MapToaster NZ Topo Maps vs TopoRec
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MapToaster NZ Topo Maps
Access detailed topographical maps of New Zealand for expedition planning and navigation. Offline map storage ensures usability without cell service. Includes placename search and waypoint management.
- Detailed LINZ 1:50,000 topographical mapping
- Offline map storage
- Comprehensive placename search
- Waypoint creation and navigation
- GPX file import/export
- Conservation Estate and Scenic Reserve borders
Read full descriptionHide full description
MapToaster for iOS provides New Zealand topo maps with all the rich detail of the LINZ Topo50 and Topo250 topographical maps, helping you plan your expedition and get to the right spot. Whether you are a recreational or business user, MapToaster provides indispensable reference topo maps, with easy-to-use software. The app includes a 1:250,000 scale topographical map of New Zealand. The 1:50,000 scale topo maps are available for in-app purchase and these include: * New Zealand South Islandand Stewart Island * New Zealand North Island, Kermadec group and Chatham Islands * Antarctica around the area of the Ross Sea and the sub-antarctic islands - Antipodes Is, Auckland Is, Bounty Is, Campbell Is, Snares Is Once downloaded, the mapping doesn't need a WiFi connection or cellphone coverage, as the maps are stored on your device. Features: * detailed LINZ 1:50,000 mapping available by in-app purchase. * comprehensive search index with over 60,000 placenames. Includes all the map placenames, locality names, track start and end points * 1:50,000 mapping shows Conservation Estate with a magenta border and Scenic & Recreation reserves with a red border * built-in map legend * coordinates can be displayed and entered either in WGS-84 longitude/latitude or local projected coordinates (e.g. NZTM etc) * navigate to a waypoint using a head-up display on the map. Shows the speed, time-to-destination, distance, bearing and direction to turn to get to the destination. Select a destination by tapping the waypoint symbol on the map, then the "Navigate to Waypoint" menu option. Tap the navigation display to cancel navigation. Option to use device heading or ground track for direction. * share waypoints by email, iMessage and AirDrop * import waypoints from GPX files by email, iMessage and AirDrop * import and share tracks in GPX file format by email, iMessage and AirDrop * geocachers can view the full detail in geocaching.com PocketQuery files, with automatic colour coding by cache type. * map can show and follow your current location. Map display can be north-up or track-up * create waypoints either at your current location or by tap & hold on the map * create a track by tapping out a path on the screen * record your track while the GPS is running. Note that continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. * split screen mode for iPads * 3D Touch Home screen shortcuts on iPhone 6s or later * map browsing and Find handoff between your devices. View a map on your iPhone and jump to your iPad at the same place * the Find, Track and Waypoint views show the distance from the centre of the current view * measure distances by tapping out a track on the screen * uses familar gestures: pinch to zoom, drag, double-tap to zoom in, two-finger tap to zoom out, tap & hold to mark a waypoint * maps are stored on your device. Once the download is done, you don't need an Internet connection * privacy-friendly. The app doesn't report your location to us and the waypoints & tracks stay on your device, unless you choose to share them * friendly helpful technical support by email Made by Integrated Mapping Ltd, a Christchurch-based company with over 30 years experience in developing mapping software, whose customers include multinational consulting companies, conservation organisations, Crown Research Institutes, central, regional and local government, universities, schools and libraries, emergency services such as St Johns, helicopter rescue, Search and Rescue, and Police.
TopoRec
Explore historical and modern maps with this powerful viewer. Discover locations, record tracks, edit areas, and import/export data. Ideal for historians, archaeologists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- View historical and modern online maps
- Capture and edit points, areas, and tracks
- Import and export data (GPX compatible)
- Filter maps by type and scale
- Create custom lines and areas
Read full descriptionHide full description
TopoRec – The powerful map viewer for historical & modern maps Explore the world through maps! TopoRec gives you access to both historical and current map data. Discover locations, collect position data, edit areas, record tracks, and export or import your data – all in one app. Perfect for: • Historians & archaeologists • Metal detector enthusiasts • Map lovers & outdoor explorers • History buffs with a curiosity for the past Features at a glance: • View online maps (historical & modern) • Capture & edit points, areas, and tracks • Import & export data (incl. GPX) • Filter maps by type and scale • Create your own lines and areas • Internet connection required Free use with time limitation: All features can be used free and without restrictions for a short time. After approx. 2 minutes per session, a Premium subscription is required to continue without limitations. TopoRec Premium – Your benefits: • Unlimited access to all features • Exclusive extras & new updates • Priority support Subscription info: The annual subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Auto-renewal can be turned off at any time in the account settings. Legal information: • End User License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://toporec.com/privacy_policy/datenschutzerklaerung.html Rediscover maps – with TopoRec!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: TopoRec at 5.0 against MapToaster NZ Topo Maps's 3.5. TopoRec also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 months). MapToaster NZ Topo Maps's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. MapToaster NZ Topo Maps sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and TopoRec sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $17.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
TopoRec holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 91% and 90% positive.
MapToaster NZ Topo Maps ships an update every 6 months, TopoRec every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MapToaster NZ Topo Maps | TopoRec |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.5 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 90.7% of reviews — better | 90.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 272 MB | 97 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Integrated Mapping Ltd | Enrico Hoffmann |
Customer experience
MapToaster NZ Topo Maps
TopoRec
Bugs and requests
MapToaster NZ Topo Maps
Reported bugs
3 issues- Can't load purchases
- Loses waypoints when loading new version
- App deleted by accident lost waypoints
Requested features
5 requests- Option to download maps using data
- Link to Apple account to prevent waypoint loss
- iPhone X optimisation
- More track info or distances between landmarks/huts/peaks/junctions
- Sourcing more track info
TopoRec
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
MapToaster NZ Topo Maps
- Antarctica (Ross Dependency) & NZ Sub-antarctic Is - 1:50,000Free
- New Zealand Sth Is - 1:50,000$3.99
- North Island etc 1:50,000$3.99
TopoRec
- Premium3 Days trial$17.991 Year
Questions
Is MapToaster NZ Topo Maps free?
Is TopoRec free?
Which has better reviews, MapToaster NZ Topo Maps or TopoRec?
Do MapToaster NZ Topo Maps or TopoRec have ads?
Which is updated more often, MapToaster NZ Topo Maps or TopoRec?
Other comparisons















