How to get a New Zealand IP address using a VPN

A New Zealand IP address will allow you to access geo-blocked content, and the easiest way to get one is by using a VPN. 

Anyone who wants to watch TVNZ 1 live, or access other geo-restricted online services in New Zealand, will first need an IP address in the country. The easiest – and safest – way to do this is by using a VPN. We’ll tell you which VPNs work in New Zealand and how to easily get an IP address using one. 

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server. Users can choose any server in the VPN provider’s network, which can contain several-thousand servers.

Best VPNs to get an IP address in New Zealand: 

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for getting a New Zealand IP address. Has 20+ RAM-only servers in New Zealand, direct connection to the Tor network, and powerful obfuscation. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for New Zealand IP addresses. Provides RAM-only servers in Auckland, and access to both static and rotating IP addresses. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and a Smart DNS service.
3. ExpressVPN: Impressive security and privacy credentials, including an open-source connection protocol. Has RAM-only servers in New Zealand and 104+ other countries. Works great with major streaming platforms and even has an app for routers.  
4. Proton VPN: Multiple servers in New Zealand and a speed optimization tool for long-distance connections. Provides easy access to popular streaming services and is a good option for torrenting.
5. PrivateVPN: Provides New Zealand IP addresses via a server in Auckland. Offers fast connection speeds and consistent access to streaming platforms. An effective stealth mode can bypass blocks in China and elsewhere. 
6. Mullvad: Privacy-focused company with three servers in New Zealand. Effective obfuscation and full GUIs for every app, including Linux. Subscribers can sign up anonymously and pay with cash.
7. CyberGhost VPN: With 13+ servers in Auckland, CyberGhost VPN provides access to multiple IP addresses in New Zealand. Connection speeds are notably quick and the company has an independently audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

Faced with a sometimes overwhelming choice of VPNs, some people – particularly those new to VPNs – find that they’re unable to make a final decision. To aid our own selection process, we objectively compare each provider against a list of criteria. These are summarized below, and expanded upon later in the article.

• Servers in New Zealand
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Ability to access streaming services
• Value for money
• User-friendly apps 
• Helpful customer support
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN provider must have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party
• Likewise, to cement a place in our top three, servers must be diskless/RAM only and providers must have had their logging policies (infrastructure) audited by a respected third-party

How to get a New Zealand IP address from anywhere

Follow these simple steps to get a New Zealand IP address from anywhere:

1. Choose a VPN that has servers in New Zealand. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription. 
3. Download, and install, the relevant app for the device you’d like to use with a New Zealand IP address.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and choose “New Zealand” from the server list of available countries.
6. Choose a location within New Zealand if available. Most providers only have servers in Auckland.
7. Click the “connect” button.
8. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
9. Use the internet as normal, but with a New Zealand IP address and encrypted internet traffic.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address in New Zealand

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail.

NordVPN is our top recommendation. Now one of the most recognizable VPN brands, it has built its reputation on industry innovation and overall user-friendliness. It has 30+ RAM-only servers in New Zealand and works seamlessly with all of the major streaming platforms. Moreover, its proprietary connection protocol provides globally fast connection seeds.

Features include one-click access to the privacy-focused Tor network; options to route internet traffic through two servers for additional security, or obfuscate it in order to bypass the blocks imposed by authoritarian governments. NordVPN apps include split tunneling, a kill switch, and a dark web monitor.

The company has had both its security infrastructure and software independently audited. It protects users’ internet data using 256-bit AES channel encryption, SHA384 for authentication, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

The company’s apps are intuitive to use and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux – the latter of which is now open-source. Subscribers are permitted up to six device connections, though one of these can be used for a router. NordVPN offers plenty of guidance on router installation, and its customer support team are available 24/7 to offer assistance. 

Like every other VPN, NordVPN is in an ongoing struggle with those that seek to make what is private more public. In 2018, hackers managed to steal configuration files and the private keys associated with certificates used to secure NordVPN web servers. 

The issue was traced to a third-party data center in Finland, which ultimately led NordVPN to switch its entire server network to RAM-only. In the immediate aftermath, NordVPN conducted a security audit and penetration testing, as well as starting a bug bounty program.

