New Zealand’s citizens enjoy free access to the internet. While the government isn’t invasive in New Zealand like it is in other countries, there are various risks you need to protect yourself from when you’re online. A New Zealand VPN (virtual private network) helps keep you safe by encrypting your connection, ensuring that no one can snoop on your data.
Key Takeaways: VPNs for New Zealand
- A VPN helps access geoblocked content and encrypt your connection, making your internet traffic unreadable to anyone, including the government and your internet service provider.
- ExpressVPN is the best VPN for New Zealand. However, if you’re on a budget, NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost are great choices.
- Windscribe is an excellent free VPN service for New Zealand.
With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky selecting a VPN — most of which are subpar, especially the free ones. Selecting a VPN service without research could leave your connection vulnerable. For example, a man-in-the-middle attacker might steal your data when you’re using public WiFi. This is especially true if you’re using one of the worst VPNs.
The best VPNs for New Zealand will not only protect your connection, they’ll also allow you to bypass geoblocks on streaming services like Netflix. In this guide, we’ll reveal five of the best New Zealand VPN options for different budgets and use-cases.
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01/22/2023 Facts checked
We rewrote this guide to reflect the latest changes in the VPN service offerings.
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You can get a New Zealand VPN by going to a VPN’s website, signing up and installing the VPN app on your device. Once you’ve installed the app, connect to a VPN server in your desired location.
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Yes, you should use a VPN in New Zealand. Using a VPN ensures your connection is secure and that you’re always anonymous online. It also helps you access geoblocked content.
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Yes, VPNs are legal in New Zealand. While activities like pirating content aren’t legal even when you use a VPN, using the VPN in itself isn’t a crime.
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Windscribe is a free VPN for New Zealand. If you’re looking for a free VPN, be sure to do your research, as many free VPNs are unreliable and insecure. There are a few exceptions, though. Using a service like Windscribe ensures you’re safe online and have access to all your favorite geoblocked websites.
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Top VPNs for New Zealand
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1
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall
- : 5
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Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency5 ms -
2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, Cash
- : 6
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Average speedDownload Speed92 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency3 ms -
3
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed94 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency114 ms -
4
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
- : 7
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Average speedDownload Speed62 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency46 ms -
5
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency3 ms
What Makes the Best New Zealand VPN?
We looked at factors like security, privacy, speed, the ability to bypass geoblocks on websites and the availability of a New Zealand VPN server to find the best VPNs. Our tests revealed that the following are the best VPNs for New Zealand:
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN overall for NZ
- NordVPN — One of the fastest VPNs for New Zealand
- Surfshark — Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CyberGhost — Massive server network
- Windscribe — Free VPN for New Zealand
Firstly, you should look at a VPN service’s privacy policy to make sure that it’s clear and commits against logging data. The VPN service should also offer basic security features, like a kill switch and split tunneling. Moreover, VPNs that offer security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20, offer the best security.
The best VPNs also offer top-notch speeds. Fast connection speeds allow you to stream content without buffering problems and download torrents faster. While in most cases, your speeds will reduce a little due to data traveling through an intermediary VPN server, the best VPNs ensure that the reduction is minimal.
While all VPNs can assign a new IP address, not all can effectively bypass geoblocks. This is especially true when trying to access a streaming service like Netflix, which bans VPN usage aggressively. Using one of the best VPNs for streaming ensures you always have access to your favorite websites.
The 5 Best VPNs for New Zealand
Below, we discuss what each of the best VPNs for New Zealand offers so that you can make an informed choice. Let’s start with our recommended service, ExpressVPN.
1. ExpressVPN
More details about ExpressVPN:
- Pricing: $6.66 per month (15-months plan)
- Provider website: expressvpn.com
Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds
- Unblocks big streaming apps
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for New Zealand because it offers a great combination of VPN features, security and performance. The service encrypts your connection with OpenVPN and AES-256 by default, or you can choose one of the other protocols including IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec and Lightway.
ExpressVPN has a VPN app for almost any device you can think of, including Android and iOS devices, smart TVs, routers and gaming consoles. Cross-compatibility can come in handy if you frequently stream via numerous devices. The app includes basics like a kill switch and split tunneling.
The service offers VPN servers in over 90 countries, including New Zealand. This means you can use ExpressVPN to acquire a New Zealand IP address.
