5 Best Free VPNs For New Zealand in 2024

Aksel Hellerud

Last Updated: 14/11/24

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, a VPN securely protects your IP address and data traffic from monitoring and data-gathering government agencies.

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.

Before getting to the heart of the matter, it’s crucial to stress that with the above-mentioned New Zealand’s participation in the 5-Eyes Alliance, privacy becomes a significant concern. Opting for a VPN with robust privacy policies is essential in such a surveillance-prone environment. Selecting a VPN that maintains a stringent no-log policy and employs strong encryption ensures that your online activities remain private and secure. This context is critical for anyone depending on a best free VPN for New Zealand for their digital privacy, and that is what we have based our following recommendations on.

Top Recommended (Paid) Risk-Free VPNs for New Zealand

While this guide focuses on the best free VPNs for NZ, we deemed important to start with a brief overview of paid, risk-free VPN options. The term “risk-free” refers to the availability of a money-back guarantee, offering a no-commitment trial. This allows you to fully test their services with the option to cancel and receive a full refund within a specified period, typically 30 days.

We highlight these options because they often provide superior performance, enhanced security features, and better customer support compared to completely free VPNs. Such characteristics set a benchmark for what to look for in VPN services. From a comprehensive evaluation of over 50 providers, we have selected the two best risk-free VPNs that not only secure your online activities but also ensure your privacy, serving as a valuable preliminary comparison to the completely free options we discuss later. This initial discussion helps clarify the distinctions and potential compromises involved in opting for a fully free VPN in NZ.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

ExpressVPN is the best New Zealand VPN on the market. This provider operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN’s broad server network makes it excellent for bypassing geo-restrictions on websites and services. It also uses the innovative MediaStreamer technology that makes it possible to stream videos on devices that usually 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.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

NordVPN has one of the most extensive VPN server networks, with 5,500+ servers in more than 59 countries. Forty of these servers are 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’s headquarters is 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 six 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.

Recommended Completely Free VPNs for New Zealand

Understanding the full capabilities of risk-free VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN sets the stage for comparing these with completely free options. Even though these are paid services, their advanced features, such as split tunneling and robust encryption, set benchmarks for what one should seek in a top free VPN in NZ. This helps users understand the trade-offs between truly free services and those that offer a risk-free trial.

So, with entirely free VPNs, money is not anywhere near the conversation, which is why many people rush such services. Below, we recommend the top free VPNs in NZ and beyond.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.0

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

Visit ProtonVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

ProtonVPN has 1,000+ servers in 54 countries, including New Zealand. However, you will discover you can only connect to servers in three countries (the US, Japan, and the Netherlands) on its free plan. This means ProtonVPN’s free version is perfect for you if you want access to servers in the countries above from New Zealand. Otherwise, you would need to take advantage of the risk-free period (30 days) ProtonVPN offers or buy a subscription plan you can afford. 

Its servers are not the fastest, but they allow you to stream movies on popular streaming sites without buffering or lagging. ProtonVPN uses a ‘Quick Connect’ feature to ensure reliable and fast connections, automatically connecting you to the fastest available server. 

The company has its headquarters in Switzerland, which doesn’t belong to any privacy-unfriendly alliances. ProtonVPN also has a serious no-log policy; you can rest assured that your privacy and security are important to this VPN service provider. 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 an effortless 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 unavailable via live chat. In addition, its free version prevents multiple VPN connections per user. 

One of The Cheapest VPNs

Hide.me

Overall score: 9.1

• Advanced IP Leak protection available
• 1,800+ servers in 72 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Offers a completely free version

Visit Hide.me

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Another free service provider with top-notch features is Hide.me. It is present in 72 separate locations and has an overall server count exceeding 1,800. Hide.me’s servers in New Zealand give you access to content that’s unavailable elsewhere. However, like ProtonVPN, Hide.me’s free version limits the servers you can connect to; Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and Canada are the only locations available. 

As a result, the free plan of this VPN service is only suitable for New Zealand residents that want access to servers in the four countries available. Fortunately for them, they will have no issues accessing country-specific content in those countries. However, Hide.me limits the amount of data free users can use to 10GB per month. That is certainly not enough for people that use high amounts of data daily. 

The Malaysia-based service provider’s commitment to users’ anonymity is evident in its location; Malaysia has no affiliation with the 14 Eyes Alliance. In addition, Hide.me has a kill switch feature and built-in leak prevention that protects your anonymity by preventing unwanted IP or DNS leaks. Furthermore, its security structure consists of 256-bit encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and perfect forward secrecy. 

