5 Best VPNs to Watch Netflix in New Zealand (Updated 2024)
Reading time: 15 min
Updated on November 11, 2024
Netflix is available almost everywhere, but its content library varies by country due to licensing agreements. For instance, New Zealand has over 1,000 fewer titles than the US. To watch American Netflix, you need to be in the US and sign in with a local IP address.
A VPN can technically help you change your IP address to appear as though you’re in the US, but this practice violates Netflix’s terms of service, so I don’t condone it. Additionally, this could be considered copyright infringement.
If you want to use a VPN while streaming Netflix in New Zealand, you’ll find that many don’t work because Netflix actively blocks VPN IP addresses to protect its licensing agreements. However, our global team of VPN testers found a few reliable options. ExpressVPN is the best, as it consistently works with Netflix and offers excellent speeds for lag-free streaming. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix in New Zealand
- ExpressVPN — The #1 VPN for watching Netflix content with high speeds for bufferless HD streaming and a huge server network for Netflix.
- CyberGhost — Easily connect to an optimized Netflix server for smooth streaming, but not as fast as ExpressVPN.
- Private Internet Access — Has an enormous global network (with servers in all 50 US states), but not every server works with Netflix.
- NordVPN — Dedicated IP addresses are less likely to be blacklisted by Netflix, but it might share your data with foreign governments.
- Surfshark — Nexus technology helps you obtain the best speeds to watch Netflix, but it’s based in a 9 Eyes Alliance country.
Important! My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement or breaking Netflix’s terms of service. All the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies, so they can’t keep track of or see your online activities, so it’s up to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow all rules and regulations.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Watching Netflix in New Zealand
1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Smooth Streaming on Netflix
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries globally
- The fastest server speeds I tested to eliminate buffering and ensure high-quality streams from New Zealand
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support over live chat, email, and online troubleshooting guides
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming Netflix in New Zealand. It has a huge global server network with 3,000+ high-speed servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand. I ran a series of speed tests with ExpressVPN servers from around the world (New York, Paris, Frankfurt, and Melbourne), and was impressed to see an average speed of 300Mbps.
These speeds led to a brilliant viewing experience — since Netflix 4K streaming requires just 15Mbps I was able to watch Stranger Things in 4K without buffering. This leaves you with plenty more bandwidth to browse or download other content on the side without affecting the stream (depending on your baseline connection speed).
Besides Netflix, ExpressVPN can also reliably connect to the following platforms:
| Netflix | Hulu | BBC iPlayer | HBO | ESPN |
| Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | FuboTV | ITV Hub | Hotstar |
| DAZN | Sky Go | Showtime | Apple TV+ | SlingTV |
| Discovery+ | BEIN Sports | Hallmark Channel | Philo | BritBox |
| Crunchyroll | Starz | VUDU | Channel4 | RaiPlay |
You can also be sure that your data and device are secure while streaming with ExpressVPN. It features:
- The latest 256-bit AES encryption to hide your traffic
- Leak protection
- A reliable kill switch so your original IP address is never visible
ExpressVPN positions itself as a premium VPN and its pricing relative to other competitors reflects this. As such, I recommend the 2-year + 6 months free plan which is a monthly price of $4.99, giving you a 82% discount relative to the standard monthly plan.
You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days. This money-back guarantee is no-questions-asked so you can easily get a refund if you’re not fully satisfied. I’ve tested this myself and can confirm it works without a hitch — my refund request was approved within a couple of minutes and the money was back with me 5 days later.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $4.99 per month + get extra 6 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Easily Find the Best Connection With Optimized Netflix Servers
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in 100+ countries
- Optimized Netflix streaming servers
- Connect 7 devices at once on one account
- 24/7 live chat for round-the-clock assistance, plus email and a knowledge base
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has more than 10 optimized streaming servers for Netflix, plus ones for other streaming services. The IP addresses of these servers are updated more frequently to ensure they always work.
