Systemic Studios
Which way should my aerial point?
Point the aerial at the Freeview transmitter that serves your area. Hills often decide which one that is, so check that no hill blocks the path, then fine-tune and retune every TV.
Which way to point your TV aerial in New Zealand
Point it at the transmitter that serves you, along a path clear of hills, with the elements matching its polarisation.
Six practical steps, from finding your transmitter to the final retune. Each one shows how to do it with Tower Aim, our app, using RSM data.
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QUICK ANSWER
The short version.
Read this, then follow the steps below for the detail.
Systemic Studios, the makers of Tower Aim
Systemic Studios makes Tower Aim, the app this guide uses for each step. Roof work is dangerous: if your aerial is hard to reach, use a professional aerial installer.
SIX STEPSHow to aim a TV aerial,
How to aim a TV aerial,
step by step.
Do steps 1 to 4 on the ground, before you get the ladder out.
1. Find your transmitter
Your aerial should face the transmitter that serves you, which is not always the closest or the most powerful. Tower Aim recommends one based on published power and distance, not a signal measurement, from RSM Register of Radio Frequencies data dated 14 October 2026: 156 Freeview transmitters across 33 sites, five multiplexes. Search by suburb, town or postcode, or use your location.
2. Compare nearby transmitters
Hills often decide which transmitter serves you. Tower Aim lists the transmitters nearby with the terrain to each, so you can compare before you climb.
3. Match the polarisation
Most sites are horizontal and some are vertical. Turn the aerial so its elements match. Tower Aim shows the polarisation, UHF channel and power for each multiplex.
4. Check the terrain
Tower Aim shows the elevation profile along the path, from a one-time terrain download. Tower Aim Installer adds finer terrain. Trees and buildings are not included, so treat it as a guide.
5. Aim with a compass
Face the bearing shown and follow the live compass arrow until it confirms you are on target. AR aiming works on supported phones.
6. Fine-tune and retune
Turn in small steps while someone watches the signal screen on the TV, then run a full retune on every TV.
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WHERE TO CHECK EACH STEP
Each step in Tower Aim.
What to check at each step, and where to find it in the app.
| Step | What to check | In Tower Aim |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find your transmitter | Which transmitter serves you | A recommended transmitter based on published power and distance, not a signal measurement, with estimated reception; RSM data dated 14 Oct 2026; search by suburb, town or postcode |
| 2. Nearby transmitters | Whether a hill blocks the path | Nearby transmitters on the map and in a list, with the terrain to each |
| 3. Polarisation | Horizontal, vertical or mixed | Shown for each multiplex, with its UHF channel, frequency and power |
| 4. Terrain | Hills between you and the transmitter | Elevation profile from a one-time terrain download; finer terrain with Installer |
| 5. Aim | The bearing to the transmitter | Live compass arrow that confirms when you're on target; AR aiming on supported phones |
| 6. Fine-tune and retune | Signal quality on the TV, then a retune | Channel numbers and frequencies for each transmitter |
| On the roof | What's saved on your phone | Transmitter data built in; one-time terrain download |
IN THE APPSee each step
See each step
in Tower Aim.
Real Tower Aim screens in Auckland and Wellington.
Compare nearby transmitters
In Te Aro, Wellington, Tower Aim picks Kaukau with a clear path over the hills.
Check the details
In Ponsonby, Auckland, the details for Waiatarua show its power, multiplexes and polarisation.
Turn until on target
Follow the compass arrow, or AR aim on supported phones, while you turn the aerial, then check reception on your TV.
ON THE ROOFTips that save
Tips that save
a second climb.
Small habits that make the job quicker and safer.
Safety first
Only work on a roof if you can do it safely, never alone and never in wind or rain. If the aerial is high or hard to reach, use a professional aerial installer.
Check everything on the ground
Look up the transmitter, bearing, polarisation and terrain in Tower Aim before you climb, so the time on the roof is just aiming.
Calibrate the compass
If the arrow seems off, move the phone in a figure-eight to calibrate it, and keep it away from metal and magnets, including magnetic phone cases.
Look at the neighbours
Aerials nearby usually point at the same transmitter. If yours faces a different way, or its elements are the other way up, find out why before you change it.
Small moves, then wait
TV signal readouts lag a little. Turn a few degrees at a time and pause before you judge the picture.
Near a mobile mast?
Some UHF channels that used to carry TV are now used by 4G and 5G. If the picture breaks up near a mast, especially with an amplifier, a 4G/5G filter can help.
THE TOOL FOR EACH STEPTOWER AIM FOR HOME AERIALS
Do every step with Tower Aim.
Tower Aim: TV Aerial Finder
We make it. These are the parts that match the steps above.
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Every transmitter in the RSM data
RSM Register of Radio Frequencies data dated 14 October 2026: 156 Freeview transmitters across 33 sites, five multiplexes. The recommended transmitter is based on published power and distance, not a signal measurement.
Nearby transmitters
Tower Aim lists the transmitters nearby, with the terrain to each, so you can compare.
Postcode search
Search by suburb, town or postcode, or use your location.
Terrain check
A terrain line of sight from a one-time terrain download, with finer terrain in Tower Aim Installer.
Compass and AR
A live compass arrow that confirms when you're on target, plus AR aiming on supported phones. Then check reception on your TV.
For professionals
Aerial installers, electricians and AV professionals can add Tower Aim Installer, an optional subscription, for jobs, readings from your own meter, photos and branded PDF reports.
MORE GUIDES
Installation checklist for installers
Confirm the transmitter, record the job and hand over a report on site.
Tower Aim Installer guide
Jobs, readings, photos and PDF reports, step by step.
See everything Tower Aim does
Features, screenshots, Tower Aim Installer and support.
Which way should my TV aerial point in New Zealand?
At the transmitter that serves your area, with the elements matching its polarisation. Tower Aim recommends a transmitter based on published power and distance, not a signal measurement, and shows the bearing, polarisation and terrain to it.
Should I point my aerial at the closest transmitter?
Not always. A more powerful transmitter further away, or one with a clear path over the hills, can serve you better than a small one nearby. Tower Aim recommends a transmitter based on published power and distance, so check the terrain to each option too.
Should my aerial be horizontal or vertical?
Match the transmitter you are aiming at. Most sites are horizontal and some are vertical. On a horizontal aerial the elements lie flat; on a vertical one they stand upright.
Where does Tower Aim's New Zealand data come from?
From Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) at MBIE, using the current UHF television licences in the Register of Radio Frequencies, dated 14 October 2026. It covers 156 Freeview transmitters across 33 sites, with five multiplexes.
Can I search by postcode?
Yes. Search by suburb, town or postcode, or use your location.
What does Tower Aim keep on my phone?
The transmitter data is built into the app, and the terrain map is a one-time download that stays on your phone. Open the app once on Wi-Fi before you head up.
Does Tower Aim measure signal strength?
No. Your phone cannot measure TV signal. Tower Aim recommends a transmitter based on published power and distance, and shows "Estimated reception" from Excellent to Poor. It is an estimate, not a measurement. Installers can record readings from their own meter with Tower Aim Installer.
Which phones does it work with?
iPhone with iOS 17 or later, and Android 8.0 or later.
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