Hide.me’s free version allows a single connection; you cannot protect multiple devices, except via a router. Additionally, its 30-day money-back guarantee will appeal to users outside New Zealand looking to connect to its servers in New Zealand. 

Best Completely Free Version

TunnelBear

Overall score: 8.4

• Offers a totally free version
• Available in 26 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption available
• Relatively reliable speed

Visit TunnelBear

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

With a presence in more than 40 countries, TunnelBear is another brilliant option for VPN users in New Zealand or those looking to access servers in the country. Its servers in New Zealand will meet the needs of anyone in or outside the country looking to secure their connections or bypass geo-restrictions. 

You can use TunnelBear to watch country-specific programs on streaming platforms. However, it is not as great at bypassing geo-restrictions as it is in keeping your network secure. Tunnelbear boasts reliable connections you can depend on to deliver on all fronts. However, as is the case with free VPNs, the amount of data you can use in a month cannot exceed 500MB. This is the only drawback as nowadays people use more than that in a day. 

TunnelBear is a trustworthy VPN service you can depend on to keep your data safe. In fact, apart from a straightforward privacy policy that proves it’s a zero-log VPN, TunnelBear has been doing an independent security audit annually since 2018. This shows that it is consistently keeping a transparent front with its users. In addition, you maintain a secure network with 256-bit encryption ensuring no one has access to your data as it moves through the internet. 

With browser extensions and support for different operating systems, TunnelBear will most likely work on all your devices. Additionally, you will be able to protect five devices at once as it allows up to five concurrent connections. 

VPN with Easy User Interface

Hotspot Shield

Overall score:

• Super-fast server speed
• Remarkable unblocking ability
• Intuitive user interface

Visit Hotspot Shield

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Hotspot Shield is another popular VPN service provider that offers a free program. This VPN service is present in at least 80 countries worldwide. Hotspot Shield caters to the needs of people looking to appear as if they are in New Zealand or residents in New Zealand looking to connect to servers outside the country. 

Unfortunately, its free version only gives access to servers in the United States, which is unattractive to those who want access to local Kiwi content in New Zealand. However, using its 30-day cash-back policy, anyone can access all servers during the risk-free period. Fortunately, its servers in the US unblock mainstream streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. In addition, it uses a fast and reliable protocol known as Catapult Hydra to ensure you don’t have to worry about slow connections. 

However, Hotspot Shield imposes a 2Mbps bandwidth limit on its free version, and you cannot use more than 500Mb data in a day. As a result, it is suitable for those with online activities that do not require heavy data usage; avid gamers or people that stream/download daily will not like it. 

Hotspot Shield utilizes end-to-end encryption to prevent unwanted entities from having unrestricted access to data in transit. It uses 256-bit encryption, 2048-bit RSA keys, leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and protects you from malware. In addition, it is privacy-friendly despite having its headquarters in the US. Hotspot Shield does not allow parallel connections on its free plan. However, it is compatible with many operating systems.

Best VPN with a free version

Trust.Zone

Overall score: 8.2

• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• Allows torrenting and P2P file sharing
• Great pricing
• Free version available

Visit Trust.Zone

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Trust.Zone’s strength lies in privacy; it is no wonder its headquarters is in a country that does not force VPN service providers to store users’ data. With servers in more than 30 countries, including New Zealand, you can use this VPN service to get past geographical restrictions. In addition, its free plan gives you a lot of options as you can connect to 157 servers locations. That is about three-quarters of its total server count. 

However, it is unfortunate that its servers in New Zealand are not among those you can use for free. While this might prevent people outside the country from accessing Kiwi websites or streaming libraries, it does not stop Kiwis or other nationals in New Zealand from accessing 157 server locations. 

In terms of security, Trust.Zone is a VPN service provider you can trust to keep your data secure. VPN protocols part of its security features include OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard. In addition, you have algorithms such as AES-256 for encryption, SHA-256 for hashing, and an RSA-2048 key for authentication. 

Trust.Zone is a privacy-friendly VPN service because it blocks unwanted leaks with built-in leak protection and a kill switch. Additionally, Seychelles is a perfect location for VPN service providers. Trust.Zone’s free plan is only available as a three-day free trial period. In those three days, you cannot use more than a GigaByte of data. Finally, it is cross-platform compatible and permits a single connection for each user. 

