Irrespective of where you live, there are many online threats users have to deal with daily. Some serious privacy concerns, such as the recent ransomware attacks and other privacy invasions, have spiked globally, which is alarming considering the amount of time and information we give on the internet.

Therefore, having reliable VPNs has become an absolute necessity for everyone online. In the first half of 2021, over 1,700 publicly reported data breaches, in which over 18 billion records were exposed. These concerning state of affairs prove that no one is safe from online privacy issues, and to ensure their privacy and online safety, they must take matters into their own hands.

Suppose you are not alarmed by the constant data breaches happening around you. In that case, you should be concerned about the various international and local laws that allow Governments and intelligence agencies to gather personal data about anyone from various online services, including ISPs, banks, cellular companies, and more, without needing any warrants. This practice is hugely unethical; however, it has become common practice.

To protect yourself from anyone stealing your information, we suggest that you access the web through a dependable paid VPN service that is recognized as the best and avoid the free versions. Unfortunately, free VPNs typically collect user data and offer only limited features that provide insufficient protection against complicated online threats. Some tried and tested free VPNs can help if your budget doesn’t allow investing in a paid service.

Today, we have decided to share a comprehensive list of the best 8 free and paid VPNs for New Zealand in the market, which are trusted, well designed, and offer the right tools for protection. This article will take the confusion out of the process of finding a good VPN for your specific needs.

What To Consider When Buying a VPN

Before we review the best VPNs for New Zealand, here are some of the critical considerations that you should consider when searching and selecting the best VPN for your needs.

Although you can trust a large majority of IP masking software, some features make some better than others. So what should you look for? Let’s find out, one by one:

1. Speed

Your IP masking software should not bog down the speed of your internet. Good speed is one of the leading performance features that a quality VPN will provide because it dramatically affects the user experience. Choose a VPN that has been tested to provide consistently fast speeds to enjoy quick downloading and transfers.

2. Ease of use

Some people are intimidated by the sheer idea of using a VPN, thinking that it might be too complicated. However, a good VPN is easy to use, even for beginners and those who aren’t tech-savvy. Users and experts agree that a pleasant user interface increases the usability of a VPN. It makes it more accessible for those worried about complex features.

Choose a simple VPN if you are new and will need it for primary purposes. Avoid any services that use fancy words or jargon for hiking up prices.

 3. Quality Customer Support

Ideally, every VPN service should work without a glitch, but that isn’t always the case. In the rare chance your VPN fails to function correctly, you might require some assistance.

The best VPN will be reliable on all fronts, including providing customer support if they require any troubleshooting. Unfortunately, quality support is rare.

4. Number of Servers

The number of servers and their dispersion worldwide is another performance-related feature that is vital for efficiency. It is not only crucial for a VPN to have servers nearby for its users in various parts of the globe. The best VPN will also have servers in different locations to make accessing geo-locked content easy.

The rule of thumb for VPN performance is that connecting to a server location closest to you will give you the best speeds, so make sure that the service you choose has plenty of choices close to where you are.

5. Compatible services

There are hundreds of VPN services to choose from, and the options are varied, with each having different claims and offerings. Some give users a free trial period, including the basic IP masking for limited bandwidth. In contrast, others entice people with additional cyber security and simple features for a pocket-friendly price.

We suggest that you go for the one that fits what you want and how much you are willing to pay.

6. Devices

Last but not least, an essential consideration for choosing a VPN is the different types of devices or platforms the service supports. Typically, people use more than a single device to access the web, which includes a computer and a phone, which could be based on different operating systems.

Although you will find that every VPN service offers support for PCs and laptops, a quality VPN will also have dedicated clients for smartphones and tablets. Make sure that the VPN you end up selecting has all of your devices covered.

7. Security Features

Despite the fact that free VPNs in New Zealand do not offer a great deal of security capabilities, the following are some of the most dependable VPNs:

• No-logs policy – “No-logs policy” means that the company does not maintain any logs of online activity of users to store or make money off them by selling data to other businesses.
• 256-bit encryption – The use of 256-bit encryption protects your data and conceals your online activities from Internet service providers (ISPs), hackers, and marketing agencies. The United States government also makes use of it.
• Kill Switch – in case your virtual private network connection suddenly stops, the Kill Switch will activate. This acts as your safety net, ensuring that both your data and your location remain secure.
• P2P Data Transfer – P2P Data Transfer is a method that enables you to download and share files over the Internet easily. Files, music, movies, and games might all fall under this category.
• Private DNS – You may maintain the privacy of your internet searches by using a private DNS. The information that you enter is encrypted, so even your virtual private network provider will not be able to determine what you are doing on a particular website.
• Split Tunnelling – Split Tunneling is a feature that enables you to send some of your traffic through the virtual private network (VPN) server while simultaneously sending the data that is less important to the Internet directly.