Finally, NordVPN's Meshnet private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux is now free for everyone. This includes users who do not have a subscription to NordVPN.

BEST VPN FOR NEW ZEALAND: NordVPN is our top recommendation. It has 20+ servers in New Zealand, notably fast connection speeds, and plenty of security features. Uninterrupted streaming via a range of devices. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark has rapidly ascended to become one of the best VPN providers. It offers a wealth of features while keeping subscription fees reasonably priced. There are plenty of options to use IP addresses in New Zealand, with fast connections and easy access to all of the major streaming platforms.

Surfshark’s entire server network is RAM-only and it protects users’ internet traffic using AES-256 encryption. For additional security, subscribers can create MultiHop connections by selecting entry and exit servers. 

The provider also has a rotating IP service that switches users’ IP addresses in session without disconnecting from the server. Alternatively, subscribers can make use of a static IP address – though these aren’t located in New Zealand.

Surfshark works with all major streaming providers, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Its smart DNS feature enables VPN-incompatible devices like smart TVs and games consoles to access geo-restricted content by changing their DNS addresses. 

The company has an audited no-logs policy and an effective stealth mode that can provide internet access in countries like China. Apps have a consistently usable GUI, and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. 

Surfshark announced a merger with Nord Security in 2022. Nord Security is the parent company of NordVPN, and also owns Atlas VPN. Although Surfshark says that it will continue to operate autonomously, the merger marks a further consolidation of power within the industry, with a few big players now controlling much of the market. 

GOOD VALUE: Surfshark has servers in Auckland and is able to provide a range of New Zealand IP addresses. Connection speeds are fast, secure, and private. Subscriptions come with unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a well-regarded provider with a variety of security features and well-made software. It has plenty of options for New Zealand IP addresses and provides fast connections using its proprietary Lightway connection protocol.

It works well with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Sky TV. In addition, its Media Streamer tool helps devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs access otherwise restricted content. There aren't many better options in terms of unblocking online content. 

ExpressVPN provides effective obfuscation that enables it to work in countries like China. It also has a dedicated Onion site for virtually anonymous sign-up. Other features include split-tunneling; a kill-switch; leak protection; and a built-in ad, tracker, and malware-blocker.  

The company has a strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers that are optimized for security. Its Trusted Server technology – which includes measures such as reinstalling the operating systems of all servers on a weekly basis – has twice been independently audited. 

While connected, users’ internet traffic is secured using 256-bit AES encryption, in conjunction with 4096-bit DHE-RSA keys and SHA512 hash authentication.  

Apps are consistently easy for anyone to use and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. ExpressVPN also provides a dedicated router app, which makes it simple to protect every device on a home network.

It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN is no longer independent, having been acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021. For those not familiar with the company, Kape Technologies is a growing cybersecurity firm and software provider that also owns CyberGhost VPN and Private Internet Access.

In its previous incarnation as Crossrider, Kape Technologies controversially produced software designed to inject ad-ware into users’ browsers. This was quickly co-opted by ne'er-do-wells and used for spreading malware.

ExpressVPN has said that it continues to operate autonomously and has, since being bought, undergone third-party audits of both its security infrastructure and software. It has also introduced a $100,000 bug bounty to anyone able to compromise its systems.

TRUSTWORTHY PROVIDER: ExpressVPN has a global network of high-speed RAM-only servers, with several options available in New Zealand. It works well with streaming providers and plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has had four servers in Auckland since 2018. Primarily intended for New Zealanders to protect their privacy, they can also be used by those seeking New Zealand IP addresses. The provider has better-than-average connection speeds, and can provide a boost to long-distance traffic with its VPN accelerator. This uses a combination of network optimization and a re-engineered version of OpenVPN. 

Its Secure Core feature helps protect traffic traveling to and from high-risk countries. It does this by routing it through servers in countries with strong privacy laws, like Iceland and Switzerland. These servers are housed in high-security data centers and are wholly owned and provisioned by Proton VPN.