ExpressVPN users can share their account to reduce the cost of the service. Since ExpressVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, you and your friends or family can use the service at the same time without any streaming problems. Learn more about ExpressVPN in our full ExpressVPN review.
Great for Streaming
ExpressVPN is the most versatile VPN provider you’ll find for streaming. It unblocks all major services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus. The service also offers great speeds, which means you can stream your favorite content in high-definition without buffering problems.
ExpressVPN is expensive. However, if you like the thought of using the most premium service on the market, with all the bells and whistles available, ExpressVPN is worth every penny. You can also always share your account with up to five people, reducing the cost.
The best value comes with the annual plan, which costs $6.66 per month, while the monthly plan costs $12.95 per month. The service also has a six-month plan, costing $9.99 per month. You can use ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service risk-free.
2. NordVPN
More details about NordVPN:
- Pricing: $3.29 per month (two-year plan)
- Provider website: nordvpn.com
Pros:
- Fastest VPN
- Great security
- Massive server network
Cons:
- No phone support
- Fiddly mobile app
NordVPN gives ExpressVPN a run for its money, due to its similar feature set, performance and lower price. In fact, NordVPN even beats ExpressVPN in a few areas — NordVPN is the fastest VPN according to our speed tests.
The service offers three VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2 and NordLynx (NordVPN’s take on WireGuard) paired with AES-256 encryption to secure your VPN connection. The VPN also has basic security features like a kill switch and split tunneling.
NordVPN is already a pocket-friendly service given its feature set — the best value plan costs $3.29 per month for the two-year plan. You can also share the account with family members, since NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth.
As a NordVPN user, you can access over 5,000 VPN servers across 60 countries, including New Zealand. This means NordVPN can help you acquire a New Zealand IP address when you need one. If you’d like to get to know NordVPN even better before signing up, check out our NordVPN review.
Specialty Servers
NordVPN offers several types of specialty servers, including double VPN, P2P, Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers. The most commonly used server type is double VPN. This specialty server routes your traffic via two VPN servers instead of one, adding another layer of security to your connection.
NordVPN’s best value plan (the two-year plan) costs $3.29 per month, the yearly plan costs $4.99 per month, while the monthly plan costs $11.99 per month. If you’d like to try the service before committing, you can use NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee as a trial.
- : Unlimited GB
- : 6
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- : Unlimited GB
- : 6
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3. Surfshark
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: $2.49 per month (two-year plan)
- Provider website: surfshark.com
Pros:
- Unlimited connections
- Unlocks big streaming apps
- NoBorders mode
Cons:
- No user forum
Surfshark is a low-cost VPN provider, and while it hasn’t been around for as long as other premium services, it has outperformed many industry names. The service offers excellent security, fast connection speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections and New Zealand servers.
You can choose to secure your connection with OpenVPN, IKEv2 or WireGuard paired with AES-256 or ChaCha20. The app includes a kill switch and split tunneling, so you’re always in control of the traffic that’s being encrypted on your connection.
You can install Surfshark on a router to share the VPN service with your entire household. While it’s often hard to share a VPN due to provider limitations, Surfshark makes it easy by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This can help you cut your subscription cost. Read more about the service in our full Surfshark review.
Additional Features
Surfshark packs in several additional features that many other VPNs lack. For example, the service includes the NoBorders mode, which allows you to get past firewalls in countries like China. The service also includes CleanWeb, an ad blocker that rotates your IP automatically every few minutes so you’re always anonymous when online.
Surfshark is a pocket-friendly service, with the best value plan (the two-year plan) costing just $2.49. If you don’t want to commit long term, you can choose the yearly plan, which costs $3.99, or the monthly plan, which costs $12.95. Like other VPNs, Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- : Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices
- : Unlimited GB
- : Unlimited
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4. CyberGhost
More details about CyberGhost:
- Pricing: $2.37 per month (two-year plan)
- Provider website: cyberghostvpn.com
Pros:
- Great user interface
- Massive server network
- VPN automation features
Cons:
- Slow at times
CyberGhost’s server network is massive. As a CyberGhost user, you can access over 9,000 servers across 91 countries, including New Zealand, which means you can get a local IP address. This makes it great for accessing streaming libraries across the world.
