7 Best VPNs for New Zealand in 2024 for Streaming and Privacy

When you’re visiting New Zealand, you might not have access to content from your home country (like your e-bank account or Netflix subscription). If you’re a Kiwi traveling abroad, you can also face geoblocks preventing you from accessing New Zealand services.

Moreover, your online activity might not be private. New Zealand is a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance (a group of countries exchanging information on their citizens). That means your data can be shared with other member states if requested.

My team and I tested over 80 VPNs and found the best ones for New Zealand. They can easily bypass geoblocks (and offer you a New Zealand IP address) without compromising speed. Apart from that, my recommended VPNs keep you safe online with high-end encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.

My top choice is ExpressVPN. It comes with an extensive global network (including servers in New Zealand), high-speed connections, and top-end security. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Get the Best VPN for New Zealand Now!

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

The Best VPNs for New Zealand — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

All VPNs on my shortlist have a global network of servers, fast speeds, and advanced security features. This means you can safely access local and worldwide content (like Freeview or RNZ) without buffering. Some VPNs even find the fastest server available for you. On top of that, they all protect your online activity from hackers and snoops on multiple devices simultaneously.

I also found all of the VPNs easy to install and use. Nevertheless, they offer great live chat support, ready to assist you if you get stuck. Each VPN comes with a trustworthy money-back guarantee so that you can try them without risk.

1. ExpressVPN — Global Network to Bypass Geo-Restrictions In New Zealand and Worldwide

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

ExpressVPN has a vast network, making it easy to unblock worldwide content. I accessed my Netflix US account without any issues. Servers are spread across 105 countries (including New Zealand) to watch local TV like NBC, TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, and ThreeNow when overseas. This means you can easily access your favorite websites and services from anywhere.

Security features are best-in-class to keep your browsing habits safe. AES 256-bit encryption hides your actual location from prying eyes. There were no leaks, thanks to DNS/IPV6/WebRTC leak protection. I tested ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol — it maintained high-level security without compromising on speed. The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, and it’s based in the British Virgin Islands (outside 5/9/14 Eyes), so your data can’t be shared.

All servers operate with TrustedServer technology, meaning your information gets erased with every reboot, so the VPN can’t store it. Additionally, Network Lock (kill switch) disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection fails, so your IP address doesn't get exposed. You don’t have to worry about hackers and cyber threats.

It has lightning-fast connection speeds, perfect for torrenting. Your Internet service provider (ISP) can’t throttle your speed thanks to unlimited bandwidth, so you can download as much as you want. I tested 10 P2P-friendly servers in different locations (in New Zealand and worldwide) and got an average of around 40 Mbps. This lets you download large files without delays.

Initially, you might find the VPN slightly more expensive at $6.67/month. Even so, you can often get generous discounts. I got 49% off my ExpressVPN subscription plus 3 months for free. In addition, I recommend choosing the most affordable 12-month plan. It comes with the same features as the short-term options, but it’s considerably cheaper.

The VPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a full refund if you’re not entirely satisfied. I tested the refund policy myself — it was quick and convenient. After contacting customer support through the 24/7 live chat feature, I had my money back in my PayPal account in 2 days.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

2. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Safeguard All Your Devices in New Zealand

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

IPVanish offers Unlimited connections to use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously while traveling in or outside New Zealand. Plus, it supports a wide range of devices, even ones usually not compatible with VPNs. While testing IPVanish, I used the VPN on my Amazon Fire TV and Android TV without trouble. You can secure all your devices and pay for only 1 subscription.

Top-notch security features keep you safe online. IPVanish comes with uncrackable AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. It also offers a wide choice of protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, IPsec, and PPTP). You can browse in New Zealand with peace of mind.

Thanks to a zero-logs policy, IPVanish doesn't collect any personally identifiable records that could put your privacy at risk. I feel confident the VPN keeps my data protected as it passed all of my IP/DNS leak tests. Moreover, the VPN owns and operates its own server network, so rest assured your activity remains free from third-party interference.

All the servers provide high-speed connections, which is great for torrenting and buffer-free streaming. Its global network of 2,400 servers (including New Zealand) allows you to view international and local content without compromising speed. I watched a TV series on Bravo without interruptions, thanks to the server in Auckland. IPVanish won’t slow down your online activity.

IPVanish doesn’t unblock all streaming services. I couldn’t access my HBO Max account while abroad. However, I used the VPN to unblock my other subscriptions and favorite platforms, like Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

When I signed up for the VPN, I chose the 2-year subscription. I found this plan the most affordable as all options come with the same features — you can get IPVanish for as low as $2.99/month. The short-term subscriptions are slightly more expensive.