Other features include a tracker, ad and malware blocker; split tunneling; a kill switch; and open-source apps. 

Proton VPN protects internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption with a SHA384 hash and 4096-bit RSA keys for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. For WireGuard, it uses ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, which is authenticated with Poly1305.

The company has a strict no-logs policy and independently audited apps. These are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux. 

Proton VPN is part of the same company as ProtonMail, which was compelled by a Swiss court to begin logging the IP addresses and browser fingerprint information of one of its users in 2021. While it might be assumed that the same thing could happen to Proton VPN, the company maintains that “Within the current Swiss legal framework, Proton VPN does not have forced logging obligations.” 

SPEED BOOST: Proton VPN has four servers in New Zealand and easy access to all major streaming services. It allows connections via multiple servers and has a stealth mode for evading VPN blocks. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

PrivateVPN is fast, secure, and able to provide multiple IP addresses in New Zealand. It’s a good choice for streaming, and works with popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+.

It’s also recommended for torrenting, with dedicated P2P servers in Sweden and the option for port forwarding. This latter feature enables connections to more peers, and thus faster downloads.

Other features include built-in protection against IPv6 leaks and DNS leaks; app-specific and system-wide kill switches; and access to a HTTP and SOCKS5 Proxy. It also has a stealth mode that can help subscribers evade VPN blocks in countries where internet use is restricted. 

PrivateVPN offers plenty of customization options for more experienced users, including the ability to adjust the level of encryption and change the connection protocol. Choices include OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Subscribers can manually configure a connection with compatible routers. The customer support team can provide remote control help if necessary, which is a welcome reassurance.

PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, although this has yet to be verified by an independent audit. It is also based in Sweden, which is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. According to documents leaked by Edward Snowden and published in The Intercept, SIGINT members have collaborated to monitor communications during several major European events.

STEALTH MODE: Provides New Zealand IP addresses via a server in Auckland and can disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. Works well with popular streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Mullvad is a great option for those concerned about New Zealand’s membership of the Five Eyes spying alliance because of its privacy measures. It has an admirable dedication to transparency and can provide secure access to IP addresses in New Zealand via three servers in the country.

Connections using the WireGuard protocol are quick, though it’s worth noting that Mullvad isn’t the best option for streaming. In tests, it only worked with Amazon Prime.

Its features include access to MultiHop servers and the Shadowsocks proxy, split-tunneling, obfuscation, a kill switch, and automatic WireGuard key rotation.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux – the latter of which is blessed with a full GUI. Those who cannot use the Mullvad VPN app are able to download configuration files to use with the official OpenVPN or WireGuard clients.

Subscribers are charged a flat fee – which hasn’t changed since 2009 – whether they sign up for a month, year, or decade. This makes a refreshing change from the sometimes convoluted multiple introductory prices offered by other providers. It is also, as far as we know, the only VPN service that accepts cash as payment. 

Mullvad has had external audits of its software and security infrastructure. It has a robust no-logs policy and the majority of software used and developed by Mullvad VPN is open-source. It works well to improve online security, and won't leak your actual IP address in the process. 

Although the provider is based in Sweden – which is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance – it states that no existing Swedish regulations can force VPN providers to secretly collect traffic-related data. 

PRIVATE AND SECURE: Mullvad ticks all the boxes for privacy enthusiasts. It allows for anonymous sign-up and aims for complete transparency. New Zealand IP addresses are available via three servers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost VPN is most well-known for providing some of the fastest connection speeds of any VPN. This is particularly handy if you’re accessing New Zealand IP addresses from the Northern Hemisphere.

The company has a vast global network of RAM-only servers and works well with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Other features include an automatic kill switch; built-in IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection; and 24/7 customer support via live chat.

Split tunneling is possible, though only fully for Android. The Smart Rules feature – which allows users to specify which servers particular apps should automatically connect to – is only available for Windows. 

Internet traffic is protected using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication. For additional security – and for an additional fee – CyberGhost VPN provides access to its high-security NoSpy servers. These provide extra bandwidth, a dedicated uplink, and faster speeds. 

Pleasingly straightforward apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. CyberGhost VPN makes browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. 

