How to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand in 2025

HBO Max is loaded with great TV shows and movies, from The Big Bang Theory to The Lord of the Ring Trilogy, and more!

HBO Max isn’t available in New Zealand at this time, but if you’re a Kiwi, you don’t have to miss out on all the streaming service has to offer!

Sign up for a good VPN, like ExpressVPN, and you’ll be able to watch HBO Max in New Zealand in no time!

Key takeaways

1. HBO Max is a popular streaming service
2. HBO Max content is not available in New Zealand
3. A quality VPN can unblock HBO Max content in NZ
4. Only the best VPN services work well for streaming HBO Max NZ

Is HBO Max available in New Zealand?

Unfortunately, HBO Max is only available in a few select countries, and New Zealand isn’t one of them. HBO Max uses geo-blocks to keep users from an unlicensed region off the site.

A good VPN, however, can bypass the site’s blocks so you can enjoy HBO Max’s content in New Zealand.

Why you need a VPN to watch HBO Max in New Zealand

A VPN is my go-to tool for unblocking HBO Max and other streaming platforms worldwide. A VPN can connect you to a server in the country of your choice while masking your true location, tricking the website into thinking you are somewhere you are not.

That means all you need to do is connect to a USA server using a reputable VPN service and you’ll be able to watch all your favorite HBO Max shows from New Zealand!

How to choose the best VPN for streaming HBO Max in New Zealand

I’ve tried out a lot of VPNs for streaming, and find some work much better than others. Here’s what the good ones all have in common:

• Unblocks streaming services. Only get a VPN with a strong track record for bypassing the tough geo-blocks on HBO Max and more.
• Server network. Choose a VPN with a broad server network to access streaming content worldwide and to avoid slowdowns from overcrowded servers.
• Speed. Select a VPN that can keep up with HBO Max or you’ll get buffering and pixelation while you watch.
• Compatibility. Look for VPN apps with a user-friendly interface for your home and mobile devices.
• Customer service. Before you subscribe to any VPN service, make sure it comes with a money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support so you can try it out risk-free.

3 best VPNs to watch HBO Max in New Zealand

These VPNs are my favorite for unblocking HBO Max in New Zealand. Each offers unique features and pricing options to suit your streaming needs.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN tops my list for streaming HBO Max in New Zealand, thanks to its super-fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable ability to bypass geo-restrictions.

Features: With ExpressVPN I’ve got over 3,200 servers across 105 countries at my fingertips. As a techie, I appreciate all of the extras like split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, a password manager, Smart DNS, and more.

Speed: During my speed tests on an overseas server, I got an impressive download speed retention of 88% when compared to the baseline.

Privacy & Security: As a traveler who is often dependent on public Wi-Fi, I like knowing my connection is secure with ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption, automatic Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and zero-logs policy.

Performance: Whether I’m streaming HBO Max, gaming, browsing, or torrenting, ExpressVPN always delivers a stable and seamless connection.

Streaming: With ExpressVPN, I can unblock HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and other major streaming platforms with ease.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN apps work well with macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux, and every account comes with up to 8 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: While priced higher than competitors, I find the quality I get justifies the cost. Subscriptions start at $6.67/month, including 3 months free, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is fast, reliable, and comes with an array of premium features at a relatively lower cost.

Features: NordVPN offers lots of advanced features such as Threat Protection, Double VPN, dedicated IPs, split tunneling, and Private DNS. It also has a huge network of 7,100+ servers across 118 countries.

Speed: NordVPN retained an extraordinary 92% of my baseline download speed when I tested it on an overseas server.

Privacy & Security: You’ll know your online activities are private and secure with NordVPN’s independently verified zero-logs policy, military-level encryption, Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection.

Performance: I experienced high-quality streaming, lag-free gaming, and quick torrenting with NordVPN.

Streaming: NordVPN is great at unblocking HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and more. Its extensive server network ensures access to a variety of content without geographical restrictions getting in your way.

Compatibility: User-friendly apps are available for iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Android devices and you’ve got the option of connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Pricing. NordVPN is an excellent value with pricing beginning at $3.39/month with 4 months free, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best of the budget VPN services, with great features, dependable service, and unlimited device connections at an affordable price.

Features: Surfshark offers plenty of high-end features like split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, multi-hop, and Smart DNS, which are rare for a budget VPN. It also has a good-sized server network with 3,000+ servers across 100 countries.

Speed: You do compromise a bit on speed with Surfshark, but if you’re willing to experiment with different servers you’ll be able to find one that offers seamless streaming. When I put it to the test, Surfshark maintained 71% of the baseline download speed while connected to an overseas server.

