If you try to watch TVNZ from outside New Zealand, you’ll probably find the content is blocked. This is because the service is only available to people within the country, which can be frustrating for New Zealand residents who are traveling abroad. The best way to overcome this restriction is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to gain a New Zealand IP address. This will allow you to watch TVNZ abroad from anywhere.

VPNs hide your actual physical location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server. A VPN will enable you to watch TVNZ in France, Canada, Australia, the US, Japan, the UK, or anywhere else in the world. In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for accessing TVNZ from abroad and how to use them.

We discuss each of these VPNs in more detail below, but if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a quick summary of our best VPNs for watching TVNZ while traveling abroad:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice for watching TVNZ. A superior VPN with fast speeds, top-tier encryption, and reliable servers, over 20 of which are in New Zealand. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: A budget VPN that offers great value for money. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Plenty of strong security and privacy features.
  • ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable VPN that works well with TVNZ. Has a good network of servers, excellent apps, and 24/7 support. Secures your data with high-end encryption.
  • CyberGhost: Excellent service that’s primed for privacy and streaming with a strict no-logs policy. Offers easy-to-use apps for VPN beginners.
  • IPVanish: Speedy VPN that’s valued by torrenters and Kodi users. Operates a zero-logs policy and uses encryption to secure your data. Works with TVNZ.
  • PrivateVPN: An efficient, reliable, and fast solution to watching TVNZ abroad. Has servers in 60 countries, including New Zealand.
  • AtlasVPN: Includes an unlimited device limit, supports WireGuard and can access TVNZ, Netflix, and more with ease.

Best VPNs for New Zealand – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for New Zealand.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs to watch TVNZ abroad

VPN services exist in abundance across the internet, but they don’t all fall into the same category. To help you choose the right one for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs based on the following factors:

  • Speed and stability of service, particularly when it comes to streaming HD video
  • Reliable servers in New Zealand capable of accessing TVNZ
  • Ability to unblock geo-restricted content
  • Strong encryption parameters
  • Apps for Android and iOS
  • Provision for simultaneous connections

This is just an overview, but if you’d like to know more about our VPN testing methodology, take a look at our dedicated article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the providers that made our list.

Here are the best VPNs to access TVNZ from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks TVNZTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our favorite choice for a high-quality VPN to watch TVNZ from anywhere. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fast connection that works with HD video seamlessly. This provider is a known favorite with privacy advocates as well.

The Panama-headquartered company currently offers more than 5,400 servers in 60+ countries. New Zealand is included in the list and hosts over 20 servers. The VPN works with a range of online streaming services, including Netflix and TVNZ OnDemand. Some nifty features include a server record that shows the current latency and server load so you can choose the most suitable one.

NordVPN is an example of a completely logless VPN service – the company doesn’t store any user data. And it comes with a no-hassle 30-day money-back guarantee. Apps for both Android and iOS are available, as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. A single subscription grants access to six devices at the same time.

BEST FOR TVNZ:NordVPN is our top choice for a reliable, high-quality VPN with excellent security and privacy protocols. Over 5,400 servers, including 20+ in New Zealand. Works with TVNZ and Netflix. Comes with a  30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Operates over 5,400 reliable servers, including 20+ in New Zeland
  • Privacy-focused service with a no-logs policy
  • Suitable for power users
  • Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
  • Strong encryption protocols
  • 24/7 live chat available

Cons:

  • The desktop app can be a little slow

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks TVNZTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark stands out for offering servers in more than 100 countries worldwide. This includes servers in New Zealand, so you can stream TVNZ from anywhere. Overall, there are some 3,200+ servers available globally which means you can also watch the likes of BBC iPlayer and Hulu while traveling abroad. With an average speed of 324 Mbps in our tests, Surfshark is fast, which means high resolution and lag-free streams.