Due to the fact that having a large amount of traffic at once slows down your network, the goal of this is to maintain a high speed for your Internet connection.

8. Money-Back Guarantee

Even though popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) companies do not explicitly offer free VPN service, you can still take advantage of the benefits by utilizing a money-back guarantee, for example, by using a free 30-day trial.

By doing so, you can optimize your Internet security and watch content restricted in your region. Then, if you are content with the Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, you have the option to upgrade to a premium membership.

10 Best VPNs Services For New Zealand

1. ExpressVPN
2. NordVPN
3. IPVanish
4. StrongVPN
5. CyberGhost
6. SurfShark
7. FastestVPN
8. TunnelBear
9. Hide.Me
10. ProtonVPN

5 Best Paid VPNs for New Zealand

1. ExpressVPN

One of the best VPNs out there, irrespective of where you live, is ExpressVPN that offers outstanding overall performance. Thanks to over 2000 servers located in over 145 locations in 94 countries, the speed through ExpressVPN is near perfect.

A vast number of devices, operating systems are supported by ExpressVPN, with dedicated client software for each, which means all your gadgets can be protected through a single service.

Their impressive dispersion of servers worldwide means that unlocking geo-locked content libraries in New Zealand is also possible with this service. With ExpressVPN, you can easily access Hulu, Netflix, HBO, BBC, and more in New Zealand.

The exclusive Netflix VPN works well and without too many issues. Some servers have torrenting enabled. It has all the convenient features that you would expect from a top-tier VPN. Overall, the service is reliable, robust and users have to face very little to no downtime.

Last but not least, the various client software of ExpressVPN has some of the best and most user-friendly interfaces in the industry. It doesn’t compromise on ease of use for features. Therefore you will find the right balance with the service.

2. NordVPN

Another worthy contender for the spot of the top VPN New Zealand is NordVPN, which has a lot of strengths and some minor weaknesses. It offers an iron-clad OpenVPN tunneling protocol along with AES-256 bit encryption, which is recognized as the best in the business. The service also has a well-established, expansive network of servers globally. There is a double data protection feature for added safety, which is excellent if you don’t care about fast speeds.

As will all top VPN services, NordVPN also comes with an array of different features, some of which you might not find elsewhere. One vital and practical feature that every reliable VPN must-have is the Kill Switch, which is included in this service. 

NordVPN has native apps for all popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. If you want to protect other devices with unsupported operating systems, you can follow tutorials to connect routers and Raspberry Pis.

NordVPN also offers DNS leak protection. In fact, there were no leaks found during tests, which is a fantastic sign. Nord’s services are based in Panama, which doesn’t come under the 14-eyes/ 5-eyes jurisdiction. However, the company has ties with some US-based companies. 

However, NordVPN maintains that it is a collection service only.

Besides keeping service performance data, payment data, and email addresses, the company has a solid no-log policy.

NordVPN efficiently unblocks Netflix and other popular streaming sites and also supports torrenting on different local and long-distance servers, although the service can be improved. In recent years the speeds of NordVPN have improved. The 24/7 customer service is new but delivered well.

3. IPVanish

With a promise of being the fastest VPN in New Zealand, IPVanish has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. First of all, it is based in the US, which means it comes under the 5-eyes alliance jurisdiction. IPVanish has hyped up their claims a lot, but they are able to deliver in some key areas.

The service is an excellent pick for Torrenting in New Zealand, but it falls short for accessing Netflix, as reliability issues plague it. Honestly, it fails at consistently unlocking Netflix.

They have recently launched live chat customer support, which was a much-needed and much-appreciated addition. The service offers good platform support, but unfortunately, client software are missing, making it a hassle to have the same service on all of your devices.

A significant strength of IPVanish is its network of top-tier servers since rare and uncommon locations have also been covered. They use the military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is robust and highly trusted, while OpenVPN and SOCKS5 provide the protocol support.

Thanks to the useful ‘Obfuscate OpenVPN Traffic’ feature, the chances of anti-VPN regions detecting VPN tunnels are greatly reduced. A major weakness of IPVanish is the lack of a Kill Switch in their mobile apps.

4. StrongVPN

Regarded as one of the oldest running VPN services in the world, StrongVPN isn’t as well known as one would imagine considering how long it has been on the market. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy VPN because it uses the same AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol adopted by the leading services.