Interestingly, the optimized streaming servers were faster than regular servers. Overall, my global average speed test showed a drop from my baseline of 120Mbps to 71Mbps (a 41% drop). This is multiple times the minimum for Netflix 4K streaming and will leave you with plenty of additional bandwidth. Our tests showed that CyberGhost works with the following streaming services:
| Netflix | Hulu | BBC iPlayer | HBO | ESPN |
| Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | FuboTV | ITV Hub | Hotstar |
| DAZN | Sky Go | Showtime | Apple TV+ | SlingTV |
| Crunchyroll | YouTube TV | Peacock | Kodi | Comedy Central |
CyberGhost also has a host of security features that guarantee your complete anonymity, which include:
- An always-on kill switch
- Military-grade encryption
- Data leaks monitoring
If you’re planning to travel to a place with more restrictive internet regulations, such as China or Turkey, you’ll be better served with ExpressVPN. CyberGhost doesn’t offer any obfuscation techniques and therefore is unable to bypass blocking techniques like China’s internal “Great Firewall”. Nonetheless, the 2-year + 4 months-year plan that works out at $2.03/month is highly affordable for those who don’t require a travel VPN of this sort.
You can try CyberGhost’s Netflix-optimized servers for 45 days with its money-back guarantee. It’s a generous policy, taken up a level further by being fully no-questions-asked (like ExpressVPN). My own refund request was accepted in under 5 minutes and I received the money back 6 business days later.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Network to Watch Netflix Without Server Overcrowding
Key Features:
- Large network of 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries
- High concentration of servers in each country, including New Zealand
- Connect unlimited devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support over email, live chat, and Twitter
- 30-day money-back guarantee
With 35,000+ servers worldwide, including New Zealand, PIA is an ideal VPN for watching Netflix without competing for bandwidth with other users. It also heavily employs virtual servers, which can be quickly created or destroyed in order to generate new IP addresses. This makes it a reliable choice for streaming Netflix without facing proxy or connection errors.
PIA also has some streaming-optimized servers around the world, including in Australia and the US. However, it’s against Netflix’s terms of service to watch titles that are not available in your country with a VPN. The good news is, even though there’s no specialized streaming network, the regular PIA servers in New Zealand work reliably with Netflix.
Speed is actually where PIA falls slightly short of the other VPNs on this list, measuring in at a 51Mbps average in my tests. This is 57% slower than my baseline speed, which is still more than 3 times as fast as required for 4K Netflix streaming. Nonetheless, if you’re after speed, ExpressVPN is the one for you.
Overall, PIA has working servers for numerous services, including:
| Netflix | Disney+ | HBO Max | Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | Kodi |
| Crunchyroll US | BBC iPlayer | YouTube | CBC | Eurosport | FranceTV |
| Canal+ | ZDF | ARD | Hotstar India | RaiPlay | YLE |
PIA is also highly reliable when it comes to security, with:
- In-depth settings to change encryption protocols and networking settings
- MACE ad and malware blocker
The most enticing plan that PIA offers is its 2-year + 2 months-year subscription for $2.19 per month. It’s a great deal for such a huge network and is bolstered by its 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to it you can try PIA with Netflix US risk-free. Getting a refund was simple for me — I simply contacted an agent via live chat, who asked if there was a way for me to stay but approved the request as soon as I declined the offer. I had the money back in 4 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, routers, Chrome, Firefox, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features:
- Short and long-term subscriptions available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 6,300+ global servers in 111 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Protect up to 10 devices at once
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.
I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.
I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
- built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
- fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.
With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it's easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.
NordVPN works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, SkyTV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features:
- Short and long-term plans available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200+ global servers in 100 countries
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Connect unlimited devices at once
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.
I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.
When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
- Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
- diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
- kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
- IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.
While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $1.99. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).
Surfshark works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
How to Watch Netflix in New Zealand in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. ExpressVPN is the #1 choice for bufferless HD streaming with super fast speeds.
- Connect to a server. If your VPN offers Netflix-optimized servers in New Zealand, you can try those first for a more reliable connection.
