7 Best VPNs For New Zealand in 2021 [Security & Speed Tested]

Last Updated: August 3, 2021

Whether you’re a visitor or resident of New Zealand, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a guaranteed way to protect your privacy and unblock restricted content or services online. New Zealand is a part of the 5-Eyes Alliance, which means it’s legal for the government to keep tabs on your activities online and share information with members of the alliance. However, your IP address and your data traffic are securely kept away from monitoring and data gathering with a VPN.

Although many VPN providers are available, not all of them use top-notch security protocols, uncrackable encryption, or maintain a no-log policy. Using a VPN without such features in New Zealand could make it difficult to bypass geo-restrictions and expose you to privacy threats.

This article will show the best recommendations for VPNs you could use in New Zealand.

Top Recommended VPNs for New Zealand

From a list of over 50 VPN providers, we’ve selected a couple of the best and most effective ones that will provide security and protect your privacy. 

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best New Zealand VPN on the market. This provider operates over 3000 servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN’s broad server network makes it excellent for bypassing geo-restrictions on websites and services. It is also equipped with the innovative MediaStreamer technology that makes it possible to stream videos on devices that normally wouldn’t allow VPN connections.

The VPN provider’s headquarters is in the British Virgin Islands, which means that New Zealand’s authorities can’t access your personal information or pass it on to their allies.

ExpressVPN also maintains a no-log policy, so you don’t have to worry about your stored data. It has its TrustedServer technology and RAM-only servers that don’t leave traces of your data. In terms of security, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and protects you from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It also has a kill switch feature.

Additionally, ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections so you can stream high-quality movies without lag or buffering. So you get to enjoy the best security, as well as ultra-fast speeds.

ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and  Linux devices. It is also available for routers, and sports browser extensions. You’ll need to purchase a subscription plan to get started. However, with any plan, you can connect five devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and provides outstanding customer support.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN has one of the most extensive VPN server networks, with 5500+ servers in more than 59 countries. 40 of these servers are located in New Zealand. With its secure servers, you can easily unblock content on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth so that you can enjoy seamless streaming.

NordVPN is based in Panama, and since the country doesn’t belong to any data-sharing alliances, your information is safe. The provider also guarantees a strict no-log policy. NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and provides DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch to ensure that your traffic can’t be interfered with or compromised. For extra security and privacy, you can use its Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers.

You can install and use NordVPN’s user-friendly applications on Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux devices. It is also available on Android TVs and routers. Whichever device you use, the setup is quite simple. With routers, you’ll have to go through the setup process manually.

NordVPN is a paid service, so you’ll need to subscribe to any available VPN plan to use its features. It also allows for 6 multiple devices to be connected simultaneously. Additionally, NordVPN guarantees you a refund within 30 days of subscribing if you decide to stop using the VPN. In case of any issues or questions, you can contact NordVPN’s 24/7 customer support through live chat or email.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is yet another remarkable ultra-fast VPN service with a large network of servers. It has 6000+ servers in 90 countries, including 13 in New Zealand. CyberGhost’s VPN servers are very fast and stable. You can download music, stream videos, or play games without speed drops or interruptions. The servers also unblock restricted content very easily, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on your shows if you’re abroad or visiting New Zealand.

Security is one area CyberGhost doesn’t compromise. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data. It also has DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and an ad blocker. CyberGhost also uses multiple security protocols such as WireGuard, and OpenVPN.

CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. The provider also has a strict no-log policy which means your IP address, browser history, DNS requests, and other personal information isn’t collected and stored on their servers.

CyberGhost apps are supported on major platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. It is also supported on routers, and you could also use their browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. CyberGhost’s applications are easy to set up and operate.

With a single CyberGhost account, you can connect up to seven devices simultaneously, and you get a 45-day money-back guarantee on all their subscription plans. CyberGhost has a great 24/7 customer care service that you can reach via live chat.

4. Surfshark

Surfshark provides a network of 3200+ VPN servers in 63 countries, including New Zealand. These servers come in handy for unblocking geo-restricted content on major platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Surfshark also provides fast, reliable speeds that make streaming and torrenting enjoyable.

This VPN provider is also based in the British Virgin Islands. Surfshark has a serious no-log policy which means that none of your details online is collected. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to scramble your traffic, and it also provides DNS leak protection. Other security and privacy features include an automatic kill switch and Double VPN (MultiHop) servers.

Surfshark has applications available on mobile and desktop platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. You could also use its browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Surfshark is also available on Amazon Fire TV and Routers. All the apps are beginner-friendly, but with routers, you’ll have to configure Surfshark manually (which isn’t too difficult).

