do know is that 45 per cent of online shoppers spent up to $100 online in the four weeks prior to being surveyed, and another 40 per cent spent up to $500 online.

Hamish says the items people are buying are also changing.

"We're not necessarily buying tangible items; over half of those who shopped online had at least one item delivered electronically. This may include items such as e-books, music, or e-tickets."

Consumer advisor Maggie Edwards believes this trend will continue to increase with households shopping online because of their busy lifestyles.

'We think it will continue to increase probably due to convenience and the wide range available.”

She cautions people to take care when shopping virtually, with the online shoppers commonly being tricked into thinking goods are from a New Zealand website when it is not.

When purchasing online it is best to check the identity of the retailer beforehand only purchasing from sites which include adequate address and contact details, she says.

'If something is too good to be true then it probably is.”