Are you wondering how you can watch HBO in New Zealand? In this HBO NZ blog, I will provide you with steps to stream HBO streaming services in New Zealand via VPN. Also, a list of the best TV shows and movies to watch on HBO and the best VPN for HBO NZ. So let’s dive in:
With the rising demand for streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hotstar NZ, In a very short time, HBO also joins the league because of its fabulous original content such as Game of Thrones and West World.
HBO offers three services to subscribers that are HBO GO, HBO NOW, and the recently launched HBO Max.
The HBO GO and HBO Max is specifically for those users who have cable subscriptions in the USA. This is why here I will talk about how to watch HBO Now in New Zealand because it is a stand-alone streaming service and doesn’t need any cable subscription.
To make it more clear to kiwis, let’s first look into the differences between these three services offered by HBO:
Quick Steps: How to Get and Watch HBO in New Zealand
As you already know that HBO NOW is geo-blocked and only available in the USA. And signing up for NOW service needs US iTunes account first. This means if you don’t have HBO NOW account already, you need to sign-up for the service to watch in New Zealand.
Follow these steps to get and watch HBO in New Zealand:
- Subscribe to a VPN; Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN due to its lightning-fast speed!
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Open the VPN app > Sign in with your username and password and connect to the USA server from the list. (New York)
- Now, you need to log out from your existing local iTunes account to create the new US-based account.
- While creating a new iTunes account, in the payment section provide an American payment method such as US PayPal or American Express). And if you already have an HBO account, then choose “none” as an option.
- Fill in the details that you can quickly get from fake address generator websites.
- Once the account is US iTunes account is created, now you can download the HBO app from the Apple Store.
- Now open the HBO website or app, log in to your account, and start watching your favorite show or movie in New Zealand.
Note: In case if you don’t have an American payment method, you can also use iTunes gift cards to pay for your HBO NOW subscription in New Zealand.
Best HBO NZ VPNs
Looking for the best VPN for streaming and to watch HBO Max in New Zealand? We’ve got the best! In fact, we’ve got three of the best VPNs for you. In this section, we’ll talk about three VPNs and their key features so that you can watch HBO Max in NZ.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch HBO in New Zealand
ExpressVPN is connected to a lightning-fast server.
If paying a little extra won’t be an issue for you, then this fastest VPN must be your choice to watch all your favorite geo-blocked channels and streaming services, including HBO in NZ, and many more!
The security system is accented with Threat Manager which detects any third-party trackers operating among your downloaded apps, followed by the AES-256-bit encryption tool.
ExpressVPN delivered amazing results on the US server.
This speed is fast enough to unblock almost all the geo-blocked streaming services, whether you want to access BBC iPlayer or watch Adult Swim outside USA.
This provider offers 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and 250+ American servers to access HBO in New Zealand.
These streaming servers offer a high-quality viewing experience allowing you to watch The Informant on HBO Max from anywhere flawlessly!
It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, Android Smart TV, Linux, Chromecast, PS4, and Xbox One.
Moreover, ExpressVPN supports 5 simultaneous connections for multi logins which means you can easily watch HBO Max outside USA with your loved ones by sharing the password.
ExpressVPN comes at a price of US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30 day money back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – Pocket-Friendly VPN to Watch HBO NZ
Surfshark is connected to a US server.
This provider has a separate fan base when it comes to streaming geo-block content. Surfshark offers 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 600+ USA servers, to unblock HBO in New Zealand.
When tested on a 100Mbps connection, it performed amazingly well and provided a blazing fast speed of 88.14 Mbps.
Surfshark has delivered great results for streaming.
And you don’t need to worry about sharing it with your friends and family as it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It means you can watch One True Singer on HBO Max outside USA with your friends and family by sharing the password.
Its security protocols include options like WireGuard, SOCKS5, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. With features like KillSwitch, Multihop connect, and Bypasser, your experience stays secure.
It includes the Lightway security protocol, which provides users with a faster and more dependable connection than traditional VPNs.
Lightway is a streaming protocol that is quick, secure, and dependable. It only takes a few seconds to connect to a US server, allowing you to watch Fantastic Beasts A Natural History on HBO Max globally without fear of being blocked by any streaming service.
It also supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, Android Smart TV, Linux, Chromecast, PS4, Xbox One, and other notable devices.
Now we come to its pocket-friendly price range at US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee. And in case you don’t like the service, you can claim your full within 30-days. This means it is risk-free to try this VPN to watch HBO in NZ.
3. NordVPN– Largest Server Network VPN to Watch HBO NZ
NordVPN promises to deliver buffer-less streaming.
