How to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand in 2024
HBO Max (now called Max) is a hugely popular streaming service available in 60+ countries at the moment. Unfortunately, it is blocked in New Zealand. If you live in or are traveling to NZ, you won't be able to stream Max. Now, while some HBO Max content can be streamed on Sky and Neon, it doesn't give you access to the entire library, which is only available through the US Max service.
But don’t worry, you can get around the geo-blocks and access HBO Max in New Zealand with a VPN. A VPN can hide your real IP and get you a different one in just a few seconds. You just need to connect to a server in the US, and you can start streaming any HBO content you want!
In this article, we’ll talk about how you can watch HBO Max in New Zealand, which VPNs unblock Max, how to buy an HBO Max subscription, and how much it costs. Plus, we'll explain why you need a VPN, suggest some content you can watch on the streamer, share a bunch of HBO Max installation guides for various devices, answer some FAQs, and more.
How to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand
To stream HBO Max in NZ, you need to connect to a VPN server located in the USA, as that's where Max's content library is the biggest. Here’s what you have to do:
- Get a VPN that unblocks Max in New Zealand (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN app and install it on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in the US.
- Go to Max’s website and click “Sign Up Now.”
- Choose any plan that you want.
- Create an account and fill in your details, then click “Continue.”
- Choose how you want to pay (US PayPal or debit/credit card required).
- Click on the “Start Subscription” button.
- That's it! Now you can start streaming HBO Max in NZ!
Keep in mind that you’ll need a US-based payment method to get the Max streaming service in NZ. This includes a debit/credit card or a PayPal account - all with a US billing address. Don't have one? Not to worry! We'll share some easy-to-follow guides for alternative payment methods later in this article, including Apple and Google Play gift cards and virtual credit cards.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in NZ?
You need a VPN to stream HBO Max in NZ because it’s not available in the country at the moment. Max is only available in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean, whereas HBO Max is available in some European countries. Once you get an IP address from a country where the platform is available, you can access it without any problems. (Keep in mind that the country with the largest Max library is the US.)
If you try to unblock HBO Max outside the US without a VPN using your New Zealand IP address, you’ll receive the following error message: “Max is Not Available in Your Region. To learn more about where you can stream Max or to get troubleshooting tips, visit our Help Center.”
A VPN can hide your NZ IP address and replace it with one from a country that has access to Max. This way, when you access the Max streaming service, it won’t see you’re in New Zealand. So, you’ll be able to access it and watch your favorite movies and shows.
However, not every VPN can unblock Max. Streaming services block VPN IP ranges to prevent people from using them to unblock geo-restricted content. That's why you need the best HBO Max VPN to have a smooth streaming experience. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN because it's fast, reliable, and excellent for unblocking HBO Max from anywhere.
The Best VPNs for Accessing Max in New Zealand
The VPN you choose for streaming should meet certain requirements. First of all, the VPN must be able to unblock Max consistently. For this, the VPN needs to have a large server network, especially with coverage in the US, where the largest Max library is available.
Look for a VPN that has optimized performance and fast speeds, so your videos load quickly and play without buffering. Moreover, it should come with high-end security and privacy, including obfuscation to hide that you’re using a VPN. A kill switch, a no-logs policy, secure protocols, and bank-grade encryption are other important features.
Make sure the VPN you choose allows multiple simultaneous connections and supports various streaming devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. Affordable pricing is important, too. It’s also preferable if it offers 24/7 customer support and a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Based on the requirements mentioned above, these are the 4 best VPNs for streaming Max in New Zealand in 2024:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand
- Surfshark - Get HBO Max in New Zealand with Buffer-Free Streaming
- ExpressVPN - Fast VPN for Unblocking HBO Max in New Zealand
- CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN to Watch Max in NZ
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand
NordVPN is our top choice for watching HBO Max in New Zealand because it consistently unblocks HBO Max from anywhere. It also works with any other streaming services you might want to access. Its network is comprised of 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, including 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations.