One factor of the service where the age becomes apparent is the outdated user interface, which would do with a serious uplift and makeover. Netflix is accessible through the service; however, it’s not the best option out there for this purpose. The company has improved its customer service, which was previously lackluster. Now they are available 24/7 on live chat and are usually quick and responsive.

Although a StrongDNS service is included when you purchase StrongVPN, a separate login is required to use the feature. StrongVPN supports a long list of devices; the only downside is that the elements aren’t consistent across the various client apps. For example, the Mac version does not have a Kill Switch, which is an essential feature.

The number of servers is also low, which isn’t great news for people who live in places other than the US. Low server locations also have an adverse impact on the speed of the VPN. StrongVPN isn’t recommended for Netflix either.

One of the most significant downsides is the price of the service, which, when compared to the number of features, seems too steep. For the same amount of money, and in some cases less money, you can get a far better deal from other VPNs.

You can pay for your VPN subscription plans online via some major credit cards, Alipay and PayPal. All packages come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost

After CyberGhost was sold to Kape (a company infamous for bundling adware into its downloads), many speculated that CyberGhost would become less secure and private. However, Kape proved these speculations wrong by providing top-notch security to its users.

CyberGhost has an impressive 7200+ network of servers across the globe. With CyberGhost, you get military-level 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and other security features that make CyberGhost incredibly safe. CyberGhost has a no-logs policy, so they are fully committed to maintaining your online activity private and anonymous.

We tested several servers and didn’t experience DNS or IPv6 leaks on any server. CyberGhost also offers three security protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), and WireGuard. The app automatically selects the best security protocol, or you can customize the security setting yourself according to your needs.

The app UI is easy to use and simple for beginners. It supports all popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. CyberGhost also supports several smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles.

We tested CyberGhost’s unblocking capabilities to unblock Netflix and other streaming websites. CyberGhost successfully unblocked Netflix on most servers; however, it struggled to maintain a stable connection on some servers. With P2P-optimized servers, you can safely and securely download torrents with excellent download speeds.

Through the years, CyberGhost has stood up as one of the most pocket-friendly yet highly reliable VPN services. Their packages are generally more affordable than other VPNs; on top of that, they regularly offer fantastic discounts on all of their packages. If you are not completely sure about the service, you can avail 24-hour free trial of CyberGhost.

CyberGhost also offers two types of money-back guarantees. With the 1-month package, you get a 14-day money-back guarantee. Whereas with the 6-month or 24-month subscription, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Maintaining their security features to the payment procedures, CyberGhost accepts payments from all popularly used payment platforms, including major Debit/Credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin.

Also, note that some third-party websites offer CyberGhost packages at discounts; don’t be fooled by them! CyberGhost does not mention purchasing subscription packages from any other platform than the CyberGhost website.

For help regarding the service or subscription packages, you can contact CyberGhost via 24/7 live chat or email. CyberGhost now handles requests and queries in English, French, German, and Romanian.

6. SurfShark

SurfShark is an excellent VPN service for New Zealand. It’s fast, dependable, and has an extensive server network. Surfshark also provides unrestricted data and bandwidth, allowing you to stream and surf as much as you like.

With its CleanWeb function, you may browse the internet without being bothered by advertisements, trackers, viruses, or phishing attempts.

Camouflage mode is a function that prevents your internet provider from detecting that you’re using a VPN. A kill switch and private DNS are also included.

SurfShark is an excellent pick for a VPN that can unblock geo-restricted content. SurfShark provides access to Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other services.

SurfShark is also one of the most reasonably priced VPNs on the market, with the ability to connect an infinite number of devices. SurfShark is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a solid VPN for New Zealand.

7. FastestVPN 

FastestVPN is an excellent VPN for New Zealand because it is one of the quickest and most dependable VPNs available. It includes a variety of characteristics that make it an ideal choice for New Zealand users.

If you’re concerned about online security, FastestVPN includes a kill switch that will securely disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection fails.

Military-grade encryption and unlimited server switching are also included so you can stay connected when traveling.

FastestVPN also provides a money-back guarantee for 15 days. Furthermore, FastestVPN has servers in over 40 countries, allowing you to view prohibited content from anywhere in the world.

3 Best Free VPNs for New Zealand

8. TunnelBear

Owned by McAfee, TunnelBear is hands-down the most popularly recommended free VPN service due to its reliable security features and highly user-friendly interface. The attractive, out-of-the-ordinary UI packs security features that are available in paid VPN services. 

When it comes to the security features, TunnelBear offers exceptional security with 256-military encryption and protocols, including OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2. However, it stores connection logs; therefore, it is not the safest New Zealand VPN free if you talk about the log-keeping policy.