There’s no shortage of features with Surfshark, which includes an ad blocker and MultiHop servers for an extra layer of encryption. You’ll be able to stream with security thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Notably, Surfshark operates a no-logs policy that protects your privacy. If you have any questions about any of the above, 24/7 live chat support is available.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great value VPN that offers to protect unlimited devices for one affordable price. Safe and secure with unlimited bandwidth, ideal for watching TVNZ. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Sometimes slow to connect to servers

Here’s our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

unblocks TVNZTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a fast VPN that provides excellent service, military-grade encryption, and ease of use. It’s ideal for users who want a plug-and-play solution. This provider has a proven ability to access geo-restricted content and is great for watching your favorite online streaming services. It’s compatible with TVNZ, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Fox, Sky, and more. ExpressVPN’s server network is scattered across the globe. At the moment, it offers more than 3,000 reliable servers spread across 94 countries, with New Zealand included in the list.

ExpressVPN has a policy of not storing any detailed user data. There’s a bit of non-identifying metadata retention, such as popular servers and time of connection, but individual IP addresses won’t be recorded.

A single subscription will grant access to five devices concurrently. Apps for both Android and iOS are available, as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. ExpressVPN can be configured to some wifi routers and has its own custom router firmware.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a great choice due to its robust, fast speeds as well as superior customer service. Over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries, including New Zealand. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast speeds and superior service

  • Excellent customer support

  • Wide server network

  • Great capabilities for unblocking TVNZ and other geo-locked content

  • Live chat available 24/7

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

  • Experienced users may want more advanced configuration

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost, which is based in Romania, has made a concerted effort to improve its video streaming capabilities ever since it underwent a recent management shuffle. It’s now considered to be one of the top VPNs from a video streaming standpoint. It combines this core offering with a large server selection, resolute encryption, and an easy-to-use interface.

Currently, this provider offers access to more than 9,000 servers in over 90 countries, including New Zealand. It works with streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, as well as TVNZ and TVNZ OnDemand. In our user review, we noticed quick speeds and no noticeable lag with HD video streaming. The service comes bundled with a bunch of additional security features, including an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.

A paid subscription grants simultaneous access to up to seven devices on a single plan and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. The company supports both Android and iOS, and there’s native software for Windows and macOS too.

IDEAL FOR NEWCOMERS:CyberGhost is fast, intuitive, and very easy for beginners to get started with. Huge server network in over 90 countries. Excellent at accessing popular streaming sites. Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates over 9,000 servers around the globe in 90+ countries

  • Very easy to use

  • Streams HD video without problems

  • Allows for 7 connections

  • Strict no-logs policy means your data stays private

  • Less suitable for power users

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish offers fast connections to most parts of the world. It isn’t very pricey and has nifty cloaking technology embedded. This provider offers more than 2,000 servers spread across 75+ locations, including New Zealand. TVNZ is not the only online streaming service it can access, it also works with HBO Now and Sling TV.

IPVanish is known as a ‘no-logs’ provider because of its internal policy of not storing any user data. It also allows unlimited devices to connect at the same time. This provider is particularly popular with Kodi users because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is remote-control-friendly for Kodi devices that don’t have a keyboard and mouse.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, and there’s desktop software for Windows and macOS.

TORRENTING & STREAMING VPN:IPVanish is ultra-secure, quick, and a favorite with streamers and torrenters. It adheres to a no-logs policy and comes with all the bells and whistles of a modern VPN. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • High speeds

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection

  • Doesn’t allow for anonymous registration

  • Doesn’t work with all streaming services

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is primed for both speed and location-evading tech. It’s a relative newcomer to the world of VPNs, but don’t let that dissuade you from opting for the service. In our user review, it displayed impressive speeds and streamed HD video without any lag. At the moment, it offers 200 servers in approximately 63 locations, including New Zealand.

As we mentioned earlier, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for unlocking geo-restricted video streams. Some of the providers it works with are Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub, and there are lots more. Accessing TVNZ should be straightforward.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. A single subscription allows for ten devices to connect simultaneously.

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN can access a plethora of streaming sites. It focuses on quality as opposed to quantity in order to get the job done. Super fast speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Faster than many other providers

  • Able to unblock many streaming services

  • Anonymous signups are allowed

  • Limited server network

  • No live chat

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. AtlasVPN

Unblocks TV NZTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

The basics are all covered with security protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. AES 256-bit encryption will keep your data safe from prying eyes while also providing fast speeds on most connections. It also supports WireGuard, which is ideal for streaming, gaming, and video calling.

AtlasVPN’s apps come with a built-in kill switch to ensure no data is leaked if the connection drops unexpectedly. Apps are available for Android and iOS devices, plus there’s desktop software compatible with Windows and macOS computers. There’s currently no support for Linux or routers at the time of writing.