CyberGhost VPN was bought by Kape Technologies in 2017. As mentioned earlier, Kape Technologies has a somewhat murky history. On a positive note, CyberGhost VPN has – since its acquisition – undergone independent audits of its infrastructure and no-logs policy. It also continues to publish quarterly transparency reports, in which it details any third-party data requests.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost VPN has 13+ RAM-only servers able to provide IP addresses in New Zealand. It also has a presence in 100+ other countries, an audited no-logs policy, and fast connection speeds. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for New Zealand 

As VPN providers jostle for position in a crowded market, the temptation is for them to add yet more niche features to capture users’ attention. In our reviews we focus instead on what makes a particular VPN the most useful to most people, while still fulfilling the stated requirement – in this case, providing an IP address in New Zealand. 

We used the following criteria as part of our testing methodology.  

• Servers in New Zealand: The safest and more private way to get an IP address in New Zealand is by using a VPN with servers physically located in the country. The more established VPNs have multiple options available, with the majority based in Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island. The VPN must offer unlimited bandwidth, and a wide variety of servers worldwide.
• Fast connection speeds: With more of us willing to pay a little extra for the fastest internet connection s, it makes little sense to sign up to a VPN service that will bog it down. VPN speeds are all the more important for long-distance connections, such as those from the US to New Zealand. With this in mind, we regularly test all of the top providers to ensure that we’re only recommending the fastest. 
• Strong privacy and security features: VPNs should be able to protect your internet traffic from third-party interference – like that of New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). To do this, they need a suite of different tools. At the very least, this should include 256-AES encryption; a strict no-logs policy; leak protection; and a kill switch. Ideally, they should also provide obfuscation; access to MultiHop servers; and split tunneling. 
• Ability to access streaming services: While most VPNs with servers in New Zealand will be able to access national content like TVNZ, it’s a different story for international streaming platforms. In fact, very few VPNs are now able to access services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu. We regularly test the top providers to check which platforms they are able to access.
• Value for money: If you want to safely use IP addresses in New Zealand without your internet connection significantly slowing down, the reality is that you’ll need to pay for a VPN subscription. Unfortunately, some providers charge far more than they’re worth, which is why we check that each provider offers decent value for money before we recommend them. If, for example, they charge more than the market rate, they should be able to justify it with an exceptional level of service.
• User-friendly apps: VPNs have never been more popular, with people now adopting them from a range of different backgrounds beyond the business setting. Some may have limited experience using computers, which means it’s essential that VPN providers make apps that feel welcoming. This is most easily done with an intuitive GUI that is consistent across platforms. The best VPNs also provide access to more advanced functionality in just a few clicks.
• Helpful customer support: Whether you need help installing a VPN on a router, or finding a server that works with Netflix, having 24/7 access to a customer support team makes all the difference. We also like to see providers offering an up-to-date, detailed and searchable knowledge base. 

Bonus points

In addition to the above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following (all of our top three providers offer the below):

• Access to China: In an attempt to control the flow of information in and out of the country, the Chinese government has become exceptionally skilled at blocking the use of VPNs. Those that are able to provide continued access are therefore highly prized. 

• Diskless servers: Servers that are able to store potentially sensitive customer information seem like a bad idea in terms of privacy. For this reason, many VPN providers are switching their networks to RAM-only servers. These are wiped clean at every reboot, thus reducing the risk of data being retained. Furthermore, they can run more efficiently by working from copies of the most up-to-date software. 

• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: The security services of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the US, routinely share information with each other as part of the Five Eyes alliance. There are other such alliances around the world, which enable intelligence to be gathered on a country’s citizens, and provided to that country’s government – but without its express involvement. It’s a nefarious business, and one that better VPNs try to avoid being co-opted into. One way to do this is by registering themselves in counties which don’t belong to known alliances, such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands. 

• Audited software and infrastructure: While detailed no-logs policies sound great on paper, some VPNs have demonstrated that these aren't quite as robust as they’re made out to be – particularly when pressure is applied by the law. To try and regain consumer trust, better VPNs bring in third-party auditors to check that their software and hardware cannot be used to store user information. At the same time, they can verify their security by checking for vulnerabilities and potential exploits. 