The VPN offers three security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. The app’s security features include a kill switch, split tunneling, NoSpy servers and an IPv6 connection blocker. We go into a lot more detail about CyberGhost’s feature set in our CyberGhost review.
CyberGhost can be slow at times, but the speed largely depends on the server you choose.
Busy servers or servers in far-away locations are usually the culprits here. However, CyberGhost makes finding alternative servers easy with its thorough server sorting options. You can sort servers by distance and server load, and select a nearby server with lower load for better performance.
Automation Features
CyberGhost’s “smart rules” feature lets you automate repetitive VPN tasks. For example, you can configure a smart rule such that each time you launch CyberGhost, it automatically connects to a New Zealand server.
CyberGhost offers low prices. The best value plan (the two-year plan) costs only $2.37. You can also choose the six-month plan, which costs $6.99, or the monthly plan, costing $12.99, if you don’t want a long-term commitment. The service offers VPN users a longer, 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans (14 days on the monthly plan).
5. Windscribe
More details about Windscribe:
- Pricing: Free, $5.75 per month (one-year plan)
- Provider website: windscribe.com
Pros:
- Fast & secure
- Flexible pricing option
- Generous free plan
Cons:
- No free NZ servers
Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs out there. It’s one of the few VPNs you’ll find that offers a generous free plan and is reliable, fast and safe. Most free VPNs are untrustworthy and many are insecure — they might even infect your computer with malware. However, Windscribe is one of the trustworthy VPN providers.
The free plan is a preview to Windscribe’s paid service, which means it comes with a few limitations. You get 15GB of free data each month, provided you confirm your email address and tweet about Windscribe. The Windscribe free version also only offers access to a few server locations.
Even with its restrictions, Windscribe is a worthy contender, especially if you’re looking for a free service. It offers great security and top-notch speeds. It also beats premium services, like ExpressVPN, in speed comparisons when tested on U.S.-based servers.
This free New Zealand VPN service includes limited access to R.O.B.E.R.T. — a powerful ad and malware blocker. R.O.B.E.R.T. is more powerful than ad blockers you find on other VPN services, as we explain in more detail in our Windscribe review.
Flexible Pricing Option
Windscribe’s build-a-plan option gives you the flexibility to upgrade from the free version without paying for the full service. The option has a minimum checkout value of $3 per month.
You can add servers in two countries (including New Zealand) for $1 per month each and unlimited data plus full access to R.O.B.E.R.T. for $1 per month. Alternatively, you may add servers in three countries.
Windscribe’s ready-to-use plans are expensive. The best value plan (the yearly plan) costs $5.75 per month, while the monthly plan costs $9 per month, which is cheaper than the monthly pricing of ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
- : Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- : 15 GB
- : Unlimited
- : Unlimited GB
- : Unlimited
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Why You Should Use a New Zealand VPN
Internet users in New Zealand enjoy free access to almost all content. While the government and internet service providers (ISPs) aren’t aggressively censoring content, you still need to protect yourself against online threats.
For example, accessing your bank account online when connected to public WiFi can expose your sensitive information to hackers. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to any third-party and keeping you safe online.
Using a VPN also helps you access geoblocked content. For example, you can connect to a U.S. server to stream content on Netflix U.S. even when you’re physically in New Zealand. Similarly, you can connect to a New Zealand server when traveling abroad to access Netflix NZ.
Can You Use a Free New Zealand VPN?
Yes, you can use a free VPN like Windscribe to access geoblocked content in New Zealand. Windscribe is one of the best free VPN options that offers excellent security, fast connection speeds and the ability to bypass geoblocks.
Free VPNs are generally unreliable and insecure. Some even infect your computer with malware. However, Windscribe is one of the few VPNs you can trust. Other excellent free NZ VPN options include Proton VPN and TunnelBear (read our Proton VPN review and our TunnelBear review).
Final Thoughts: NZ VPNs
Using a VPN in New Zealand ensures your connection is secure, and that you have access to all content. With so many options available, who can you trust? We did the leg work for you and found ExpressVPN to be the best VPN for New Zealand.
For more pocket-friendly options, you can’t go wrong with NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost or Windscribe.
Have you used a VPN for New Zealand before? Which one, and were you able to unblock streaming platforms with it? What was the speed and overall performance like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
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