Here in New Zealand, we don’t get half the streaming services the rest of the world gets. While we have Netflix, Neon, and free streaming services like ThreeNow and TVNZ+ we miss out on a lot of content from around the world.
US and UK-based streaming services often don’t bother releasing their platforms here in New Zealand because we’re such a small market. This means if you’re trying to watch services like Hulu, MAX or BritBox you won’t be able to.
The good news is there’s an easy way to access all of these streaming services including BritBox in New Zealand. All you need to do is trick the streaming service into thinking you’re accessing it from within the UK. To do that, we recommend using a VPN.
In this article we’ll explain how to watch BritBox in NZ. It’s easy, affordable and it works well.
Countries where BritBox is available
- Australia
- Canada
- South Africa
- United States
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Norway
How to watch BritBox in NZ: Guide
Total Time: 2 minutes
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Create a new account with ExpressVPN or NordVPN
Register for an account with ExpressVPN or NordVPN. If you want the very best, these VPNs have been setting the standard in the industry for years. They’re the best VPNs on the market for reliably streaming content.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are renowned for their reliable and fast connections, which is crucial for streaming high-quality content without buffering or interruptions. You can get 3 months of an ExpressVPN subscription for free here. And similarly, you can get 3 months of a NordVPN subscription for free here.
If you don’t like the looks of ExpressVPN or NordVPN, don’t panic, just follow these same steps as the process will be the same no matter what VPN you use.
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Download and install the new VPN app
Once you’ve signed up for a VPN you can install it on nearly any device.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are available on Mac, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Kindle, Amazon Fire Stick/TV, Chromecast, Nintendo Switch, Android TV and more.
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Open your VPN and connect to a server in a country where BritBox is available
When you open the app, you’ll need to log in with the credentials you created. Once logged in, select a server located in a country where BritBox is available, we recommend the UK.
This step is crucial as BritBox checks your IP address to determine your location. And to watch BritBox in New Zealand, you need to have an IP address from a country where the streaming service is available.
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Connect to BritBox/or create an account if you don’t have one
Navigate to the BritBox website or app. If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
If not, you’ll need to sign up for a new account (more below).
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Watch BritBox in NZ
Once you’re connected to a UK server on your VPN and logged into BritBox, you will have access to all its content.
How to make a BritBox account in NZ
Interestingly, you can gain access to all of BritBox’s content via ITVX, another UK-streaming service.
To do this you’ll need to make a Premium ITVX account and that will give you access to all the content on BritBox. Simply follow these steps:
- Connect to a UK server on your chosen VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN)
- Visit ITVX
- Create an account. You can watch our video on how to do that here
- Input your payment details
- You’ll now have access to all of BritBox’s content on ITVX
The reason we recommend doing it this way is because the actual BritBox app requires a payment method from the country you’re connecting to with your VPN. For example, if you’re trying to create an account on the Australian BritBox service, you’ll need an Australian form of payment. With ITVX you don’t. I was able to make a premium account with my NZ credit card.
Why can’t I access BritBox in New Zealand?
BritBox isn’t officially available here in New Zealand due to geographic licensing restrictions. Content providers like BritBox enter into licensing agreements that specify where their content can be legally distributed and viewed. These agreements are often exclusive, meaning that if BritBox hasn’t negotiated or acquired the rights to offer its service in New Zealand, it can’t legally make its content available here.
To enforce these licensing agreements, BritBox uses geolocation technology to determine a user’s location based on their internet connection. If the service detects that a user is attempting to access its content from within New Zealand, it will block access because it doesn’t hold the necessary rights to distribute its content in our territory.
This is a standard practice among streaming services to comply with copyright laws and licensing agreements, ensuring they do not broadcast content where they are not legally permitted to do so.
How does BritBox block my connection in New Zealand?
When you connect to the internet, your device is assigned an IP address, which includes information about your location. Streaming services like BritBox use this information to determine where you are accessing their service from.
If BritBox’s system detects that your IP address is from New Zealand, where it does not have rights to distribute its content, it automatically blocks access to its service.
This is done to comply with licensing agreements and copyright laws, ensuring that BritBox only streams content in regions where it is legally allowed to do so.
How can I get around BritBox’s blocks in New Zealand?
To get around BritBox’s geographic blocks in New Zealand, there are several methods you could try, but using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is among the best options.
