Is HBO Max available in NZ? No, unfortunately, HBO Max in New Zealand streaming is not available. However, you can still get your hands on Max Streaming Service NZ using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
HBO Max is an American video-on-demand service that’s known for a variety of original series like Sister Wives Season 18, Don’t Worry Darling, aka MR. CHOW, and more. However, since HBO Max is a geo-restricted site, it’s only accessible in limited countries, including the US, Brazil, Mexico, and a few other countries.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all VPNs are effective in this regard, as HBO Max often blocks many VPN connections. So get ExpressVPN – the best VPN for New Zealand and easily watch sports on Max like B/R Sports – NLCS/MLB/NBA matches.
If you’re unsure how can you get HBO Max in New Zealand? Read through our comprehensive guide!
How to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand [Easy – Steps]
Follow these easy steps to watch HBO Max in New Zealand right away:
- Subscribe to any reliable VPN service – Our recommendation is ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app and log in using your credentials.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Head over to the HBO Max website, and log in to your HBO Max account.
- Start streaming HBO Max in New Zealand!
Note: You can see our guide to learn more about how to pay for Max as it is a little tricky.
[LATEST UPDATE] Max and Discovery Plus Merger
On May 23, 2023, HBO Max rebranded its service as Max. The platform has merged with Discovery Plus, creating a unified platform that offers an expanded array of series and shows to the audience.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand?
You need a VPN to watch HBO Max in New Zealand, as the streaming service is available only in the US and a few of its territories in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Moreover, HBO Max has no plans of launching the streaming platform in New Zealand any time soon due to licensing copyrights.
So, whenever you try to watch HBO NZ, it will give you the following error message:
“Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet.”
An error message will appear if you accessed HBO Max in New Zealand without a VPN!
A reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN can solve this problem. It hides your online activity and gives you US IP address in New Zealand. So you can watch your favorite shows on HBO Max in NZ.
Best VPNs To Watch HBO Max NZ in 2023 [In-Depth Analysis]
We tested 20+ VPNs to watch HBO Max in NZ based on their US servers, unblocking capabilities, streaming speeds, etc., and compiled a list of the best VPN for HBO Max in New Zealand that worked flawlessly:
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to Watch Max in NZ
Key Features:
- Servers: 3000+ servers in 105 countries with 25 server locations in US
- Speed: 89.42 Mbps on a base connection of 100 Mbps
- Simultaneous connections: 8 devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for ultra HD streaming
- MediaStreamer feature
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max in New Zealand, thanks to its excellent unblocking capability. It offers 25+ US servers, fast speed (89.42 Mbps), and excellent unblocking performance.
Overall, it offers 3000+ servers in 105 countries across the globe, making it a great choice for streaming Young Sheldon season 6 in New Zealand and other such services.
ExpressVPN servers were exceptionally fast and efficient in unblocking HBO Max in New Zealand for us.
With our 100 Mbps internet connection, the ExpressVPN speed test delivered an impressive download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps for HBO Max New Zealand on its USA-New York server.
ExpressVPN servers delivered speeds worthy of 4K streaming.
As for other features, you can even connect 8 devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN is compatible with most operating systems like Windows, Mac, Android, etc. Furthermore, you can set up ExpressVPN on Firestick, Roku, PS4, PS5, and other devices quite easily.
Aside from fast speeds and tons of servers, it also comes with various streaming and security features. For starters, it offers a MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature that lets you bypass geo-restrictions at super-fast speeds on devices that don’t support VPNs natively.
This HBO Max VPN also offers an effective kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and no logs policy for maximum privacy. If you’re interested, this VPN costs NZ$ 10.77/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan). It also comes with a risk-free 30-day refund guarantee on all plans and live chat support for helping out troubled users.
You can also opt for an ExpressVPN free trial in New Zealand anytime to learn about the VPN’s services. To conclude, ExpressVPN review in New Zealand, it is the best of the best service to depend on.