You’ll need to purchase a subscription plan to use Surfshark. However, the amazing thing about this provider is that you can connect any number of devices simultaneously with a single account! You also get a wide range of payment options that include cryptocurrency. Surfshark will refund you if you cancel your plan within 30 days of subscribing. Lastly, you could get assistance from Surfshark’s customer care service through email or live chat.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is another great choice. Unlike the providers we mentioned earlier, PrivateVPN operates a small server network of over 150 servers in 60 countries, including New Zealand. However, these servers are very fast and stable. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, which, when combined with speed, makes the VPN great for streaming and torrenting. Private VPN is also capable of unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms.

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which causes users to worry about their privacy because Sweden belongs to the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. However, there have been no cases of the company sharing information with Swedish intelligence. Also, PrivateVPN does not keep logs on personal data. Its privacy policy assures that no form of data traffic is stored.

When it comes to security, PrivateVPN uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to secure your data, and it is also equipped with OpenVPN and IKEv4/IPSec protocols. Its other features include IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. However, we must mention that the kill switch only works on the Windows application.

You can use PrivateVPN on several platforms with a subscription plan, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. The applications are easy to use, and the subscription plans are considered to be cheap. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, with a single account, you can connect six devices simultaneously.

6. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has 1000+ servers in 54 countries, including New Zealand. Its servers are not the fastest, but they allow you to stream your movies without buffering or lagging. ProtonVPN uses a ‘Quick Connect’ feature to ensure reliable, fast connections, which automatically connect you to the fastest server available.

The company has its headquarters in Switzerland, which doesn’t belong to any alliances. ProtonVPN also has a serious no-log policy to assure you that your privacy and security are guaranteed. It has strong security with military-grade encryption. ProtonVPN is also equipped with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols,  a kill switch, Tor over VPN, and an adblocker.

ProtonVPN’s software is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS. It has a very easy setup, so you have nothing to worry about if you’re a beginner. One downside to this VPN is that you may have difficulty contacting a customer care rep because they are not available via live chat.

While this VPN provider requires you to purchase a plan, it also offers a free package that offers only limited features. When you subscribe to any plan, you can connect as many as 10 devices simultaneously. Like other VPN providers on our list, you can also get a refund within 30 days of subscribing, no questions asked.

7. HideMyAss

HideMyAss comes last on our list, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a great VPN provider. It operates more than 1000 secure servers in more than 200 countries, including New Zealand. 

HMA’s headquarters is in the UK, meaning that it is under the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. The government once requested user logs which the company had to provide. This caused many users to lose faith in their services, and it also showed how important a no-log policy could be. Since then, HMA insists it maintains a strict no-log policy. The provider protects you from surveillance and attacks with AES 256-bit encryption.  HMA’s security features include private DNS servers, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, DDoS attack protection & wifi protection, as well as a kill switch. It also uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols.

HMA has applications available on major platforms, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Its applications are user-friendly and don’t require a difficult setup. In case of any issues, there is a reliable customer care service you can turn to.

You will need to purchase a subscription plan for HMA. However, regardless of the plan you purchase, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. HMA also guarantees a 30-day money-back policy if you cancel your subscription.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a VPN for New Zealand

There are things you need to have in mind before you choose a New Zealand VPN. It’s never just enough that the VPN  offers servers in New Zealand or works perfectly in the country. Find below some of the important points:

Extensive Server Network

The best VPNs for New Zealand should operate servers in New Zealand (to give you a New Zealand IP address) and other secure servers across the world. These come in handy for bypassing geo-restrictions, as well as protecting your real IP address.

Robust Security Features

A top-quality VPN provider should have air-tight security that encrypts your data and protects your privacy from online platforms, ISPs, hackers, and the government. The VPNs on our list offer military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, the best security protocols, a no-log policy, protection from leaks, and a kill switch. Choosing a VPN that doesn’t take your security seriously is a risk you really should avoid.

No-Log Policy

Your activities online leave digital footprints that could be logged. If a VPN keeps logs, you may have a tough time getting past geo-restrictions because of the trail from your previous sessions. Also, these logs could be handed over to intelligence agencies or intercepted by hackers. Ensure that the VPN provider has a reliable no-log policy before you start using it.

Multiple Simultaneous Connections

Having the ability to connect more than one device to a VPN with a single account is a sure way to get the best value out of your subscription. Since the best VPNs are available on different platforms, you wouldn’t need to buy a plan for each of them.

Money-Back Guarantee

It is normal to want to try out the features of a VPN service before committing to it. So, a VPN must offer a refund within a period of time to allow you to test their features without feeling like you must go ahead with it even if you’re not satisfied.

Conclusion

A VPN with high security and privacy standards is important in New Zealand. Not only does it protect you from government surveillance, but it also provides high-speed connections and access to geo-restricted content. This will be useful whether you are in New Zealand or looking to access New Zealand-specific content from a remote location.  ExpressVPN is the best choice at the moment, but you could also check out the other VPNs we recommend.