Best New Zealand VPN in 2025

As of June %%currentyear%, NordVPN remains the best VPN for New Zealand, thanks to its reliable NZ servers, lightning-fast speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and top-tier security features. If you're looking to stream, browse, or safeguard your data in and out of New Zealand, NordVPN leads the pack.

A New Zealand VPN is essential for accessing local content securely, protecting your online activity on public Wi-Fi, and bypassing geo-restrictions from abroad. Using a reliable VPN for New Zealand lets you get an IP address in the country, stream local TV, access banking services, and maintain privacy while traveling or living overseas. Choosing a top-tier VPN allows secure browsing and unrestricted access to New Zealand-based servers from anywhere in the world.

Read on to discover the top VPNs that have passed all my tests, delivering the best performance for New Zealand in 2025.

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Top 5 VPNs for New Zealand: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN for New Zealand
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable New Zealand VPN with robust security
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure New Zealand VPN with solid free version
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Budget VPN for New Zealand with intuitive design
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Top-tier New Zealand VPN with free antivirus
   8.4

Why do I need a VPN for New Zealand?

A New Zealand VPN is essential to access content native to the country, such as TVNZ+, Sky Sport, or local banking services. Whether you're a Kiwi living abroad, a traveler missing home content, or someone in New Zealand looking for safer, more private browsing, a VPN gives you the tools to stay connected and protected.

One of the main advantages of a VPN is that it provides you with a New Zealand IP address, which makes it appear like you’re browsing from within the country. This lets you unblock geo-restricted services, such as TVNZ, which is only available to users inside the country.

A VPN also enhances your privacy and security, especially when using public Wi-Fi in places like cafes, airports, or hotels. It encrypts your data, making it nearly impossible for hackers and trackers to intercept your information.

For the best mix of security, speed, and reliable connections to New Zealand servers, NordVPN is the top tested VPN in 2025. It offers strong encryption, fast NZ-based servers, and unmatched unblocking power – a perfect fit for anyone who wants secure and easy access to New Zealand from anywhere.

Best New Zealand VPNs in 2025: detailed list

1. NordVPN - top-performing New Zealand VPN with excellent protection
2. Surfshark - fast and secure VPN for New Zealand
3. Proton VPN - freemium New Zealand VPN with strong privacy
4. TotalVPN - cheap and user-friendly New Zealand VPN
5. IPVanish - solid VPN for New Zealand with unlimited connections

Here’s a detailed review of the VPNs for New Zealand that I tried and tested hands-on. After going through some of the best VPN services, my top picks for New Zealand are NordVPN for its top-tier protection, Surfshark for its great speed and security, and Proton VPN for its strong privacy, even on a free plan. I’ve also included TotalVPN for its affordability and ease of use, and IPVanish for those who need secure unlimited connections.

Top 1. NordVPN - best VPN for New Zealand overall

After testing multiple providers, I can confidently say that NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for New Zealand in 2025. It combines speed, privacy, and versatility better than any other service I’ve used. Whether I’m streaming local content, accessing international sites, or securing my connection, NordVPN consistently delivers reliable performance and a smooth user experience.

NordVPN server network

NordVPN has over 7400 servers across 118+ countries worldwide, including 20+ New Zealand-based servers in Auckland. This ensures excellent local speeds and consistent access to domestic and international content. I noticed fast, buffer-free streaming and seamless browsing thanks to the VPN’s in-house NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. It’s one of the fastest and most efficient VPN protocols available today, offering minimal to no latency and stable connectivity.

Streaming and torrenting with NordVPN

Streaming and torrenting are where NordVPN excels further. It unblocks New Zealand platforms like TVNZ and ThreeNow easily and consistently, together with other international services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. I also appreciate their P2P-optimized servers, which make torrenting not only easy but secure. The SmartPlay feature (a built-in Smart DNS solution) enhances streaming access with no need for extra setup.

Security and privacy features

In terms of security, NordVPN uses the invincible AES-256 encryption, the highest standard in the industry. It’s backed by a strict no-logs policy, independently audited by third parties. I also found their Threat Protection tool incredibly useful. It blocks ads, malware, and web trackers, even when I’m not connected to a VPN server.

Compatibility and price

NordVPN works on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers. Plans start from $3.39/month when billed long-term, and you can have a 7-day free trial on Android before committing. There’s also the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark - trusted New Zealand VPN with fast connections

After extensive testing, I found Surfshark to be one of the best VPNs for New Zealand, especially for those seeking great value without sacrificing performance. It combines strong security, reliable access to global content, and user-friendly features, making it an outstanding option for everyday users and power users like me.

Surfshark server network

Surfshark operates a vast global network of over 100 servers in 100+ countries, including more than 10 powerful servers in New Zealand. The servers provided me with reliable local speeds and straightforward access to region-specific content. Using the WireGuard protocol, Surfshark delivered fast and consistent connections across the board – perfect for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing without delays or buffering.