- Optimized US servers
- Unblocks HBO Max within seconds
- Blazing-fast speeds supporting HD streaming
- Doesn’t log user data
- 24/7 live chat support
- Offers connectivity of up to 8 devices only
- Slightly expensive deals
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN to Watch Max in NZ
Key Features:
- Servers: 3200+ servers in 100 countries with 600+ servers in 23+ cities of the US
- Speed: 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices
- HD streaming along with unlimited bandwidth
- Whitelister feature
- Money-back guarantee: 30-day
Surfshark is the most budget-friendly VPN to watch Max New Zealand, as it costs just NZ$ 3.21/mo (US$ 1.99/mo) (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). For being quite affordable, it might seem like this VPN might not offer many features. But the truth is that Surfshark offers consistent unblocking performance unlike any other VPN in the industry.
This VPN offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries with 600+ servers in 23+ cities of the US. Its US servers are super fast and offer quick connectivity within seconds.
Using Surfshark servers allowed us to enjoy HBO Max content as if we were in the US.
For the Surfshark speed test, we tested many Surfshark servers for speeds and were blown away by their performance. We managed to get a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
With Surfshark, you will not experience buffering or slow speeds while streaming.
The best part of all: you can connect to an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription with Surfshark. The VPN also has an audited no-logs policy from Cure53. Given its compatibility with most operating systems like Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, you can use Surfshark on Firestick, Kodi, Linux, Chromebook, router, and many more.
Surfshark on Roku is also a super secure option. Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark keeps zero logs. Along with streaming capabilities, Surfshark also offers multiple security features. These include AES 256-bit encryption, MultiHop, Whitelister, split tunneling, and more.
All of Surfshark’s plans come backed by a 30-day refund guarantee and live chat support. You can also try Surfshark’s free trial to get a hands-on experience with the VPN provider’s services.
As per our Surfshark review, it is one of the services you can rely on.
- Budget-friendly plans
- Consistently unblock HBO Max and other US streaming services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Provides top-notch security
- For iOS, split tunneling is not supported
- There are a few features for macOS
- Occasional slow speeds
3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN to Watch Max in NZ
Key Features:
- Servers: 5500+ servers in 60 countries with 1,970+ servers in the US
- Speed: 83.82 Mbps speed on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: 6 devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for HD streaming
- Double VPN
- Money-back guarantee: 30-day
NordVPN has the largest server network VPN to watch Max. It has 5500+ servers in 60 countries with 1,970+ servers in the US alone. With its massive server network and excellent unblocking capabilities, you’ll have no trouble watching all your favorite shows on Max.
NordVPN servers were capable of unblocking HBO Max within seconds
Through the NordVPN speed test, we got an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection while streaming Max, which is impressive.
NordVPN offers great speeds on its servers for streaming.
In addition, to offer the best value for money, NordVPN allows you to connect 6 devices simultaneously on a single subscription. The provider has also been audited twice by PwC Switzerland, guaranteeing strong anonymity.
Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android are all compatible with NordVPN. Not only that, it also offers a Smart DNS feature. Our experience with NordVPN on Roku went quite well. You can also install it on Kodi, PlayStation, and other devices and enjoy your favorite shows on HBO Max. But NordVPN is known to be the best VPN for Firestick in New Zealand.
Like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, NordVPN operates from a safe jurisdiction as it is headquartered in the safe jurisdiction of Panama.
As for pricing, NordVPN starts from NZ$6.45/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and comes with a 30-day refund guarantee along with live support chat.
As per our NordVPN review in New Zealand, the service meets the goal effectively.
- Largest sever network in the US and abroad
- Reliably unblock HBO Max in New Zealand and other streaming sites
- Six simultaneous connections
- Strong security and privacy
- Windows app takes multiple clicks to disconnect
Can a Free VPN be Used to Watch HBO Max NZ?
Yes, free VPN in New Zealand can be used to stream HBOMax NZ. However, they have certain limitations as they offer just a few servers and poor unblocking capabilities. Free VPNs are also extremely risky if you consider them.
And even if they unblocked HBO Max New Zealand, constant buffering and poor playback quality make streaming extremely frustrating.
Therefore, instead of a free VPN, you should always consider the best VPN for HBO Max in NZ, like ExpressVPN.
Can you get HBO subscription in New Zealand?