Additionally, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try IPVanish in New Zealand for free. Applying for a refund is hassle-free. I canceled directly on the website and requested a refund through the 24/7 live chat. The money was transferred to my bank account 4 days later.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

3. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Stream Your Favorite Shows from New Zealand

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

CyberGhost provides specialized servers for unblocking major streaming platforms. I tested CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers, and my Netflix US account loaded immediately. The global network spans 100 countries and lets you unblock local content, too. So, you can watch live sporting events on ESPN+ from New Zealand or RNZ when abroad. I easily accessed local and international TV while traveling.

Advanced security and privacy features safeguard your web activity. The 256-bit AES encryption hides your traffic, while the kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection prevents accidental data exposure. Automatic WiFi protection secures my device by launching the VPN as soon as a new public network is detected and the ad blocker stops pesky malware. CyberGhost operates on a strict no-logs policy and is based in Romania (outside 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance). So, your data is never shared with third parties.

Speeds are very fast. While testing CyberGhost’s UK servers, the average speed for streaming was above 30 Mbps. I watched Premier League on BT Sport in UHD. Plus, CyberGhost comes with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you want in perfect quality.

Some of the longer-distance servers were slower, but it was easy to find faster alternatives using the beginner-friendly app. I could still stream in New Zealand without buffering.

If you choose a 2-year subscription, you can get CyberGhost for only $2.03/month. Plus, you get an extended 45-day money-back guarantee on plans longer than 6 months.

The VPN’s money-back guarantee is trustworthy. When I tested the refund policy — it was really easy to get my money back. I canceled my subscription effortlessly via online 24/7 live chat. The money was transferred to my bank account within 5 days.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

4. Private Internet Access — High Speeds for Watching New Zealand Content Buffer-Free

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Private Internet Access delivers high-speed connections for bufferless streaming. I tested PIA’s New Zealand servers and watched Dunedin TV without interruptions. The average speed (25 Mbps) let me stream shows in UHD. PIA doesn’t slow down your web activity.

A vast server network covers 90 countries to bypass geo-restrictions easily. I had no problem accessing my Disney+ account. Some servers are P2P-friendly, so I was able to download and seed files with no delays. PIA allows you to access content in and outside of New Zealand.

Thanks to robust security measures like powerful encryption and protocols, your browsing stays private. I prefer OpenVPN for enhanced security, but WireGuard gives me the fastest connections while streaming. PIA even lets you select your level of encryption — 128-bit for speed or 256-bit for protection, so you’re in complete control of your online safety.

PIA also comes standard with DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. On top of that, there’s a built-in adblocker. During my tests, MACE successfully blocked unwanted ads and malware. PIA effectively protects you from hackers and malicious websites.

Even though the VPN is based in the US (the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance), PIA follows a solid no-logs policy. Meaning, the VPN doesn’t keep any personally identifiable information to share with other countries.

The VPN offers a low-cost 3-year plan. You can get PIA for just $2.03/month. It’s a better value than monthly subscriptions, especially as it comes with exactly the same features and easy-to-use apps.

You can try PIA for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you can request a refund. I found the refund process very straightforward. I canceled my automatic payments using the Client Control panel on the ‘My Account’ page and confirmed the refund using 24/7 live chat. The money was back in my PayPal account within the week.

5. PrivateVPN — Fast P2P-Enabled Servers for Reliable Torrenting in New Zealand

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

PrivateVPN’s servers are P2P-friendly so that you can use them for torrenting. I tested PrivateVPN’s for file sharing, and it was a smooth experience for large downloads. Plus, thanks to the unlimited bandwidth, it’s easy to download as much as you want.

Enhanced security features keep your browsing habits safe from prying eyes. Its AES 256-bit encryption and various security protocols effectively mask your IP address. I also ran DNS/IPv6 leak tests and didn’t detect any data exposure. Furthermore, its zero-logs policy and kill switch ensure your online activity stays private. You can rely on PrivateVPN to keep you secure in New Zealand or anywhere else.

Despite having a slightly smaller network of servers, PrivateVPN performed well during my unblocking tests as servers are spread throughout 63 countries worldwide. Thanks to the servers located in New Zealand, you can access your Freeview or Bravo accounts trouble-free.

I recommend the 2-year plan — you can get PrivateVPN for as low as $2/month. The shorter subscriptions are less economical in the long run.

You can test all of the VPN’s user-friendly apps without obligation thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN allows you to claim a full refund easily if you’re not impressed with the service. The cancelation policy is straightforward — I did it through the live chat feature. The money was transferred back to my debit card within 6 days.

