How to watch British TV in New Zealand

UK and New Zealand flag

One of the most common questions is How can I watch British TV in New Zealand? and today we’re going to show you how to do just that and with minimal fuss.

Living or travelling in New Zealand is great but if you’re a British expat you probably miss certain TV programmes from back in the UK and if you’re a New Zealander who loves British comedy, drama or other TV then you probably want to know how you can access more of it.

The best way to watch British TV is to use the online streaming services.

All the big TV channels have online streaming services but they’re restricted to the UK only, blocked to anyone overseas.

In this guide we’re going to show you by using a simple app called a VPN how you can unblock those streaming sites in just a few simple steps and watch British TV in New Zealand.

What you need to watch British TV in New Zealand

When you visit any of the main UK streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player or Sky Go etc and you’re in New Zealand you’ll be blocked from watching.

You’ll end up seeing a block message similar to the following:

BBC iPlayer blocked July 17

To unblock the streaming sites you’ll need to download an app called a VPN.

A decent VPN services costs between NZ$ 7 – $10 per month (approx £4 – £6) and becomes cheaper the longer you subscribe for.

Just follow the simple step-by-step guide below on where to get a VPN and how to use it to watch British TV in New Zealand.

Steps to watch UK TV in New Zealand

  1. Visit the VPN provider ExpressVPN.
  2. Click Get ExpressVPN.
  3. Select a subscription length.
  4. Enter your details and complete the sign-up process.
  5. Download the ExpressVPN app from your app store or their software from the VPN Apps section of the ExpressVPN website.
  6. Install it, run it and login when required.
  7. Select United Kingdom.
  8. Press Connect.
ExpressVPN connecting to the UK

Watch UK TV using ExpressVPN.

It takes around 30 seconds for the app or software to connect. Once it has connected any websites you visit will think you’re in the United Kingdom rather than in New Zealand.

All you need to do now is head over to your favourite UK streaming service and you’ll be able to watch any catch-up programme or live TV in New Zealand.

British TV Channels

There are plenty of TV channels and networks you can now access with the VPN service which includes any free-to-air ones and also any that you have a subscription for.

Some you may want to try are:

Free-to-air:

Subscription:

Alternative VPN Providers

We recommend ExpressVPN to watch British TV in New Zealand because they offer the fastest speeds and overall offer the best service.

We’ve awarded them high review scores for the past 3 years based on the quality of their service.

However, if you’ve got time to shop about and want to see what other options are available there are other good providers too and some you may want to check out are:

Why is British TV blocked in New Zealand

When you visit a streaming website that is intended for Britain it checks your internet connection to determine your location.

When it sees you’re in New Zealand rather than the UK it blocks you from watching.

It does this by checking something known as your IP Address. An IP Address is a unique set of numbers that help the internet function.

Unfortunately, it also gives away your location.

A VPN works to protect your privacy online and one of the features of that is to disguise your location. In the case of watching British TV in New Zealand, it alters your IP Address from one that shows you’re in New Zealand to one that shows you’re in the United Kingdom.

So basically, all you need to watch British TV in New Zealand is to get yourself a VPN app. Click the link below to get one.

30-day money back guarantee

Author: Christopher Seward

After 25 years of using the internet, Christopher launched one of the very first VPN comparison websites in 2013. An expert in the field his reviews, testing and knowledge have helped thousands of users get the correct VPN for their needs.

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