Can I use a free VPN for a New Zealand IP address?

You can, though we wouldn’t recommend it. The first issue is that those VPNs that don’t charge a subscription will need to rely on advertising. This means in-app ads at best. At worst, your data will be collected and sold on. Trackers are common among free VPNs as is some form of logging policy.

Even if none of the above was to bother you, the connections offered by free VPNs can be painfully slow. They tend to have a poor user-to-server ratio, which results in congestion during peak times. For relatively remote places like New Zealand, you’ll be lucky if you can find a free VPN with a presence there. 

If you can’t afford a subscription from one of our recommended providers, some of them offer a stripped-down version of their main product as a form of taster. These, at least, have decent security and privacy. What they don’t have is the features of the parent product. They also limit the number of available servers, with the result that New Zealand is unlikely to be available.  

How to Get a New Zealand IP address: FAQs

Do I need a VPN while traveling in New Zealand?

Rather than pay roaming charges, most travelers take advantage of New Zealand’s free WiFi spots while in the country. These are most prevalent around central Auckland, Dunedin, Rotorua, and Wellington. You’ll also find them in all public libraries, many of the i-SITE Visitor Information Centres, and the country’s main – and some regional – airports. In addition, some cafes, restaurants, and accommodations offer free WiFi to their customers. 

It's always a good idea to connect using a VPN when traveling, especially if you plan on using free WiFi. This ensures that your traffic is encrypted should anyone intercept it – which is relatively easy with an unsecured network. The best VPNs automatically encrypt your traffic when they detect a connection to an unknown WiFi network. 

Should New Zealand residents use a VPN?

If you care about your privacy, then yes. While the country’s government may seem relatively benign, it plays a crucial role in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This has traditionally involved the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) gathering intelligence on New Zealand’s neighboring countries in Asia and the South Pacific. 

However, a 2013 investigation revealed that, in the words of then-Prime minister John Key, “they [the GCSB] have been regularly spying on New Zealanders from before 2003 and since”. The subsequent GCSB Bill retrospectively validated GCSB’s behavior, and, according to Global Information Society Watch, extended the Bureau's authority to carry out surveillance of New Zealand citizens.

Are VPNs legal in New Zealand?

VPNs are legal everywhere in New Zealand. They shouldn’t, however, be used for illegal activities. For example, the country has a strong stance on cyberbullying and introduced the Harmful Digital Communications Bill to help prevent it. The Bill, which became law in 2015, has, for all its flaws, the ability to imprison those using deliberately harmful, threatening, or offensive language online.

Can I watch New Zealand TV with a VPN?

As long as your VPN has servers in New Zealand, you will be able to connect to those servers while on vacation or traveling for work. As a result, you will be able to access streaming services and TV broadcasts that are usually region locked for viewers in New Zealand.

The important thing to remember is that the vast majority of VPNs have been blocked by leading streaming services around the world – including those in New Zealand. This means you must stick to a recommended service that has been tested for streaming, like the ones in this guide.

That said, it is important to note that every VPN is different and some services may work with more New Zealand TV services than others. You can check which services each VPN works with, or test it with your favorite streaming services, to ensure it is a good fit for your personal needs by using the money-back guarantee.

Below, we have included a list of services that you can access on vacation by connecting to a VPN server in New Zealand:

• TVNZ OnDemand
• ThreeNow
• Sky Go
• NEON
• Spark Sport
• Māori Television
• Prime Video
• Netflix
• Disney+
• YouTube TV
• TV3
• TVNZ 1
• TVNZ 2
• TVNZ Duke
• Bravo New Zealand
• HGTV New Zealand
• Choice TV
• Vodafone TV
• Newshub
• The Breeze TV

In addition to watching New Zealand TV abroad, don't forget that a VPN will also work to access your favorite shows at work or in school. Simply connect to the VPN's IP address in New Zealand and you will bypass all the local restrictions. This allows you to use the internet as if you were back at home, and thanks to the VPN's encryption, nobody will be able to track what you do.