7 Best VPNs for New Zealand in 2024 (for New Zealand IP address)
Geo-restriction is a term becoming more popular these days. It refers to a limitation to what you have access to online, depending on your location. In this article, we’ll explore geo-restrictions relating to New Zealand. This applies to different sets of people: those outside New Zealand who want to access content restricted to the country, and those who are in New Zealand who want to access content in other locations.
In both cases, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the solution. VPNs usually have servers in several areas. Access to a VPN’s network of servers allows you to enjoy local content in whatever region interests you.
A VPN also creates a tunnel between your network and the VPN service provider’s, encrypting traffic that goes through the tunnel. This keeps your data safe from malicious entities.
This article dwells on the top seven free VPNs for New Zealand and the features they offer.
Best Risk-Free VPNs for New Zealand
Risk-free VPNs will require you to pay for a subscription plan before you can use their services. However, they also offer you a chance to get your money back if you’re no longer interested. They do this using a 30-day money-back guarantee (it can be less or more depending on the service provider). You will get a full refund if you ask for your money within that period.
In this section, we will review the best risk-free VPNs for New Zealand and highlight the strength of each of them.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN’s 3000 plus servers are live in 94 countries. Servers in New Zealand make room for you to watch TVNZ and other channels without any inconvenience. With no restrictions on bandwidth and blazing speed, you can stream in Full HD and Ultra HD. Using it for any torrenting activity is always smooth as all servers support any P2P action.
It keeps no logs of online actions or information that can identify users. The provider retains only essential data needed by ExpressVPN to permit users to log into their accounts. Operating from the British Virgin Islands gives it the freedom to abide by its No-Log Policy. A proprietary TrustedServer keeps your data on RAM, ensuring it stays away from persistent memory storage.
Using public networks can be risky, and ExpressVPN takes away that risk by using AES-256 encryption on all connections to its servers. It uses the efficient OpenVPN protocol and includes IKEv2, IPsec, L2TP options. A kill switch and DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection prevents unwanted IP address exposure. Split tunneling, perfect forward secrecy, and Tor Over VPN are other notable security features.
ExpressVPN has custom applications for mainstream devices and instructional guides for others. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Its users have the option of selecting from three different subscription plans. The monthly plan offers no discount at $12.95, but its yearly plan allows you to save 35% at $8.32 per month. A 30-day refund policy applies to all plans, and you can use a subscription account on five devices at the same time.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 7,000+ in 111 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN has 5506 servers resident in 59 countries. It has more than 20 servers in New Zealand, having enough firepower to handle heavy resources. Excellent unblocking powers make it one of the most sought-after VPNs. Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer are just some of the popular streaming sites you can watch without any fear of restrictions.
A significant number of its servers allow P2P file-sharing, ensuring fast rates for a smooth process. Its quick connect feature relays you to the quickest server so you can enjoy streaming in UHD and HD. The distance to the server you connect to can be a determining factor in the rate you use. With NordVPN, you are likely not to notice the reduction.
Under the Panamanian Government’s jurisdiction, NordVPN is not legally committed to keeping user logs or data. Regardless, its No-Log Policy makes sure only user account details stay logged. NordVPN uses other features to ensure users trust them with their data, including obfuscated servers, a bitcoin payment option, and a warrant canary.
NordVPN has so many robust security features. It starts with encrypting your connection with industry-recommended AES-256. Perfect forward secrecy ensures the random generation of keys every time you log on. Top VPN protocols you can use include OpenVPN, NordLynx, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. Tor over VPN, leak prevention, split tunneling, and Double VPN are also part of the security structure.
It supports browser extensions, mainstream operating systems, and other devices. Its apps are user-friendly, and you have three subscription plans to have access to its network. Starting from $11.95 per month and ending at $3.71 per month, its plans become less expensive when you intend to use it for a year or two. You reach a simultaneous connection limit when you use six devices at the same time.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Best Completely Free VPNs for New Zealand
Below, we look at the VPNs that offer completely free services to their users.
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Over 3000 servers in 65 countries, including New Zealand, is a testament to how far Surfshark has come. It unblocks geo-blocked content with ease. TVNZ, Three Now, NeonTV, Netflix, and SkyGo are some famous platforms you can access. Lags are annoying, and people want a smooth experience. Surfshark continues to improve as regards delivering a fast connection. Support for fast torrenting allows you to use a quick link on torrent clients.
The British Virgin Islands is where Surfshark is registered, away from prying eyes. With its No-Log Policy, you can expect it not to store your data. It provides subscribers with an option to pay in cryptocurrencies, giving them a chance to stay completely anonymous. It also has a warrant canary to relay any information to users about data breaches or requests from a government agency.
256-bit encryption, DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection, Double VPN, HackLock, and an adblocker known as Cleanweb protect your connection and prevent malicious entities from accessing your data. IKEv2/IPsec is the primary VPN protocol, with OpenVPN as another option. Its Camouflage and NoBorders Mode ensures extra protection in countries with heavy censorship or VPN restrictions.
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial. However, this is only accessible to users on Android and iOS. If you’re on any other platform, you may not be able to access this free trial. Not to worry, though, like the risk-free VPNs mentioned above, Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can use the VPN essentially for free during this window by taking advantage of this opportunity.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
ProtonVPN has 1232 servers in 54 countries. Fifteen servers can give you access to local content in New Zealand. You also have access to global sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. ProtonVPN does not have incredible speed. You are likely to experience some buffering. However, its servers are quick enough to support torrenting.