Key Considerations for the Best Free VPNs for New Zealand

Optimizing Streaming and Downloading

When assessing the performance of free VPNs in NZ for streaming and downloading, users should examine whether these services offer sufficient speeds and data allowances capable of managing high-quality media streaming—a frequent challenge with free VPN NZ offerings. Those on the lookout for the best VPN NZ free options need to critically evaluate if these services can meet their streaming needs without significant compromises in performance. This is especially crucial for users who require reliable, quick connections for content platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

Server Efficiency and Accessibility

For those specifically seeking free VPN access in NZ, the strategic placement and quality of local servers are critical. VPNs that feature servers in New Zealand usually offer faster speeds and more reliable connections, enhancing the functionality of these VPN services for accessing regional websites and services without delays. However, completely free VPNs often restrict the number of local servers available, which can lead to overcrowded servers and reduced speeds during peak times. This subtle limitation can hint at the advantages of choosing paid services, which typically maintain a more extensive network of servers to ensure optimal access and performance, potentially making them a more suitable choice for those looking for the cheapest VPN NZ that still maintains quality service.

Security and Encryption

Ensuring robust security standards in VPNs is crucial, especially in free models. It’s vital for users to confirm that the best free VPN for New Zealand provides strong encryption standards like AES-256, safeguarding user data against potential cyber threats while maintaining privacy. However, maintaining high-level security and encryption standards requires significant investment in technology and infrastructure. Completely free VPNs may lack the resources to provide this level of security consistently, potentially exposing your data to risks, not ideal in today’s digital landscape where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly prevalent.

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.

Free VPN Limitations

The reason why we don’t usually recommend free VPNs to anyone is primarily because of their limitations. Firstly, most free VPNs limit the server locations that their users can use. For example, if you look at the VPNs above, you will find out most of them don’t give free users access to their entire server network. In addition, the servers they give access to might not be sophisticated enough to unblock sites or bypass censorship. 

Secondly, it is not a usual occurrence to find a free VPN service that doesn’t have bandwidth or data restrictions; it is usually a daily or monthly limit. For example, Hotspot Shield limits both the bandwidth and daily data transfer you can use.

Thirdly, free VPNs also limit the number of simultaneous connections you can have. Some of them don’t even allow simultaneous connections. These limitations, and more, make us recommend premium services as users are more likely to have pleasurable experiences using them. 

Lastly, free VPNs often pose risks to users’ privacy and security as they usually lack robust encryption, making it easier for third parties to access user data. Additionally, the infrastructure of free VPNs often lacks the necessary resources to maintain a strict no-log policy, potentially allowing user activity to be tracked or sold to advertisers, further compromising privacy.

How to Set Up and Use a VPN for Zealand

It’s not a difficult task to set up a VPN that’s ideal for New Zealand. Although the setup process varies among VPN providers, here are some basic steps you can follow:

1. Choose a VPN Provider
   
   First off, you need to decide what VPN provider you want to subscribe to. If you’re finding it hard to choose, you can check out some of the factors you need to consider before subscribing to a VPN. Alternatively, you can choose any one of the VPNs on our list.
   
   Once you choose, visit the VPN provider’s website to sign up and purchase a subscription plan. 
   
2. Download and Install the VPN app
   
   After setting up your account, the next thing you need to do is download and install a VPN client compatible with your device. You can download the installation file from the VPN’s homepage and install it, or you can visit your device’s app store to install the VPN directly.
   
   Avoid downloading VPNs from third-party sites because they’re risky. They could be infected with viruses and malware, which can cause you a lot of damage rather than protect you.
   
3. Log into Your VPN Account With the Right Credentials 
   
   Next, you need to log in to your VPN account after installing the app on your device. So, launch the app, and then follow the prompts to sign in to your account.
   
4. Connect to a Server
   
   The next step is to choose a server you’re interested in. So, you can go through the server list to check for the available locations and then select one. Also, you can let the VPN automatically choose.
   
5. Surf the Web
   
   After successfully connecting to a VPN server, you can now go ahead to browse as you’d want. VPN servers keep you anonymous and secure over the internet, and they can help you unblock geo-restricted content.

Conclusion

A free VPN with high security and privacy standards is crucial 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.

Ultimately, choosing the right VPN in New Zealand involves a balance of features, security, and user-friendliness. The VPNs discussed in this guide not only offer comprehensive coverage and strong privacy protections but are also tailored to meet the specific needs of New Zealanders in terms of performance and server availability. Whether you’re seeking the best free VPN for New Zealand or exploring affordable VPN solutions in NZ, selecting a service that aligns with your online habits and privacy needs is essential for a satisfactory online experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Free VPNs for New Zealand

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