A VPN allows you to route your internet connection through a server located in another country where BritBox is available, such as the UK.
This makes it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from that country, effectively bypassing the geolocation blocks put in place by BritBox.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN, works by creating a secure and private connection over the internet. Think of it as a private tunnel for your internet traffic that hides your real location. When you use a VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand, here’s what happens in simple steps:
- Connecting to the VPN: You start by selecting a VPN service and connecting to one of its servers. If you want to access BritBox, you’d choose a server in a country where BritBox is available, such as the UK.
- Creating a Secure Connection: Once you connect to the VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted. This means that anyone trying to spy on your online activity, including your internet service provider, can’t see what you’re doing. All they can see is that you’re connected to a VPN.
- Changing Your IP Address: By connecting to a server in the UK, your device is assigned a UK IP address. To websites and online services, it now appears as though you’re accessing the internet from the UK, not New Zealand.
- Accessing BritBox: With your internet connection now coming from a UK-based server, you can navigate to BritBox’s website or use their app. BritBox will see your UK IP address and allow you to access its content, just as if you were physically in the UK.
Will any VPN work with BritBox in New Zealand?
Not all VPNs will work effectively with BritBox in New Zealand. The ability of a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions and provide access to streaming services like BritBox depends on several factors:
- Detection Avoidance: Streaming services often employ technology to detect and block VPN traffic. Some VPNs are better at avoiding detection than others due to their advanced obfuscation techniques and the ability to regularly update their server IPs.
- Server Locations: The VPN must have servers in countries where BritBox is officially available, such as the UK or the US. The more server options available, the better your chances of finding one that works with BritBox.
- Speed and Reliability: Streaming video content requires a fast and stable internet connection. High-quality VPNs offer optimized servers for streaming that can handle high-definition video without buffering or interruptions.
- Privacy and Security: The VPN should have a strong privacy policy and use robust encryption methods to keep your online activity secure and anonymous.
The VPN services we recommend for BritBox in New Zealand
1. ExpressVPN 🥇
The fastest and most reliable VPN of 2024
- ✔160 servers in 94 countries
- ✔24/7 Live Chat
- ✔8 simultaneous connections
- ✔New Apple TV app
- ✔30-day money-back guarantee
- ❌Expensive
- ❌No Password Manager
- ❌No Meshnet
- ❌No Dedicated IP
Streaming: Known for its lightning-fast speeds and robust server network, ExpressVPN excels at bypassing VPN blocks with its advanced obfuscation technology, making it a reliable choice for streaming BritBox without interruption.
Servers: ExpressVPN boasts a vast network of over 3,000 servers in 104 countries, including the UK and US, ensuring you’ll find a server that works with BritBox. Its high-speed servers and proprietary Lightway protocol offer a seamless streaming experience, minimizing buffering and easily circumventing geo-blocks.
Privacy: For privacy-conscious users, ExpressVPN also opens itself up to regular, and rigorous, third-party zero-log audits to prove its claims. You can find out a detailed list, and the results, of its Security Audits here.
Price: ExpressVPN has three payment options, a 1-month option costing $12.95/month, a 6-month option costing $9.99/month or a 12-month option costing $6.67/month. It accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and a variety of other payment systems.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the percentage drop-off you can expect when using ExpressVPN. From our tests, we got a 12-15% drop – which is very good from our test location (New Zealand).
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| ExpressVPN US server | 824.62 | 6.96 |
| ExpressVPN UK server | 794.95 | 3.70 |
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Fast connection speeds
- ✔5,500+ servers in 59 countries
- ✔6 simultaneous connections
- ✔Free Meshnet + Password Manager
- ❌No free version
- ❌Complex interface for beginners
Streaming: NordVPN offers Double VPN and dedicated IP options, significantly enhancing its ability to overcome VPN detection mechanisms employed by streaming services, ensuring consistent access to BritBox from New Zealand.
Servers: With more than 5,400 servers across 59 countries, NordVPN provides several UK and US server options specifically optimized for streaming, ensuring reliable access to BritBox. Its SmartPlay technology automatically selects the best server for BritBox, combining ease of use with powerful geo-block bypassing capabilities.
Privacy: NordVPN emphasises its commitment to user privacy by consistently undergoing independent audits to validate its no-logs policy. Detailed reports and findings from these security audits are readily accessible for users seeking transparency and assurance.
