Call iPhone5 fans happy

It's slim, it's light, and it has all the whistles and bells you could ever wish for.

It's the new Apple iPhone5 and it arrived in Wanganui's Telecom and Vodafone stores yesterday.

Michael Holly was one of the first people in Wanganui to buy the iPhone5, which will only be available in limited numbers for the next two weeks.

Mr Holly, a Telecom customer, said he had previously owned an iPhone 4S and was keen to try out his new toy.

Telecom Wanganui manager Shane Nottage said the iPhone5's release had been highly anticipated around the world, including New Zealand.

"We've had a lot of interest over the past couple of weeks. And the phone has been ringing steadily all morning with people wanting to know about the iPhone5," Mr Nottage said.

Demand for the new phones was outstripping supply.

The iPhone5 is taller and slimmer than previous models and is noticeably lighter.

It has better screen resolution, faster processing and a much better camera, which includes the ability to take panoramic shots.

"We've been having a play with it and it is very nice to use. It just seems to fit better into your hand," Mr Nottage said.

The phone retails for $1029, although Telecom is only offering it as part of selected plans for the next couple of weeks.

Mr Nottage said it was pleasing to see the iPhone5 arrive in New Zealand just 10 days after it was released in the United States and Europe.

"With some of the older models, it took six months before they were available in New Zealand.

"It shows that New Zealand is keeping up with the rest of the world when it comes to smartphone technology," he said.