Concerning privacy, ProtonVPN’s operational center is in Switzerland, keeping your data away from the jurisdiction of prying alliances. Swiss law is also in support of its transparent No-Log Policy. Since ProtonVPN is associated with ProtonMail, you can be sure to trust it.
About security, AES-256 encryption gives your data excellent protection. Its security structure comprises NetShield, perfect forward secrecy, Tor over VPN, Secure Core servers, leak protection, and a kill switch. Secure Core mostly works like the MultiHop feature of other VPNs, routing your data through two or more servers.
All custom applications are open source and are compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Routers. ProtonVPN offers Free, Basic, Plus, and Visionary plans. The Visionary plan is a little on the high side but gives you access to all features, ten simultaneous connections, and a ProtonMail Visionary account. You can subscribe risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
TunnelBear
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes, bitcoin
- Dedicated IP-adresses? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 5
- Locations: 28 countries
Pros/Cons
- Unlimited browsing
- Account manager
- Military grade encryption
- Free version allows only 500MB data
TunnelBear has servers resident in over 40 countries, including New Zealand. It is not the best in unblocking streaming sites or blocked websites, but it does its job in securing your connection. TunnelBear is simple, easy to use, and swift. In addition, you can download torrent files as its servers support P2P activities.
Fast enough for people who visit streaming and gaming platforms, TunnelBear’s servers will give you an enjoyable experience online. Although it’s not as convincing as some of the fastest VPNs, it is reliable. However, like most free VPNs, there is a bandwidth limit. You can only use 500MB per month. Since some people use more than that in a single day, it is certainly not enough.
However, its security features are attractive as it uses the impenetrable AES-256 to secure your connection. In addition, it is transparent and has a detailed privacy policy that tells you what data it collects and what it does with such data. Furthermore, TunnelBear has gone through audits to prove its transparency to users.
TunnelBear has native applications for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. In addition, if you like using your browser to stream instead of applications, you will be happy to find out TunnelBear has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. As has been the case with most free VPNs, it only permits five simultaneous VPN connections per user.
- Pros: Unlimited browsing; Account manager; Military grade encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.33
UrbanVPN
Features
- Free to use: Always
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Server locations: 82 locations
Pros/Cons
- Fast VPN
- Free
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not very known
US-based UrbanVPN is a relatively new VPN service. It’s been around for about three years now, and it has never offered a paid subscription plan since its inception. It has at least 40 server locations worldwide, and its servers in New Zealand are available for users looking to access local Kiwi content.
UrbanVPN will give you access to local streaming services such as your local Netflix library. However, you will find it difficult to unblock the Netflix library of other countries. In addition, it is not great at unblocking other streaming platforms. Its servers are decent when it comes to watching local content. However, you might encounter buffering as they are not consistent and reliable.
In terms of privacy, UrbanVPN does not seem to care for your privacy, as it is US-based. The US is a prominent member of the 14 Eyes Alliance and is not a privacy-friendly country. In addition, UrbanVPN logs your browsing data and information that government agencies can use to identify you, including your IP address. Plus, the information in its privacy policy suggests UrbanVPN will share your data with the authorities if compelled to by law.
Security-wise, UrbanVPN uses OpenVPN, but that is the only thing we know as this VPN service provider refuses to disclose other protocols it uses. In addition, it only uses OpenVPN for its Windows and macOS applications. It does not support manual configurations, as its native apps are only available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. You can use UrbanVPN on as many devices as you want.
- Pros: Fast VPN; Free; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: Free
Things to Consider Before Selecting a Free VPN for New Zealand
Below, we look at things you need to consider before choosing a free VPN you can use to access blocked content in New Zealand.
1. Security
Security is as essential as your data. Without the proper security protocols and features, a VPN can expose your data to the wrong entities. While free VPNs are more likely to expose your data, some of them have the right security perimeter to keep bad actors away from your data. So, you need to look out for VPNs with features such as 256-bit encryption, secure VPN protocols, and other security features.
2. Privacy
Privacy is also as crucial as security because free VPNs are more likely to allow third-party advertising companies access to your data. In addition, the location of your VPN service provider is vital to your privacy. Certain countries require VPN services to log connection data. So, you need to read the privacy policy of the free VPN service you decide to use.
3. Server Network
The server network of a free VPN determines what you can access. Usually, free VPNs have less sophisticated infrastructure compared to premium VPNs. In addition, the number of servers you have access to is generally small. As a result, the country-specific platforms you can unblock are determined by the number of servers and the ability of those servers.
Can I Use a Free VPN for New Zealand?
It is better to pay for a budget-friendly VPN than risk using a free VPN. Free VPNs are not exactly a bad idea, but they come with several risks that can make you regret using them. Firstly, you usually do not have access to several servers. It’s either there are no servers in New Zealand, or the free plan does not give you access to them.
Other things to consider include bandwidth caps, slow rates, a limit on the number of devices, inadequate security, weak unblocking prowess, and logging of your connection data. These VPNs may also sell your data to the highest bidder. It is no wonder most of them are filled with ads and malware. In your quest to get a VPN for New Zealand, be wary of free VPNs.
Conclusion
Several VPNs claim to offer the best services for New Zealand. This article has made it easy for you to know the truth and make a choice. Each VPN has something appealing to users, including features, the number of servers in New Zealand, unblocking powers, privacy, security, price, and many more. After reading this article, it is in your best interest to choose a VPN that brings you comfort.