Fortunately, NordVPN provides super-fast speeds with reliable performance, so your videos won’t lag or buffer. It consistently supported 4K streaming on all its servers that we tested, no matter whether they were nearby or further away. Plus, most of its servers are obfuscated, and its SmartPlay feature enhances its ability to unblock geo-restricted content.
When it comes to privacy, NordVPN has tons of useful features. This includes AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and secure protocols like OpenVPN, Nordlynx, and IKEv2/IPsec. You'll also get a kill switch, which will prevent data leaks in the event of a VPN disconnection.
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is usually enough for one person. Its apps have an intuitive design, and you can install them super quickly on the most popular operating systems, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. It also supports streaming HBO Max in New Zealand on devices like smart TVs and can be installed on routers to protect your entire network.
This provider is quite affordable, offering a 2-year plan for as little as $3.09 per month. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test its services and make sure it's the right fit. If not, you can contact its 24/7 live chat support to request a refund. But we don't think that will be necessary!
PROS
- Unblocks Max in NZ.
- Blazing-fast streaming speeds.
- 1,970+ servers in the US.
- 30-day refund period.
- 24/7 live chat.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn't network wide.
2. Surfshark - Get HBO Max in New Zealand with Buffer-Free Streaming
Surfshark made our list because it can easily unblock HBO Max in New Zealand. To do so, you can connect to one of its 600+ servers in 25 US cities. It comes with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide, so it also works well with other streaming services.
You'll enjoy blazing-fast speeds with Surfshark, and it delivers dependable performance. Moreover, its unique Nexus technology harnesses the power of its entire network to boost speeds and keep connections stable. This also rotates your IP, which helps avoid VPN blocks. On top of that, it has network-wide obfuscation, so none of them will be able to see you're using a VPN.
Surfshark comes with an impressive security suite, including a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks. You'll also get military-grade AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, depending on which protocol you choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
You can protect as many devices as you want with Surfshark because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It supports computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more.
Surfshark is a great choice if you're on a budget because it has a 2-year plan for just $2.29 per month. Lastly, it has a 30-day refund period for risk-free testing and customer support available 24/7 in case you need assistance.
PROS
- Unblocks Max.
- 600+ fast US servers.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day money-back period.
CONS
- iOS app can have issues.
3. ExpressVPN - Fast VPN for Unblocking HBO Max in New Zealand
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice if you need to access the Max streaming service in NZ on almost any device. Moreover, it unblocks any other streaming services you might want to access. It has thousands of servers in 105 countries, so you can find low-load servers, including from its wealth of servers in 24 US locations.
With ExpressVPN, you'll get lightning-fast speeds, and its performance is consistent on both close and distant servers. You can effortlessly stream in 4K without buffering annoyances. On top of that, its whole network is obfuscated.
ExpressVPN has excellent privacy and security features as well. For example, it offers a kill switch, AES-256 and WolfSSL encryption, and secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. Plus, there’s an audited no-logs policy, so you can be sure it won’t store your data.
You can use ExpressVPN on any popular streaming devices like computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. It allows you to make 8 simultaneous connections on a single subscription. It can be expensive, though - its annual plan costs $6.67 per month. Fortunately, it also has 24/7 live support, and you can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back period.
PROS
- Plenty of US servers.
- Easily unblocks HBO Max.
- Super-fast speeds for streaming.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the expensive side.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN to Watch Max in NZ
CyberGhost is another efficient VPN for streaming Max, as well as many other platforms. It gives you access to thousands of servers in 100 countries, and it comes with streaming-optimized servers as well. Moreover, you can connect to 2,100+ US servers in 11 cities where Max is available.
When we connected to nearby servers in our speed tests, HD and 4K videos loaded instantly. However, CyberGhost had minor slowdowns on very distant servers. Overall, though, it delivered decently fast speeds and stable performance. Unfortunately, it doesn't have obfuscation.
The VPN has strong security and privacy features that rival its competitors'. It offers AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption options, secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec), and an audited no-logs policy. It also has a kill switch, so your personal data won’t risk leaking online.
CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections, so it’s very convenient if you want to watch Max on multiple devices. It supports all popular platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more. Even better, it's super-cheap, with a 2-year plan for only $2.03 monthly. It also has 24/7 live support and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Works well with HBO Max.
- Optimized streaming servers.
- Huge server network in US.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- No obfuscation available.
How Much Is the Price of an HBO Max Subscription in NZ?
The price of an HBO Max subscription in New Zealand starts at $9.99 (NZD 16.88) per month and goes up to $199.99 (NZD 337.92) per year. There are 3 different plans, and none of them come with any free trial. Also, keep in mind that the price may vary depending on where you buy your subscription.
To make things clearer, you can check out the HBO Max price points in both the US and New Zealand below, where we also explain what each plan offers:
How to Get HBO Max on Your Devices in NZ
To get HBO Max on your devices in NZ, it's always a good idea to start by subscribing to a VPN. You'll need it to download the HBO Max app on most platforms. You also may need to set up a VPN on your router to stream Max in New Zealand on certain devices like gaming consoles (which don't natively support VPNs). Here are handy step-by-step guides for the most popular devices:
What to Watch on HBO Max in New Zealand?
Max offers a large variety of shows, movies, and original series. Its content covers every genre, including mystery, thriller, horror, historical drama, reality tv, and more. For example, you can watch Barry, The Leftovers, Perry Mason, Watchmen, and so on. You can also watch 2 of the most popular shows in the world: Game of Thrones and Succession.
When it comes to movies, Max has the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises (including the extended editions!), DC blockbusters like Aquaman, and much more. Plus, you also get access to content from other networks, such as Adult Swim, HGTV, Turner Classic Movies, The Food Network, Discovery+, and TLC. If you like anime, you can stream content from Crunchyroll and Studio Ghibli as well.
Here are some of the most popular HBO Max titles you can add to your list:
Is HBO Max on Sky TV and Neon Platforms in NZ?
Some HBO Max content is offered through certain Sky TV and Neon services in NZ. However, the titles you can access will be limited because the complete content library of the Max streaming service is not available through these providers.
Due to an exclusive agreement between HBO Max's parent company, WarnerMedia, and services like Sky and Neon, Max can't launch its full platform in NZ. That means that only certain HBO Max titles will be offered through Sky and Neon due to licensing restrictions. Plus, you'll likely run into delayed releases and the exclusions of various titles.
Your best bet is to use a VPN to get the US version of Max, which has the most complete library. Our top choice is NordVPN because it has thousands of US servers, blazing-fast speeds, and strong unblocking abilities.
Is It Possible to Use a Free VPN for Watching HBO Max in New Zealand?
Yes, it is possible to use a free VPN to watch HBO Max in NZ, but we don’t recommend it. For one, free VPNs can’t bypass geo-restrictions as easily as premium VPNs. Free VPNs also lack security features and may sell your private data, putting your device at risk.
Free VPNs also limit your data usage, so you might not be able to watch content for more than 1-2 hours per month. They usually offer just 1 connection. Plus, they have a small server network and slower speeds, so you’ll experience lags, buffering, and quality drops during playback. We suggest getting a free trial VPN from a premium provider instead.
Our #1 recommendation is the free trial from NordVPN, offered for 7 days on Android devices. It also has a 30-day refund period so you can try it on other devices. After the trial, we recommend using only the best VPN services on the market. No free VPNs can compare to them when it comes to streaming Max in NZ.
Final Thoughts
HBO Max is one of the most popular streaming services, but it's only available in certain countries, and New Zealand isn't one of them. While some HBO Max titles are offered through Sky and Neon in NZ, it's limited content only. Plus, even if you already have a Max account, you can't use it if you travel to NZ. By using a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access Max in New Zealand.
NordVPN is our top choice for watching HBO Max in NZ. It has thousands of servers in the US, super-fast speeds, and plenty of obfuscated servers. Plus, its SmartPlay feature makes it easy to get around geo-blocks. All these features let you binge-watch any Max libraries without buffering from anywhere in the world.
This is the end of our guide on how to watch HBO Max in New Zealand. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!