TunnelBear successfully bypasses the Great Wall of China, and it can also unblock geo-restricted streaming services, including Netflix, Kodi, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and other streaming platforms. However, the streaming speed is very disappointing, so if you want to stream geo-restricted content in News Zealand, TunnelBear is a good option only if you are willing to compromise on the speed. 

TunnelBear also supports torrenting; however, the download speed is slow on most servers except the local service. Therefore, we do not recommend TunnelBear for fast, reliable, and smooth torrent downloading.

TunnelBear is a reliable option for gaming if you are connected to the local servers; gaming on long-distance servers is a nightmare! So, we would only recommend gaming on local servers if you want to have a lag-free gaming experience. 

Overall, TunnelBear is a small, secure, and well-distributed VPN service with over 2,600 servers in 25 countries, including the US, UK, Western Europe, and Asia. The lightweight and easy-to-use app make TunnelBear the best smartphone VPN in New Zealand.

9. Hide.Me 

Hide.Me is one of the most famous free VPNs in New Zealand. As the name defines, Hide.Me efficiently hides your actual IP address and offers reliable protection against malware attacks and data theft. Hide.Me offers more monthly data than most free VPNs—10 GB monthly data with five server locations in the US, Canada, Netherlands, and Singapore.

Hide.Me is a well-rounded New Zealand VPN that offers reliable features like no-logs policy, i2Coalition backed security, AES-256 encryption, a transparent privacy policy, a highly user-friendly interface, and more. Hide.Me offers excellent protection because we did not find any DNS, WebRTC, IP, or IPv6 leaks during our tests.

Hide.Me is widely popular amongst online streaming and torrent fans because of Hide.Me supports all online streaming platforms and excellent torrent download speeds. With P2P on all of Hide.Me servers, you always get high speeds for fast torrent downloading and lag-free, smooth gaming. 

Some users struggle with unblocking Netflix with Hide.Me, however, we were able to unblock Netflix on all free servers without any issues. Hide.Me also supports problem-free HD and FHD streaming.

Overall, Hide.Me is a fantastic free VPN New Zealand that offers top-class privacy and bullet-proof security features, along with impressive speed and unblocking capabilities. 

10. ProtonVPN

If you wish to find the best free VPN New Zealand without any bandwidth limits, ProtonVPN is a fantastic option for you. With ProtonVPN, you can conveniently consume as much data as you wish without having to worry about any data usage restrictions. 

ProtonVPN offers a medium-sized server network with more than 1,250 servers in 54 countries. ProtonVPN is famous for its trustable security features and a strict no-log keeping policy. ProtonVPN does not keep any logs. Therefore, you can trust ProtonVPN with regular browsing and your personal data (be cautious! we never recommend sharing any sensitive information via a free VPN service).

Talking about the security features, ProtonVPN protects your data with secure AES-256 encryption and a 4096-bit RSA key exchange. It also offers built-in DNS leak protection and necessary protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. Overall, we are impressed with ProtonVPN’s security features and performance. 

ProtonVPN also successfully unblocks Netflix and other popular streaming services, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime – on multiple servers without a problem. However, the speed was not that impressive for most of the servers. 

ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for torrenting as it supports fully encrypted P2P file sharing. The torrent downloading speed is also consistent and fast on most of the VPN servers in New Zealand.

ProtonVPN is also highly user-friendly, and it is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The only con of the ProtonVPN is the lack of 24/7 live chat support. However, you can contact the support team via support ticket and email. Their response time is usually quite fast, so you wouldn’t have to wait for days to get a response from ProtonVPN’s team. 

Are free VPNs for New Zealand a safe option?

No VPN is 100% safe for sharing sensitive data. Opt for a reliable paid VPN service if you want to download torrents or regularly transmit sensitive data. Most of the free VPN services lack the security and privacy standards essential for performing secure P2P activities.

Free VPNs usually earn by selling logs and personal information of their users to brands, marketing agencies, government, law-making agencies, and other third-party organizations. Therefore, free VPNs are not 100% safe to use. It is a smarter and safer idea to use paid VPNs with a minimum 30-day money-back guarantee or a free trial with or without sharing your payment details.

5 Reasons Why You Should NOT Use a Free VPN

Following are the top 5 reasons we discourage people from using a free VPN service, especially for sharing sensitive data.

1. Some free VPNs track your online activities and collect sellable data from your activities.
2. Free VPN services usually sell the Data logs to third parties. Once your online activities and preferences are passed on, the information is used to bombard you with targeted ads. 
3. The ads can sometimes lead you to malware that can cause critical privacy and security issues in the connected devices and accounts (including bank accounts).
4. Free VPNs offer limited features and security. They usually use less secure encryption protocols like PTTP. They also do not provide necessary security features like multiple logins, Kill Switch, and leak protection.
5. Reliable free VPNs usually offer limited bandwidth, which is not enough for gaming, torrent downloading, and online streaming. 