Streaming and torrenting with Surfshark

When it came to content access, Surfshark successfully unblocked TVNZ, Sky Go NZ, and major international platforms like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video without a problem. Surfshark also supports P2P file sharing on many of its servers and includes a built-in Smart DNS feature for devices that don't support VPN apps, making it a great pick for both streaming and torrenting.

Security and privacy features

Privacy was impressive with Surfshark. The VPN uses industry-leading AES-256 encryption, maintains a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, and masks your IP to protect your identity online. I also appreciated its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, malicious sites, and trackers, boosting speed and security noticeably.

Compatibility and price

Surfshark is compatible with all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Plans start at just $2.19/month, which is a great value for money considering Surfshark’s strong security package. It offers a 7-day free trial plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of flexibility to test it risk-free.For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN - freemium New Zealand VPN with advanced security

If your top priority is strong privacy with robust performance, I recommend Proton VPN as one of the most reliable New Zealand VPNs in 2025. Developed by the progressive Proton team with Swiss privacy in mind, it offers a powerful blend of transparency, security, and speed, perfect for users who value data protection with top-tier functionality.

Proton VPN server network

Proton VPN has over 13000 servers in 122+ countries, including 21+ NZ servers. Most of them are 10Gbps, which gave me fast and consistent access to both local and global sites. I was also impressed by the VPN Accelerator technology, which significantly improves speed, even on long-distance connections. Overall, my experience was great, with smooth browsing, stable HD streaming, and fast downloads.

Streaming and torrenting with Proton VPN

While Proton VPN isn’t necessarily known for streaming, it performed surprisingly well. I easily unblocked TVNZ and Neon as well as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, although accessibility can vary depending on the server. For torrenting, Proton VPN provides dedicated P2P servers in select countries, ensuring secure and anonymous file sharing without bandwidth throttling or performance drops.

Security and privacy features

On the privacy side, Proton VPN sets a high bar. It uses AES-256 encryption, enforces a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. The provider is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws. The VPN’s NetShield feature, designed to block ads, trackers, and malware, improved my privacy and page loading speeds.

Compatibility and price

Proton VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. It offers a solid free version with unlimited bandwidth and reliable security, although speeds and server access are limited. Premium plans start from $3.59/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy to try without any risks.For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. TotalVPN - affordable New Zealand VPN with user-friendly apps

From my experience, TotalVPN is a strong contender for the best VPN in New Zealand, especially if you’re looking for an affordable and simple solution. It strikes a good balance between ease of use, decent speeds, and reliable security, making it a solid choice for everyday VPN needs.

Total VPN server network

TotalVPN offers servers in New Zealand alongside a global network of 50+ servers across 35+ locations. While its network is more humble in size, the local servers provided me with dependable access to NZ content and international sites. The VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which ensures stable connections and reasonable speeds for smooth browsing and streaming.

Streaming and torrenting with Total VPN

TotalVPN was able to unblock popular New Zealand platforms such as TVNZ+ and international services like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer during my tests. Torrenting is supported as well, with P2P-friendly servers ensuring secure and anonymous file sharing without restrictions or major slowdowns.

Security and privacy features

TotalVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption to keep my data safe and claims to have a no-logs policy, although it hasn’t been openly audited. It has the essential IP masking feature that hides your virtual address and protects your digital identity, and an automatic kill switch to prevent any data leaks. It also has the built-in Total Adblock, which removes ads and malware for cleaner and safer browsing.

Compatibility and price

The VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and routers. Pricing is very competitive, with plans starting at just $1.59/month. TotalVPN has a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out with no risks attached. For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

Top 5. IPVanish - feature-packed New Zealand VPN with unlimited connections

IPVanish proved to be a dependable VPN for New Zealand in my tests, offering unlimited simultaneous connections and solid overall performance. The VPN’s balance of speed, security, and user-friendly features makes it a cost-effective choice, especially for those with multiple devices.

IPVanish server network performance

IPVanish has an impressive network of over 2400 servers across 109+ countries around the world, including reliable servers located in New Zealand. This ensures stable connections to local and international content. Choosing WireGuard from the protocol options offered by IPVanish, I experienced fast and consistent speeds, which made streaming and browsing smooth and pleasant.

Streaming and torrenting with IPVanish

When it comes to streaming, IPVanish easily bypasses geo-restrictions of popular New Zealand platforms like TVNZ+ and Neon, together with international services, such as global Netflix libraries and Peacock. Its P2P-optimized servers offer safe and efficient torrenting, allowing me to download files securely without throttling or interruptions.

Security and privacy features

For security, IPVanish uses strong AES-256 encryption and maintains a strict no-logs policy, verified through independent audits. It effectively masks your IP address and has a reliable kill switch, protecting your privacy online. On top of that, the service features Stealth VPN (also called Scramble) on OpenVPN to hide your traffic. With IPVanish, you also get the VIPRE antivirus for free, which protects you from malware in real time.