Price: NordVPN provides several payment options for its standard package: a monthly plan at $12.99, a yearly plan at $4.99/month per month, and a two-year plan at $3.19/month. You can also opt for other packages that come with added features like Malware Protection, AdBlocker, a Cross-Platform Password Manager, a Data Breach Scanner, 1TB of Cloud Storage and file encryption software.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speeds you can expect when using NordVPN:
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off (New Zealand) | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| ExpressVPN US server | 824.62 | 6.96 |
| ExpressVPN UK server | 794.95 | 3.70 |
Read our full NordVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔Robust AES-256 encryption
- ✔Over 35,000 servers globally
- ✔Built-in ad and malware blocking
- ✔10 simultaneous connections
- ❌Can have slower speeds
- ❌Basic app interface
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔Cost-effective pricing
- ✔Intuitive app design
- ✔Strict no browsing logs policy
- ✔Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- ❌Smaller server network compared to others
- ❌Lacks some advanced settings
- ❌Basic live chat support
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Supports 7 devices simultaneously
- ✔Strong encryption standards
- ✔Large selection of servers
- ✔Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- ❌Variable connection speeds
- ❌Pricier than some rivals
Can you watch BritBox in New Zealand with a free VPN?
While it is technically possible to watch BritBox in New Zealand using a free VPN, there are several challenges and limitations to consider:
- Limited Server Options: Free VPNs often have a limited number of servers, which may not include locations where BritBox is available. This makes it harder to find a server that can bypass BritBox’s geographic restrictions.
- Bandwidth Restrictions: Many free VPNs impose bandwidth limits, which can significantly affect streaming quality. You might experience slow speeds, buffering, or a reduced video quality when trying to watch BritBox.
- Data Caps: Along with bandwidth restrictions, free VPNs often have data caps, limiting how much content you can stream each month. Watching TV shows and movies on BritBox could quickly exhaust these limits.
- Security and Privacy Concerns: Free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid services. Some might even log your browsing activity or inject ads into your browser, posing privacy risks and detracting from your viewing experience.
- VPN Blocks: Streaming services like BritBox actively work to block VPNs from accessing their content. Paid VPNs are generally more effective at staying ahead of these blocks through regularly updated servers and IP addresses. Free VPNs may not be as quick to respond, making them more likely to be blocked.
While a free VPN might work temporarily, for a more reliable, secure, and enjoyable streaming experience of BritBox in New Zealand, investing in a reputable paid VPN service is often a better choice.
Is watching BritBox in NZ with a VPN legal?
Using a VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand falls into a legal grey area. While the act of using a VPN in itself is legal in New Zealand for privacy and security purposes, using it to access content that is geo-restricted can violate the terms of service of streaming platforms like BritBox. These services have licensing agreements in place that restrict content to certain geographical areas, and bypassing these restrictions can breach those agreements.
Streaming services may respond to violations of their terms of service by blocking the VPN’s IP addresses, limiting access to their content, or in some cases, suspending or terminating accounts. However, there have been no widely reported cases of individuals being legally prosecuted for using VPNs to access geo-restricted content for personal use.
How to watch BritBox in NZ: FAQs
- Can I use any VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand?
Not all VPNs can bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by BritBox, as the streaming service uses technology to detect and block VPN access. It’s advisable to choose a VPN known for its ability to unblock streaming services, with servers in countries where BritBox is available, such as the UK or the US.
- Will using a VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand slow down my internet connection?
Using a VPN can sometimes lead to a slower internet connection due to the encryption process and the distance of the server you’re connecting to. However, premium VPNs minimise this impact with fast servers and advanced technology, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.
- Is it legal to use a VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand?
Using a VPN in New Zealand is legal for privacy and security purposes. However, using it to access geo-restricted content like BritBox may violate the streaming service’s terms of service, although there’s little risk of legal repercussions for individuals.
- How do I choose the best VPN for watching BritBox in New Zealand?
Look for a VPN with a strong track record of unblocking geo-restricted content, fast and reliable servers in the UK or US, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. Reviews and free trials can help determine the best VPN for your needs.
- Can I use a free VPN to watch BritBox in New Zealand?
While free VPNs might seem appealing, they often have limited servers, slower speeds, and data caps, making them less suitable for streaming BritBox. Additionally, free VPNs might not be as effective at bypassing geo-restrictions and can pose security and privacy risks.