Privacy & Security: Surfshark doesn’t skimp on security, offering military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

Performance: You might get some buffering during peak hours or HD streaming. However, their 24/7 live chat support can help you find fast servers that will perform well for streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting.

Streaming: You can rely on Surfshark to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming sites including HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: Surfshark apps work seamlessly across all major operating systems. Compatible devices include smart TVs, laptops, desktops, PCs and routers. Best of all, you get unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pricing: Starting at just $1.99/month, a Surfshark subscription includes 4 months free, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How we picked and analyzed the best VPNs for HBO Max in New Zealand

We analyzed dozens of VPN services to pick the best VPN for streaming HBO Max in New Zealand. Here’s why the ones we chose made the list.

• Speed. We conducted speed testing on multiple servers, devices, and operating systems to ensure it was fast enough for seamless streaming.
• Geo-spoofing. We checked to make sure the VPN service could unblock HBO Max, as well as other popular streaming services with geographical restrictions.
• Server network. We made sure the VPN offers multiple servers in the US as well as around the world for the best access to geo-restricted content on streaming services worldwide.
• Security. All of our recommended VPN services come with military-level encryption, secure tunneling protocols, a Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a zero-logs policy.
• Compatibility. We gave preference to VPNs with a user-friendly interface for a diverse range of devices.
• Customer support. We limited our selection to VPNs that come with 24/7 live-chat support and at least a 30-day trial period.

Recommended VPN server locations to stream HBO Max in NZ

Here are the US server locations I find work best for accessing HBO Max in New Zealand.

• New York City
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Miami

How to subscribe to HBO Max in New Zealand

HBO Max won’t accept a non-US credit card, but there are other ways to pay for your HBO Max subscription from New Zealand. Here are some good options.

Google Pay

Use Google Pay to open your HBO Max account by following these steps.

1. Purchase a subscription to a premium VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN.
2. Download the app onto your device.
3. Connect to a US server.
4. Go to the Google Play Store.
5. Click on the bars on the top left corner and select account.
6. Go to Region and change it to the United States.
7. Search for the HBO Max app in the Google Store.
8. Download the app and select Google Pay as your payment method.

iTunes

Here’s how to pay for your HBO Max account via iTunes.

1. Use your preferred VPN service to connect to a server in the US. I use ExpressVPN.
2. Open your iOS device and navigate to Settings > Apple account > Media & Purchases.
3. Change your region to the United States.
4. Go to the Apple App Store and download the HBO Max app.
5. Open the app and select Sign up Now.
6. Purchase a plan using your iTunes account.

Gift card

An HBO Max gift card is one of the simplest ways to pay for your HBO Max subscription from New Zealand. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Purchase an HBO Max gift card at MyGiftCardSupply.com for an amount that will cover the cost of your preferred plan.
2. You will immediately receive a gift card code.
3. Go to the HBO Max website and select Redeem Your Gift Card.
4. Follow the prompts to sign up using your gift card code and a US zip code in the billing information.
5. Sign in to your HBO Max account on your device and enjoy!

How much does HBO Max cost in New Zealand?

The cost of HBO Max depends on the length of your subscription and the plan you choose, with the ad-free version being more expensive than the ad-supported plan.

Prices are based on US dollars so the amounts may vary depending on the day’s exchange rate. This is the current pricing on the different subscription plans in NZD.

HBO Max supported devices

Wondering if you can watch HBO Max on your favorite device? Here’s a comprehensive list of compatible devices.

• Amazon Fire TV
• Android (TV, laptop, smartphone, tablet)
• Apple TV
• Firestick
• Google Chromebook
• iOS (iPad, iPhone, and iPod)
• LG Smart TV
• Macbooks (Google, Chromebook)
• PlayStation (4 & 5)
• Roku
• Samsung TV
• Windows (7 and later)
• Xbox (One and X/S)

How to watch HBO Max in NZ on your device

Here’s how to watch HBO Max on your favorite streaming devices. Always start out using a reliable VPN, like ExpressVPN to connect to a US server!

PC

Watch HBO Max NZ on your PC by following these steps.

1. Use a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN, to connect to a server in the United States.
2. Search for the HBO Max website on your browser.
3. Open the site
4. Sign in to your account.
5. Select a show, press play, and enjoy!

iOS

You can enjoy streaming HBO Max NZ on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how.

1. Open your preferred VPN app and connect to a US server. I recommend using ExpressVPN.
2. Open your iOS device and sign out of your current Apple ID.
3. Create a new Apple ID.
4. Select the USA as your country.
5. Sign in to your iOS device with your new US Apple ID.
6. Go to the App Store and search for HBO Max.
7. Download the HBO Max app.
8. Sign in and enjoy!