Compatibility and price

IPVanish supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. One standout feature is its allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections – an attractive extra for families, large households, or simply users with many devices. Subscriptions start at $2.19/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free decisions. However, no free trial is available at the moment. For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Best New Zealand VPNs compared

How I tested and selected the best VPNs for New Zealand in June 2025

To find the best VPNs for New Zealand this June, I took a hands-on approach. I tested each of the 20 selected VPN providers over a two-week period using a consistent set of criteria. My goal was to ensure these VPNs could handle everyday use while delivering top performance for New Zealand users.

• I weighted server coverage and reliability at 30%, focusing on whether each VPN had servers physically located in New Zealand and how well they connected to international servers. I tested multiple locations across Auckland and Wellington to ensure consistent access.
• Speed and latency made up 25% of my evaluation. I used Ookla’s Speedtest to measure download/upload speeds and latency during peak and off-peak hours. I looked for stable, high-speed connections that didn’t significantly drop my ISP’s performance.
• Streaming and unblocking capabilities accounted for another 20%. I tested access to various New Zealand-based and global services, including TVNZ, Sky Go NZ, Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, checking whether the VPNs could consistently bypass geo-blocks.
• Security and privacy features were 15% of the criteria. I reviewed each provider’s encryption protocols (prioritizing AES-256), IP/DNS leak protection, and no-logs policies. I also checked whether they offered extras like malware blocking, tracker protection, and other features.
• Device compatibility and value for money made up the remaining 10%, with points awarded for wide platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers) and flexible, fairly priced plans with free trials or money-back guarantees. This thorough testing helped me confidently recommend the shortlisted New Zealand VPNs.

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Is a New Zealand VPN legal to use?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in New Zealand. There are no laws that prohibit individuals from using VPNs to enhance online privacy, secure their internet connections, or access international content. More than that, VPNs are widely used by businesses, universities, and government agencies throughout the country.

However, it's crucial to understand that while VPNs themselves are legal, using them for illegal activities is not. Engaging in actions such as downloading pirated content, accessing prohibited material, or conducting cybercrimes remains illegal regardless of whether a VPN is used. New Zealand's laws, including the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act 2011, still apply, and individuals can face legal consequences for unlawful actions online.

While VPNs are a valuable tool for protecting your online privacy and accessing content securely, it's essential to use them responsibly and in compliance with New Zealand's laws.

These steps usually restore full VPN functionality for most users. In case they don’t, contact your VPN provider’s support team for more assistance.

Can I use a free VPN for New Zealand?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for New Zealand, but it often comes with significant limitations. Some reputable providers, like Proton VPN, offer a trustworthy freemium model with decent security. However, free VPNs are usually limited in speed, data usage, and server locations. This can make streaming, browsing, or accessing New Zealand content frustrating or even impossible. Many free options also lack strong encryption and may log user activity, which can compromise your privacy.

If you're looking for consistent performance, fast NZ servers, and full access to geo-restricted content, a premium VPN like NordVPN is a far better choice. Many top providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can use that and upgrade to a paid version if you find your fit.

Conclusion

Using a VPN in New Zealand is essential for protecting your online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and ensuring secure browsing on public networks. After thorough testing, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for New Zealand in 2025 thanks to its fast local servers, powerful security features, and ability to unblock both domestic and global streaming services. Whether you're after privacy, performance, or unrestricted access, NordVPN delivers a well-rounded, reliable solution for Kiwis or users wanting more NZ content.

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FAQ

How to get a New Zealand VPN?

To get a New Zealand VPN, choose a reliable VPN provider like NordVPN, sign up for a plan, and download the app on your device. Once installed, open the app and connect to a server located in New Zealand. This will give you a New Zealand IP address, allowing you to browse as if you're in the country and access local content securely.

What is the best VPN for New Zealand?

The best VPN for New Zealand in 2025 is NordVPN. It offers fast, reliable servers in New Zealand, superb security features, and excellent unblocking capabilities for local and international content. Whether you're streaming TVNZ, accessing online banking, or simply using public Wi-Fi, NordVPN delivers outstanding performance and strong protection.

Is there a free VPN for New Zealand?

Yes, there are free VPNs that offer limited access to New Zealand servers, such as Proton VPN’s free plan known for its strong privacy focus. However, most free VPNs come with drawbacks like slower speeds, limited server access, and data caps. For better performance and reliability, consider a premium VPN like NordVPN. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a secure alternative to free options.

Does a VPN unblock TVNZ, Sky Go NZ, or other local platforms?

Yes, a good VPN with New Zealand servers like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN can unblock local platforms like TVNZ+ (OnDemand), Sky Go NZ, and ThreeNow. By connecting to a local NZ server, the VPN gives you a New Zealand IP address, allowing access to region-restricted content from abroad or on restricted networks.

Is torrenting safe and legal with a VPN in New Zealand?

Torrenting is legal in New Zealand, but downloading copyrighted material without permission is not. Using a VPN adds a layer of privacy and security, hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic, which helps protect your identity. As long as you're torrenting legal content, it's safe and legal with a VPN.