No, the HBO Max subscription NZ hasn’t been released in the country yet; that’s why you cannot subscribe to HBO Max using your local credit card. However, you can use the following three effective ways to subscribe to HBO Max:
Let’s look at both methods in detail to done with HBO Max payment:
Method 1: Can I pay for HBO Max with a friend/family member’s credit card in New Zealand?
The easiest way to subscribe to HBO Max is by using a friend’s credit card who resides in the US. You can simply ask for your friend’s credit card details to get an HBO Max subscription.
Once you get the details, just follow these steps:
- Install ExpressVPN and connect to US server (We recommend the New York server).
- Visit HBO Max’s website and click on ‘Sign Up Now.’
- Select your preferred HBO Max subscription plan. The plans start from $9.99/mo (NZD$16.00/mo) only.
- Fill in your details on the Create Your Account page and click Create Account.
- Enter your billing details, including the US credit card number and a US zip code. (Ask for your friend’s zip code or simply Google one).
- That’s it! You have successfully created an HBO Max account in New Zealand.
Method 2: Can I pay for HBO Max with a gift card in New Zealand?
You can also get an HBO Max subscription in New Zealand using gift cards. Just follow the steps below:
- Using ExpressVPN, connect to a US server.
- Go to MyGiftCardSupply and buy an HBO Max gift card.
- Visit HBO Max and click Redeem your Gift Card.
- Enter your gift card number and a US Zipcode (It can be any zip code from Google. For example – 02196, 77016, 92617)
- Use your HBO Max login credentials.
- That’s it! Enjoy HBO streaming NZ.
Method 3: Subscribe to HBO Max NZ with iTunes
Apart from the other two options, you may also subscribe and pay for HBO Max in New Zealand with iTunes:
- Using ExpressVPN, connect to a US server.
- From your iOS device, go to settings –> tap on your Apple account –> Media & Purchases –> change your region to the USA.
- Purchase an iTunes gift card from a reputable site to fill your account with funds.
- Visit the Apple App Store and download the HBO Max app.
- Launch the App and then click ‘Sign up now.’
- Pick a subscription plan of your liking and type in your iTunes account credentials to proceed.
- Provide all the necessary details to create an account.
- Once the transaction is processed, log in and enjoy watching HBO Max NZ.
How much is HBO Max in New Zealand in 2023?
HBO Max price
HBO subscription NZ offers 2 plans exclusively to all HBO Max subscribers. These are With Ads and Ad-Free. However, there are two Max price tiers on each plan.
Here’s a condensed look at these two HBO Max NZ price plans:
HBO Max in New Zealand Price (Including Ads)
| Subscription plan | HBO Max with Ads |
|---|---|
| Monthly Bundle | NZD$16.00/mo ($9.99/mo) |
| Yearly Bundle (Save 16%) | NZD$160.16/mo ($99.99/year) (Save 16%) |
HBO Max in New Zealand Price (Without Ads)
| Subscription plan | HBO Max Ad-Free |
|---|---|
| Monthly Bundle | NZD$25.61/mo ($15.99/mo) |
| Yearly Bundle (Save 16%) | NZD$240.24/mo ($149.99/yr) |
You can also grab the HBO Max free trial for 7 days to enjoy the service for free. In case you change your mind, then you can easily cancel HBO Max subscription in a few steps.
HBO Max NZ Compatible Devices
Here’s the complete list of compatible devices you can use to access HBO Max NZ without any issues:
| Android (TV, phone, tablet, and laptop) | Apple TVs |
| iPhones, iPads | Google Chromebooks, Chromecast |
| Desktop and Laptops (Windows, Mac & Linux) | Samsung TVs |
| Macbooks | Roku |
| Smart TVs without Android (Samsung, LG, Sony, and others) | PlayStation |
| Amazon Fire TVs | Xbox (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) |
How to Watch HBO Max NZ on Devices
You can stream HBO Max shows in New Zealand on multiple devices, as mentioned above. Here are a few step-by-step guides on how to make an HBO Max account in NZ and enjoy in New Zealand:
How to Get HBO Max App in NZ on iPhone/iPad?
Follow the steps given below to download HBO Max on your iOS device. They can also be applied to watch Max on iPhone/iPad.
- Sign up and download a VPN on your phone (We recommend ExpressVPN).
- Connect to the New York server.