- Start watching Netflix! Log in to your account and watch your favorite shows.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix in New Zealand
| Server Network | Best Plan | Average Speed Tested | Smart DNS Function | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ server in 105 countries | $4.99 a month with the 2-year + 6 months free plan | 300Mbps (significant increase in speed) | ✓ | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 11,670+ server in 100 countries | $2.03 a month with the 2-year + 4 months plan | 71Mbps (41% drop) | ✓ | 45 days |
| PIA | 35,000+ server in 91 countries | $2.19 a month with the 2-year + 2 months plan | 51Mbps (57% drop) | ✓ | 30 days |
| NordVPN | 6,300+ server in 111 countries | a month with the 2-year + 3 months plan | 63Mbps (51% drop) | ✓ | 30 |
| Surfshark | 3,200+ server in 100 countries | $1.99 a month with the 2-year + 4 months plan | 59Mbps (47% drop) | ✓ | 30 |
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Netflix in New Zealand
These are the criteria I used to find the best VPNs for Netflix in New Zealand among the top VPNs in the market:
- High-speed servers — For streaming content in high resolution with as little buffering as possible.
- Server network — With a focus on plentiful servers in New Zealand to watch Netflix safely and without lags.
- Powerful security — 256-bit AES encryption to keep your traffic hidden, a kill switch to always keep your real IP address secret, and more to maintain security while streaming.
- No-logs policy — Your traffic data should never be stored by a VPN provider.
- Working servers — By frequently refreshing IP addresses, your VPN shouldn’t face streaming or proxy errors on Netflix.
- Fast customer service — A 24/7 live chat is essential to me, alongside email and an online knowledge base for less urgent matters.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs: Streaming Netflix From New Zealand With a VPN
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in New Zealand?
This is a gray area. It could be considered copyright infringement to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in New Zealand. Plus, it’s against Netflix’s Terms of Service, so the company could technically shut down your account for doing so. In practice, there are no publicly known cases of this happening but I don’t condone breaking any rules or laws with a VPN.
Why is Netflix US blocked in New Zealand?
Netflix has varying licensing agreements with copyright holders, so some content is limited to specific countries. You can technically use a VPN to watch Netflix US in New Zealand, but this is against its terms of service. It could also be considered copyright infringement, which my teammates and I don’t condone.
What else can a VPN do?
A good VPN can help you stream movies and TV shows safely not only on Netflix in New Zealand, but also other local channels like TVNZ 1, Eden, and more.
This goes across multiple devices, including your phone or computer, and you can even get a VPN connection on your smart TV.
When it comes to security, a VPN network both encrypts your traffic and hides your original IP address. So on public WiFi networks, you’re protected from others sharing the network, hackers, the government and other online services you use.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix from New Zealand?
I can’t recommend free VPNs for watching Netflix. Although I’ve tested many of the best free VPNs on the market, they all disappoint in one way or another when it comes to performance or security.
The main issue with free VPNs is that they lack the resources to stay ahead of VPN blocks. Netflix and other streaming services rapidly block IP addresses that they associate with VPNs, meaning VPN providers have to constantly refresh and add new ones. The limited resources also make themselves known in the form of data caps, slow speeds, and few server locations. So even if you connect to Netflix, the stream will likely be cut short before the end of an episode or movie.
Free VPNs also have a murky history when it comes to handling user data. Some are known for straight-up selling it to advertisers or even giving network access to malicious parties at the expense of users. It’s worth keeping in mind that if you’re not paying for a product directly, your data is likely the real price you’re paying.
You can avoid all of these issues without spending any money. Try CyberGhost’s generous 45-day money-back guarantee risk-free. I’ve verified the no-questions-asked refund policy and had my request approved within 5 minutes through the 24/7 live chat.
Watch Netflix in New Zealand With a Premium VPN
Although all VPNs claim to work with Netflix in New Zealand, most actually don’t despite having servers in the country. This is because Netflix actively detects and blocks IP addresses belonging to VPNs to prevent subscribers from watching its content outside the permitted areas.
My team and I found ExpressVPN to be the best VPN to watch Netflix in New Zealand as it has blazing-fast servers. You can try ExpressVPN with Netflix risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a refund within minutes if you’re not fully satisfied.
Summary — Best VPNs for Watching Netflix in New Zealand in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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