An album is defined by Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ) as being a type of music release comprising at least five songs or a total playing time of over 25 minutes. Currently, Platinum certifications denote the shipment of 15,000 copies. When RMNZ (then known as the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand) introduced certifications in 1978, to reach Platinum status an album had to ship 20,000 copies. This was reduced to its current level in 1992.

The best-selling albums in New Zealand, as judged by certifications, are ABBA's greatest hits album, The Best of ABBA (1975) and Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms (1985); both have been certified 24-times Platinum. ABBA's album ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits (1992) is also one of New Zealand's best-selling albums. Pink Floyd, Ed Sheeran and Adele are the only other artists with two entries on the list. Hayley Westenra, Six60 and Fat Freddy's Drop the only artists of New Zealand origin with an album on this list.

Best-selling albums RankAlbumArtistYear of releaseNumber of timescertified platinumShipments1ABBA197524360,000Brothers in ArmsDire Straits198524360,0003Come On Over199721315,0004LegendBob Marley and the Wailers198420300,0005÷Ed Sheeran201718270,00021Adele201118270,0007Bat Out of HellMeat Loaf197717255,000Born in the U.S.A.198417255,000×Ed Sheeran201417255,00010ABBA Gold: Greatest HitsABBA199216240,000Pink Floyd197316240,00025Adele201516240,000131200015225,00014Jagged Little Pill199514210,000Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds197814210,000U2198714210,000Pink Floyd197914210,000RumoursFleetwood Mac197714210,000ChristmasMichael Bublé201114210,00020In the Lonely HourSam Smith201413195,000Six60 (1)Six60201113195,000Doo-Wops & HooligansBruno Mars201013195,00023Come Away with Me200212180,000Falling into You199612180,000Various Artists198712180,000Pure200312180,000Thriller198212180,000UnpluggedEric Clapton199212180,000Based on a True StoryFat Freddy's Drop200512180,000

See also List of best-selling albums List of best-selling albums by country List of best-selling singles by country§New Zealand

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