You can use AtlasVPN on as many devices as you need. It includes live chat-based support, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days.

MULTI-HOP SERVERS:AtlasVPN has impressive security credentials including a kill switch and malware blocking. It also supports WireGuard. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 40+ locations

  • Works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus

  • Uses WireGuard, which is perfect for uninterrupted gaming

  • Small selection of servers versus other VPNs

  • Doesn’t work on Linux or routers

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

How to watch TVNZ live abroad with a VPN

If you’re itching to start watching TVNZ from abroad, follow these straightforward steps that’ll have you up and running in no time.

Here’s how to watch TVNZ abroad with a VPN.

  • Sign up with a VPN that offers servers in New Zealand (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the VPN application for your chosen provider on the device you’ll be using to access TVNZ.
  • Open the application and select a server located in New Zealand. this will give you the New Zealand IP address you’ll need to bypass TVNZ geo-restrictions.
  • If it doesn’t connect automatically, click connect.
  • Visit TVNZ, find a live stream, or start watching on-demand!

Although we’ve successfully tested the VPNs on our list and found they can all access TVNZ from abroad, your experience may differ. If you’ve followed the steps above and are encountering errors or connection issues, we’d recommend clearing your browser cache and cookies to see if this resolves the problem. Alternatively, if you still experience issues, contact your VPN provider’s support team to see if they can assist.

Can I use a free VPN to access TVNZ?

As we’ve explained in this article, you can only watch TVNZ if you have an IP address from New Zealand. This means you need to be in the country or have access to a high-quality VPN service that effectively obfuscates your location. Free VPN services might come across as attractive for the everyday user, especially when you consider that there isn’t an upfront cash payment involved. However, that’s where the charm usually ends.

Such services don’t offer the same levels of encryption, speed, or customer support that paid VPNs do. They’ll ship with the choice of only one or two servers, regularly induce bandwidth throttling, and impose wait times to connect when there’s network congestion. In all likelihood, you will also receive a ton of invasive advertisements, so be prepared for a subpar streaming experience.

In addition, free VPNs have, in the past, been accused of data pilferage, turning idle user bandwidth into botnet armies, and spreading malware. Our recommendation is to avoid free VPNs. It’s best to invest a few dollars and get a paid VPN service for peace of mind. Consider making use of the discount codes or money-back guarantees offered by the VPNs we recommend above, or check out VPNs that offer a free trial.

“Whoops! Seems like you’re trying to watch from outside of New Zealand. Our videos are only available to watch within New Zealand due to rights issues.”

Regular TVNZ streamers don’t need to register for the service prior to logging on. But that’s because it’s a state-funded broadcast service. Even if you normally stream TVNZ from within New Zealand, there’s no grace period for you to be able to stream it abroad for a few days before you are locked out. Every user is subjected to the same restrictions. If you want to continue streaming outside New Zealand, you’ll need a VPN. Just sign up for one of the recommended providers on this list, spoof your location, and sit back to watch your favorite content.

  • 2 Broke Girls
  • A Place to Call Home
  • Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures
  • Baby Mama’s Club
  • Bob the Builder
  • Border Patrol
  • Built to Shred
  • Coast New Zealand
  • Darwin and Newts

Despite this, the fastest VPNs may actually improve your streaming speeds if you’re suffering from bandwidth throttling. We’ve only selected VPNs with unlimited bandwidth so you can stream in high definition without lag or buffering.

These devices don’t offer native support for VPN apps, so you can’t just download the software and follow the step-by-step instructions. However, there are workarounds.

One way to get VPN support is by configuring one to a virtual router – this is possible because any PC with a wifi card can also transmit its own wifi signals, similar to how smartphones can set up wifi hotspots.

You may want to read our tutorials on how to set up a VPN on a virtual router for Windows and Mac devices.

If you’re looking to install a VPN on Chromecast, you can read our guide on how to do just that.

You can also set up a VPN on a physical router if the firmware supports it. One such firmware is DD-WRT, a free and open-source option that works on a wide range of router models. Premium VPN providers also offer tutorials on how you can set up their individual apps on routers; more detail is provided on their individual sites.