5 Reasons Why You Should Use a PAID VPN

Previously, we shared the top 5 reasons we discourage using an unreliable free VPN service. Now let’s dive into the reasons why you should use a paid VPN service.

1. Paid VPNs usually offer the highest levels of security features, including military-level 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and P2P-optimized servers. You also don’t experience DNS or IPv6 leaks on any server. Reliable paid VPNs also support security protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), and WireGuard.
2. Paid VPNs have a widespread network structure with thousands of servers spread across the globe. Thus paid VPNs are able to handle thousands and millions of connections simultaneously without slowing down. Therefore, for better connection and speed, connect to the closest local server location in New Zealand.
3. With paid VPNs, you don’t have to worry about any bandwidth limitations. With unlimited bandwidth, you can stream and download to your heart’s content. 
4. Most paid and free VPN service providers lack customer service. However, some paid VPNs have learned their lesson, and now they provide 24/7 live chat service.
5. All paid VPNs support all major operating systems, including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. You can also connect almost all devices, including laptops, tabs, smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. 

FAQs

Is it legal to use a Virtual Private Network in New Zealand?

The use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is permitted in New Zealand. It is possible to use a VPN service in New Zealand in several different ways, such as by unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms such as Hulu.

Which VPN works in NZ?

ExpressVPN is, in our opinion, the best Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for New Zealand. A vast server network that includes twenty servers situated in New Zealand is one of its many impressive features. It has outstanding unblocking capabilities, and no limitations are placed on the amount of bandwidth that may be used for streaming. Customers also can connect as many as five devices at the same time.

If I use a Virtual Private Network, will the authorities be able to monitor me?

Incorrect, the authorities cannot monitor encrypted live VPN traffic. Nevertheless, they have the ability to obtain your connection or usage logs through your ISP if they have a court order with them. It is possible that your Internet service provider will collaborate with law enforcement authorities if they discover that you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

ExpressVPN or NordVPN: Which is the superior service?

It is recommended that you use NordVPN. You have a better degree of control over your security settings; it is virtually as quick as ExpressVPN and offers a more extensive selection of servers from which to choose. Because of its powerful unblocking features and the availability of dedicated IP addresses, it is also an ideal alternative for streaming content.

Does using a VPN slow down the connection to the Internet?

The answer is yes. There are a number of factors that can influence the internet speed, including the encryption method, how close you are to the server, and the VPN protocol that your VPN uses.

Is it possible for a free VPN to view my passwords?

All of the information you send to or get from any site can be viewed by it. You still need to exercise caution, even if they adhere to a robust no-logging policy; putting your money in a paid Virtual Private Network (VPN) is always the safest option.

How does New Zealand’s free VPN service provider make money?

Free Virtual Private Networks in New Zealand are almost too safe and good to be true, don’t you think so? Be cautious because they tend to use your data most likely when you believe it is protected, so you need to be careful.

They generate revenue by either selling your data to marketing companies or by using the data for monetary benefits themselves. It is a clue that someone has been obtaining your information if you start to encounter advertisements that are targeted to you.

Which free VPNs in New Zealand should you steer clear of?

The website howtowatch.co.nz reports that there are a few free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in New Zealand that are known to steal bandwidth from their users and store logs of the data their users send and receive. Those free virtual private networks (VPNs) that should be kept away from are VPNBook, Hola, and SuperVPN.

Does the Netflix library in New Zealand offer a good selection?

It is estimated that there are roughly 3,200 films as well as 1,400 television series available on Netflix in New Zealand, making it a substantial collection with more than 4,500 titles. Even though this is a higher number than the majority of countries, it is still a considerable amount lower than the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, which each have over 5,000 titles available in total. Naturally, quantity does not necessarily imply quality in every situation. It is reasonable to say, however, that because Netflix New Zealand offers such a large selection of titles, there is something that will appeal to each and every person.

Conclusion

Now you know the best 8 VPNs in New Zealand. With our list and guidance, we hope that you’ll select the VPN that best fits your requirement and provides you the much-needed online security and protection. We hope that you and your devices don’t stay vulnerable to data theft and privacy breaches.

The best VPN for NZ users is ExpressVPN. It provides highly trustable features for uncompromised, absolute security and privacy.

What VPN New Zealand do you trust the most? Please share your favorite VPN with Reviewsed.com in the comments section.

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