Unlock the world of TVNZ Live Abroad, one of the most popular streaming platforms, from any corner of the globe. If you’ve ever attempted to access TVNZ outside New Zealand, you’ve likely encountered content restrictions. This is due to regional limitations that make the service exclusively available to viewers within New Zealand. This can be particularly irritating for New Zealand residents traveling or living abroad. However, there’s a solution to bypass these regional barriers – a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
VPNs are the key to maintaining your online activity unrestricted and secure. They work by encrypting all data flowing to and from your device and channeling it through an intermediary server. This process masks your actual physical location and provides you with a New Zealand IP address, enabling you to watch TVNZ abroad, be it in France, Canada, Australia, the US, Japan, the UK, or anywhere else.
This article will guide you through the best VPNs for accessing TVNZ from abroad, ensuring your internet speed remains optimal, and explaining how to use them with your subscription plan.
- 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.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for TVNZ. - Surfshark: A budget VPN that offers great value for money. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Plenty of strong security and privacy features.
- 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.
- 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.
- PrivateVPN: An efficient, reliable, and fast solution to watching TVNZ abroad. Has servers in 60 countries, including New Zealand.
Many VPNs claim to work with TVNZ but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock TVNZ and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for TVNZ with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going abroad for a short trip.
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.
How we selected the best VPNs for watching 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.
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.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for TVNZ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Servers in New Zealand | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 11,000+ | 200+ | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 85% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $2.19 Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs to watch TVNZ abroad
Here are the best VPNs to access TVNZ from anywhere:
1. NordVPN
Oct 2024 unblocks TVNZTested Oct 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- 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 6,000 servers in 100+ 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 10 devices at the same time.
NordVPN speed test data
No value | NordVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 354 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 262 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 284 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months |
Pros:
- Operates over 6,000 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:
BEST FOR TVNZ:NordVPN is our top VPN choice for a reliable, high-quality VPN with excellent security and privacy protocols. Over 6,000 servers, including 20+ in New Zealand. Works with TVNZ and Netflix. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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.
Surfshark has an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance and has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for routers.
Surfshark speed test data
No value | Surfshark |
Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 521 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 702 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 561 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free |
Pros:
- Wide network of servers in 100+ countries, including New Zealand
- Very fast server speeds for streaming TVNZ lag-free
- Also works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- Secure all of your devices via a single account
- MultiHop servers provide two or more layers of encryption
Cons:
- Sometimes slow to connect to servers
Our score:
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.
Here’s our full review of Surfshark.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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.
IPVanish speed test data
No value | IPVanish |
Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 277 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 237 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan |
Pros:
- High speeds
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- Provides a secure, encrypted connection
- Popular with Kodi users and torrenters
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow for anonymous registration
- Doesn’t offer browser extensions or a Linux app
Our score:
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.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a high-speed VPN that delivers exceptional service, fortified with military-grade encryption and a user-friendly interface. It’s the perfect solution for users seeking a seamless, plug-and-play experience. This provider has consistently bypassed geo-restrictions, making it an excellent choice for accessing popular streaming platforms, including TVNZ, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Fox, Sky, and more.
With a global network of over 3,000 reliable servers spread across 100 regions, including New Zealand, ExpressVPN ensures your online activity remains unrestricted and your internet speed is unaffected.
ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logs policy. While it retains some non-identifying metadata like popular servers and connection times, it never records individual IP addresses.
A single subscription plan with ExpressVPN allows concurrent access on up to eight devices. It offers dedicated apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. ExpressVPN can be configured to certain wifi routers for added convenience and even offers its own custom router firmware.
ExpressVPN speed test data
No value | ExpressVPN |
Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 319 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 303 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 278 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free |
Pros:
- 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
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other providers
- Experienced users may want more advanced configuration
Our score:
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 100+ countries, including New Zealand. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
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 10,000 servers in over 100+ 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.
CyberGhost speed test data
No value | CyberGhost |
Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 449 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 269 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 167 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! |
Pros:
- Operates over 10,000 servers around the globe in 100+ countries
- Very easy to use
- Streams HD video without problems
- Strict no-logs policy means your data stays private
Cons:
- Less suitable for power users
- Doesn’t work in China or the UAE
Our score:
IDEAL FOR NEWCOMERS:CyberGhost is fast, intuitive, and very easy for beginners to get started with. Huge server network in over 100 countries. Excellent at accessing popular streaming sites. Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 10 devices to connect simultaneously.
PrivateVPN speed test data
No value | PrivateVPN |
Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Pros:
- Faster than many other providers
- Able to unblock many streaming services
- Anonymous signups are allowed
Cons:
- Limited server network
- No live chat
Our score:
PERFECT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN can access a plethora of streaming sites. It focuses on quality instead of quantity to get the job done. Super fast speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
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.
Read more TVNZ articles here:
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 be 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.
TVNZ VPN: FAQs
I'm getting an error message for TVNZ, what do I do next?
If you attempt to access TVNZ from an unsupported location – i.e., outside of the country – you will be greeted with the following error message:
“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.
What content can I stream on TVNZ?
The online version of TVNZ streams full-length shows, movies, and live broadcasts of individual channels including TVNZ Duke, TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2. Some popular titles are:
- 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
Why is TVNZ geo-restricted?
Television New Zealand is the state broadcast service. That means it receives funding from the government and its roster of content, including that on TVNZ OnDemand, TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2, is only meant to be consumed by New Zealand taxpayers. It’s also likely that TVNZ has negotiated rights to broadcast content based on this specific intention – if it were to allow its platform to be accessed from anywhere in the world, then that will likely lead to copyright and licensing problems. As such, it needs to impose geo-restrictions measures.
Will a VPN for TVNZ slow down my internet?
It’s not uncommon for a VPN to slow your internet connection to an extent. This is in large part due to the encryption process and the fact that data travels to the VPN server before reaching TVNZ.
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.
How to watch TVNZ on Chromecast, Android Box, Apple TV, and other devices
Other than PCs, Macs, iOS devices, and Android devices, TVNZ is also compatible with Sony Playstation 3 & 4, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox One, Chromecast, and some smart TV apps.
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.
Useful links:
How to install a VPN on an Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV
Best VPNs for Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV
Best VPNs for Smart TVs in 2019
How does TVNZ block VPNs?
Like other streaming services, TVNZ uses advanced technology to identify and prevent access from IP addresses linked to VPNs. They maintain a database of recognized VPN server IP addresses and restrict any data originating from these addresses. However, high-quality VPNs frequently refresh their server IPs to evade these restrictions.