According to ScreenBinge testing, NordVPN unblocks all the popular American streaming services, including US Netflix, Disney+, HBO in New Zealand, or anywhere abroad.
On a 100 Mbps connection, NordVPN provided a fast download speed of 86.39 Mbps and a download speed of 82.86 Mbps.
NordVPN promises to deliver buffer-less streaming.
This provider offers 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries, including 1970+ US servers, to access HBO in NZ.
It provides six simultaneous connections on a single account allowing you to watch Moonshot on HBO Max from anywhere with your loved ones!
NordVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, Android Smart TV, Linux, Chromecast, PS4, and Xbox One.
Besides HBO Max you can also watch use this VPN to watch ABC outside USA. This channel lineup has a huge variety of familiar shows and movies on these notable devices.
Choose NordVPN’s long-term package at US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend. It also comes with 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service before committing for the long term.
Is it possible to Watch HBO NZ With a Free VPN?
Yes, it is but we don’t recommend it. We tested free VPNs and found that they were unable to bypass HBO’s geo-restrictions. We are strongly against using a free VPN to get HBO in New Zealand. To achieve this, make sure you’re using one of the best-paid VPNs, such as ExpressVPN.
What Devices are Compatible with HBO NZ?
Streamers can watch HBO on the following devices:
- Android (phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs)
- iOS (iPhone, iPad)
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Roku
- Smart TVs
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- PlayStation
- Apple TV
- Xbox
How to Sign Up for HBO in New Zealand?
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Download, and install the VPN app on your device.
- Go to the HBO website and subscribe on your phone or computer.
- Choose sign In in the upper-right corner.
- Select the subscription plan that you’d like.
- Fill out the account form and choose Create Account.
What are Alternative Methods to Watch HBO NZ
HBO’s streaming rights in New Zealand have been acquired by Sky Network. Subscribers can choose from four different pricing plans offered by the network. Sky Starter, Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports, and Sky Movies are the four options available for subscribers to subscribe.
Likewise, if you choose the Sky Starter + Sports plan, you will be charged NZD 83.41/month or NZD 74.04/month for the entertainment and sports add-ons.
We don’t recommend this method because getting a direct HBO membership using a VPN is less expensive than any of the Sky network’s options.
HBO Go vs HBO NOW vs HBO Max
HBO GO
GO is an online streaming service that is free for users who have an HBO subscription via cable subscription or TV provider. This GO service offered by HBO includes all the original content, including TV shows, specials, documentaries, a big collection of movies, and more.
However, to get this streaming service on your mobile devices, an HBO cable subscription is compulsory and not available as a stand-alone streaming service. After the launch of the HBO Max, the HBO GO app will be removed from major platforms in America by July 31st, 2020.
HBO NOW
HBO NOW is an online streaming service that doesn’t require satellite or cable TV subscription. This HBO stand-alone online service offers all the original HBO production, including TV series, a big selection of movies, documentaries, specials, and more.
The best part of having an HBO Now subscription is that if you have it, you can also access HBO Max with the same credentials. According to CNET, the service HBO NOW will be renamed to simply “HBO” on July 31st, 2020.
HBO Max
This HBO Max service is recently launched by WarnerMedia which offers 10,000+ hours of original content and other popular TV shows and movies.
Some of the accessible content are The Big Bang Theory, South Park, Wonder Woman, upcoming Justice League: Snyder Cut, a huge Studio Ghibli collection, Friends, and more. However, it is still ambiguous to get HBO MAX, whether users need to get a cable TV subscription or not.
So it’s clear that from all the mentioned above versions, HBO NOW is the only streaming service option for users to access in New Zealand as it does not require cable TV subscriptions.
Best Shows and Movies to Watch on HBO Now in New Zealand
Here is the list of top shows and movies to watch on HBO Now in NZ:
- Westworld
- The Plot Against America
- Charm City Kings
- Todxs Nosotrxs (He, She, They)
- Betty
- My Brilliant Friend
- It Chapter Two
- Stuber
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix
- Yesterday
- The Nice Guys
FAQs
How to get HBO Max in NZ?
Is HBO Max available in NZ?
How much does HBO cost in New Zealand?
Wrapping this Up
I hope after reading this HBO NZ blog, you came to know how to watch HBO in New Zealand with the help of VPNs like ExpressVPN.
HBO is an excellent streaming service and has to be offered not only in the USA but in other parts of the world too, including in New Zealand.
Let me know what’s your favorite TV show or movie available on HBO by shouting out your comment below. Happy Binging!