If you’re trying to watch the UK streaming service, Channel 4 in NZ, you’re going to come across some errors and issues.
Unfortunately, Channel 4 isn’t “officially” available here in New Zealand and because it’s a UK-based streaming service, it blocks anyone outside the UK from accessing its content.
The good news is, there’s an easy way to get around these blocks. All you need is a reliable VPN. I’ve been using ExpressVPN and NordVPN to watch Channel 4 or as it used to be known, All4 for years. But there are other VPNs that will work as well.
In this article I’ll explain how to watch Channel 4 in NZ, the way I do it. It’s easy and won’t take longer than two minutes.
How to watch Channel 4 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 UK server
When you open the app, you’ll need to log in with the credentials you created. Once logged in, select a server located in the UK.
This step is crucial as Channel 4 checks your IP address to determine your location. And to watch Channel 4 in New Zealand, you need to have an IP address that’s based in the UK.
When you connect to a UK server on your VPN, it will automatically change your NZ IP address to a UK IP address.
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Connect to Channel 4/or create an account if you don’t have one
Navigate to the Channel 4 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. You can watch our video on how to make a Channel 4 account outside the UK.
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Watch Channel 4 in NZ
Once you’re connected to a UK server on your VPN and logged into Channel 4, you will have access to all its content.
How to make a Channel 4 account in NZ
Why can’t I watch Channel 4 in NZ?
The primary reason you can’t watch Channel 4 in New Zealand is due to geographic content licensing restrictions.
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster that only offers its content within the United Kingdom.
These restrictions are in place because Channel 4 only has the rights to show its content in the UK and it blocks anyone outside the UK from accessing its content. Essentially, Channel 4 has not acquired the rights to distribute the content in New Zealand.
How does Channel 4 block my connection in NZ?
Channel 4 blocks connections from outside the UK, including from New Zealand, primarily through a process known as geo-blocking. This involves several key mechanisms:
- IP Address Detection: The most common method Channel 4 uses to block access to its content from viewers outside the UK is by detecting the viewer’s IP address. Every device connected to the internet is assigned an IP address, which contains information that can be used to figure out the device’s geographical location. When you attempt to access Channel 4’s services, the platform checks your IP address to determine your location. If your IP address indicates that you are outside the UK, Channel 4 will block access to its content.
- VPN and Proxy Detection: Channel 4, like many other streaming services, also employs technology to detect and block traffic that appears to be coming through VPNs or proxy servers. These services are commonly used to bypass geo-restrictions by masking the user’s real IP address and replacing it with one from a server located in a permissible region (in this case, the UK). Channel 4 uses various techniques to identify and block IP addresses known to belong to VPNs and proxies, making it harder for viewers outside the UK to access its content using these methods.
- Traffic Analysis: The platform may also analyse the characteristics of the traffic to its site, looking for patterns that indicate the use of VPNs or proxies, such as many connections coming from the same IP address or unusual traffic patterns that are typical of VPN use.
Will Channel 4 work with a VPN in NZ?
Yes, using a VPN can enable access to Channel 4 in New Zealand by routing your internet connection through a server in the UK, thereby giving you a UK IP address. This can make it appear as if you are browsing from within the United Kingdom, circumventing the geo-restrictions placed on Channel 4’s content. However, there are a few important points to consider:
- VPN Detection: Channel 4, like many other streaming services, actively works to detect and block VPNs. Not all VPNs may be successful in accessing Channel 4 due to these measures.
- VPN Quality: The effectiveness of a VPN in accessing geo-restricted content like Channel 4’s depends on the quality of the VPN service. Premium VPNs that regularly update their server IPs and employ techniques to avoid detection are more likely to be successful.
- Compliance and Risks: Using a VPN to access Channel 4 from outside the UK may violate their terms of service. While many people use VPNs for this purpose, there is a risk that Channel 4 could block the VPN-provided IP address or take further measures.
- Performance: The speed and stability of your VPN connection can affect streaming quality. High-quality VPNs tend to offer better speeds and more reliable connections, which are important for streaming video content.
How does a VPN give me access to Channel 4 in NZ?
A VPN gives you access to Channel 4 in New Zealand by changing your IP address to one from the UK. This tricks Channel 4 into thinking you’re accessing the internet from within the United Kingdom, allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions.
The VPN does this by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a server in the UK. This process not only makes it appear as if you’re in the UK but also keeps your online activity private and secure.
The VPN services we recommend for Channel 4
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: ExpressVPN has been the best VPN for several years. What makes it better than the competition is its reliability with streaming services.
Servers: ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs in this regard, with servers based in 94 countries around the world. This is well above the 71-country average and is second only to HMA’s massive 218 supported countries.
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.
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(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 is great for accessing streaming services, with top-notch security, fast connections, and easy access to geo-blocked shows and movies.
Servers: NordVPN has servers in 60 countries. While this is low compared to the 71 country average, the servers it has are very fast and reliable.
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.
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(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
Is watching Channel 4 with a VPN legal in NZ?
In New Zealand, using a VPN in itself is legal, as it is in many countries, for purposes such as ensuring online privacy and securing internet connections. The use of VPNs to access geo-restricted content, including watching Channel 4, falls into a legal gray area, however. The act of using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions and access content from Channel 4 is not explicitly illegal under New Zealand law, but it may breach the terms of service of Channel 4.
Channel 4’s content is licensed for distribution and viewing only within the United Kingdom, and using a VPN to access it from outside the UK could be seen as violating these terms. While this is unlikely to lead to legal action in New Zealand, Channel 4 could potentially block access or ban accounts found to be accessing their service via a VPN.
How to watch Channel 4 in NZ: FAQs
Q: Can I legally use a VPN to watch Channel 4 in New Zealand?
Answer: Using a VPN to watch Channel 4 in New Zealand is legal, as VPNs are permitted for privacy and security reasons. However, accessing Channel 4 with a VPN may violate the broadcaster’s terms of service, though it’s unlikely to result in legal repercussions.
Q: Will any VPN work for accessing Channel 4 in NZ?
Answer: Not all VPNs are effective at accessing Channel 4 in New Zealand due to the broadcaster’s measures to block VPN services. It’s advisable to choose a reputable VPN provider known for overcoming geo-restrictions and regularly updating their server IP addresses.
Q: How do I choose the best VPN for watching Channel 4 in NZ?
Answer: When choosing a VPN for watching Channel 4, look for one with servers in the UK that are optimised for streaming. A good VPN should also offer strong encryption for privacy and a no-logs policy to ensure your online activity isn’t recorded.
Q: Can Channel 4 detect and block my VPN?
Answer: Yes, Channel 4 has mechanisms to detect and block VPNs, particularly those using known VPN IP addresses or showing suspicious activity patterns. High-quality VPN services frequently change their IP addresses and employ techniques to avoid detection.
Q: What happens if Channel 4 detects my VPN?
Answer: If Channel 4 detects you’re using a VPN, they might block the IP address provided by your VPN, resulting in an error message when you try to access their content. Switching to a different server within your VPN app can often resolve this issue.