6. VyprVPN — Public WiFi Protection to Stay Safe in and Outside of New Zealand

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

VyprVPN offers strong security features to safeguard your personal information. Public WiFi protection automatically makes your web activity safe from hackers and snoops. VyprVPN's kill switch kept my actual IP address hidden during testing, even when my laptop came out of sleep mode. The VPN also comes with a Chameleon protocol designed to scramble your metadata, so it's unrecognizable via deep packet inspection. Moreover, because of a no-logs policy, your personal information can't be collected or sold to third parties.

It has fast servers located in 70 countries (also in New Zealand) to easily unblock geo-restricted content and watch it buffer-free. I accessed international subscriptions, like my Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max accounts from New Zealand. VyprVPN also unblocked my Bravo account while abroad hassle-free. You can stay connected no matter where you are.

If you choose a 36-month subscription, you can get VyprVPN for only $3/month. Although VyprVPN doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments, you can use other options (like credit cards or Amazon Pay).

Use VyprVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to test it in New Zealand for free. I conveniently contacted customer support via 24/7 live chat to request a refund. I received the money in my PayPal account after a week.

7. HMA — Beginner-Friendly Apps to Easily Secure your Devices in New Zealand

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

HMA apps have a user-friendly design — ideal if you’re a beginner. I tested HMA’s Lightning Connect feature, and it instantly chose the best server for me. The VPN is so easy to use, you can connect to the fastest and closest server in one click.

Servers are scattered over 210 countries, so you can enjoy access to local and global sites. I watched films on BBC iPlayer without buffering. Thanks to the servers located in New Zealand, you can also stream your subscriptions, such as Netflix NZ, while overseas.

HMA provides a high level of security and privacy options, guaranteeing the safety of your data when connected to their service. The VPN employs AES 256-bit encryption and includes a kill switch feature. Furthermore, HMA strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private and are not shared with any third parties.

Even though a monthly subscription is expensive, choosing long-term plans saves you lots. I find the 36-month subscription the best deal. You can get HMA at only $2.99/month.

HMA is backed by the 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it risk-free. After 3 weeks of using the VPN, I applied for a refund via 24/7 live chat. The whole refund process is quick and simple. I got money back in my bank account after 7 working days.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for New Zealand

I used the below criteria to find the best VPNs for New Zealand. My shortlisted VPNs have all of these features and are perfect for bypassing geoblocks while staying secure. However, if you rather want to do your own tests, you can use my checklist to pick the best VPN for your needs:

• Global server network — You need a VPN with an extensive worldwide server network to bypass geo-restrictions.
• Reliable local servers — A VPN that provides you with a New Zealand IP address is necessary to access local content overseas.
• Strong security and privacy features — Choose a VPN with high-class encryption, advanced security protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to keep your online activity safe.
• Fast speeds — Pick a VPN with high-speed connections to enjoy buffer-free streaming in and outside New Zealand.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Make sure the VPN of your choice offers a refund if it doesn’t work out.

FAQs on Using a VPN for New Zealand

Why use a VPN for New Zealand?

A VPN helps you safely access local and international content no matter where you are. You can effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions when choosing a VPN with a global network (including servers in New Zealand).

A VPN also keeps your data safe from prying eyes. New Zealand is also an active member of the 5 Eyes Alliance which means that your information can be shared among intelligence agencies of member countries. On top of that, cybersecurity incidents have been increasing with some serious data breaches.

Are VPNs legal in New Zealand?

Yes, VPNs are legal in New Zealand. Many New Zealanders use a VPN to protect their privacy and access local content when traveling overseas. ExpressVPN has a global network of secure servers and can offer you a New Zealand IP address.

Can I use a free VPN for New Zealand?

You can, but using a free VPN is risky. Free VPNs often limit features, forcing you to upgrade. What’s more, they can collect and sell your personal information to third parties. If you want a safer option, you can try ExpressVPN’s premium service — it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

How can I watch New Zealand TV abroad?

A VPN changes your IP address so that it appears you’re browsing (or streaming) from the location you chose. Pick a VPN with servers in New Zealand to watch local TV (such as RNZ) while abroad. Once connected to a local server, you’ll be assigned a New Zealand IP address, so it’s like you never left the country.

The Bottom Line

You need a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access worldwide subscriptions (like your Netflix US account) from within the country or unblock New Zealand-based content abroad. Using a VPN also keeps your data safe from hackers and snoops.

My top pick for New Zealand is ExpressVPN. It allows you to access anything from HBO Max to Bravo. Plus, the VPN has best-in-class security and privacy options, such as military-grade encryption and a verified no-logs policy. You can try out ExpressVPN for New Zealand risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for New Zealand