Android

Here’s how Android users can watch HBO Max in New Zealand.

1. Connect to a US server using a high-quality VPN, like ExpressVPN.
2. Open your Android device and go to the Google Play Store.
3. Go to Account and click on Region.
4. Change the region to the United States.
5. Search for HBO Max in the Google Play Store.
6. Download the HBO Max app.
7. Sign in to your account.
8. Enjoy HBO Max!

Smart TV

You can access HBO Max right on your smart TV by following these steps.

1. Open your VPN app and connect to a US server. I use ExpressVPN.
2. Press the Home button on your remote control.
3. Open the Search bar
4. Click on Apps, and look for HBO Max.
5. Select the HBO Max and install the app onto your smart TV.
6. Log in to your account
7. Now you can watch HBO Max on your TV!

FireStick

Follow these instructions to watch HBO Max using FireStick.

1. Use a reliable VPN service, like ExpressVPN to connect to a server in the US.
2. Go to the FireStick home page.
3. Search for the HBO Max app.
4. Select the app.
5. Sign in to your account.
6. Start streaming HBO Max on your FireStick!

Roku

Here’s how to watch HBO Max in New Zealand on your Roku device.

1. Open your reputable VPN app and connect to a server in the US. I prefer ExpressVPN.
2. Go to the Roku home page.
3. Search for HBO Max.
4. Sign in to your account.
5. You can now access HBO Max on your Roku device.

HBO Max not working with a VPN: How to fix

If you’re having trouble unblocking HBO Max NZ, try these simple fixes.

• Connect to a different server located in the US.
• Clear your cache and cooki.es
• Reset your HBO Max address and password.
• Switch your VPN protocol.
• Ask the 24/7 live chat support for help.
• Try a different VPN service.

Can I use a free VPN to watch HBO Max in New Zealand?

I haven’t had much success using a free VPN to access HBO Max in New Zealand. The free services rarely have what it takes to bypass the strong geo-blocks used by this and other streaming services.

I also find pop-up ads, buffering, and pixelation to be common problems when using a free VPN to unblock any streaming service, including HBO Max.

I recommend sticking with a reliable VPN service that you can afford so you can watch what you want, when you want, without interruption.

Popular shows and movies to watch on HBO Max in NZ

Here are some of the HBO Max shows and movies that audiences love!

• The Big Bang Theory
• The Flight Attendant
• Big Little Lies
• Boardwalk Empire
• Cartoon Network
• Chernobyl
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Dune
• The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
• Game of Thrones
• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
• The Matrix Resurrections
• Shawshank Redemption
• Silicon Valley

What’s hot on HBO Max in NZ in October 2024?

Here’s a look at the latest and greatest shows joining HBO Max NZ in October 2024.

• Doctor Sleep
• Gremlins
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch
• Impractical Jokers, Season 11
• 21 Jump Street
• 22 Jump Street
• House Hunters: Amazing Water Homes
• Kids Baking Championship: Scary Good
• It
• It: Chapter Two
• Supermarket Stakeout

What else can I unblock with a VPN in New Zealand? 

A good VPN can unblock lots of other services all over the world, from streaming sites to banking institutions! Here are a few of my favorites.

• Vudu
• Amazon Prime Video (US library)
• BBC iPlayer
• Hulu
• Netflix (US library)

FAQ

Can I watch HBO Max in New Zealand?

You can, with a little help from a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN. HBO Max is only licensed in select countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. While New Zealand isn’t on the list yet, a good VPN can make it look like you are located in a permitted location so you can access HBO Max’s exclusive content from New Zealand.

Is it legal to watch HBO Max in New Zealand with a VPN?

Yes. It is legal to use a VPN while watching HBO Max in New Zealand.

Can HBO Max detect I’m using a VPN?

It is possible for HBO Max to detect your VPN usage, and if it does it will block your access to their streaming platform. That’s why it’s important to get a premium VPN that has software in place to prevent detection.

When will HBO Max be available in New Zealand?

HBO Max is supposed to come to New Zealand at the end of 2024! Keep in mind, delays are common so I’ll believe it when I see it.

Conclusion

You can stream HBO Max in New Zealand today!

Sign up for a premium VPN and connect to a server in the USA and you’ll be able to watch unlimited content on HBO Max without having to worry about the dreaded error message indicating you’ve been blocked.

I found the best VPN for watching HBO Max is ExpressVPN. It’s got what it takes to get past the strongest geo-blocks and is fast enough for seamless streaming.