- Log out of your existing Apple ID.
- Create a new Apple ID and select the US as your country. Fill in other details, and you can add your phone number because Apple doesn’t verify it.
- Once you have created a US Apple ID, log in to your iPhone or iPad
- Go to the app store and install the HBO Max App.
- Open the HBO App, sign up for it, and enjoy watching your favorite show.
How to Get HBO Max App in NZ on Android?
Follow the steps given below to download HBO Max on your Android device. They can also be applied to watch Max on Android.
- Download a VPN from your Google Play Store and sign in using your credentials (ExpressVPN is our top recommendation).
- Launch the VPN App and connect to a US-New York server.
- Open Google Play Store –> Go to Account.
- Now select ‘Region’ and change it to the US.
- Once the region is changed, you can then install HBO Max and sign up to enjoy HBO Max content.
How to Get HBO Max App in New Zealand on Smart TV?
Follow the steps given below to set up HBO Max on your Smart TV. They can also be applied to watch Max on Smart TV.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Configure ExpressVPN on your Smart TV using MediaStreamer.
- Connect to the US-New York server from the list of servers offered.
- Visit HBO Max and sign in to your HBO Max account.
- Now you can watch your favorite HBO Max in New Zealand shows and movies on your Smart TV!
How to watch HBO Max App in New Zealand on Amazon FireStick
Wondering how to stream HBO Max on Firestick in New Zealand, simply follow the steps given below. They can also be applied to watch Max on Amazon Firestick.
- Subscribe to the best Firestick VPN, i.e., ExpressVPN, and download its app by visiting the home page of your FireStick.
- Log in and connect to a US server.
- Visit the HBO Max app.
- Sign in and start enjoying movies or shows on HBO Max on your FireStick in New Zealand.
How to watch HBO Max App in New Zealand on Roku?
Follow the steps below to set up HBO Max on your Roku device. They can also be applied to watch Max on Roku.
- Subscribe to our top recommended VPN – ExpressVPN.
- Set up ExpressVPN on Roku using our step-by-step guide.
- Connect to a US server from its servers list.
- Visit the home page of Roku, look for HBO Max, and sign in.
- Once you’re done, enjoy streaming your favorite shows on HBO Max in New Zealand on Roku.
What to Watch on HBO Max in New Zealand?
Nothing to worry about if you have trouble deciding what to watch on HBO Max. Followings are the most popular shows and movies to watch on HBO Max in New Zealand in 2023.
What Popular Movies and Documentaries Can I Watch on HBO Max?
What Popular Shows Can I Watch on HBO Max?
Can You Watch Live Sport on HBO Max in 2023?
Here is a list of all the upcoming and ongoing live sports events that you can watch on HBO Max in 2023:
What’s coming on HBO Max in December 2023?
With their latest offering in December 2023, from action-packed films to romantic dramas, there’s no shortage of entertainment on HBO Max in the coming days.
Following are the latest shows and movies available for streaming on HBO Max in December 2023:
| Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning | Time Bomb Y2K |
| Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?! | Prancer: A Christmas Tale |
| Villeneuve Pironi: Racing’s Untold Tragedy | Teen Titans Go!: Great Holiday Escape & Christmas Magic |
| Holiday Party with Andrew and Zoe | Great Photo, Lovely Life |
| Street Outlaws vs. The World: After Hours | Boom Boom Bruno |
| Elmo & Tango Holiday Helpers | Peltz Beckham vs The Wedding Planners |
| Trees and Other Entanglements | Mysteries of the Abandoned, Season 8B |
| OWN Holiday Movie: The Christmas Detective | Gwyneth vs Terry: The Ski Crash Trial |
| World’s First Battlefield | Yellowstone Wardens, Season 3 |
| 90 Day Pillow Talk: The Other Way, Season 5 | Daniel |
| Gary Gulman: Born on 3rd Base | Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! |
| Oprah and The Color Purple Journey | 90 Day Fiance: Holiday Special 2023 |
FAQs – HBO Max in New Zealand
Why is HBO Max not in NZ?
Because of the content licensing agreement, HBO Max subscription is not available in NZ yet. However, you can watch it by enabling a VPN. It will help you bypass the geo-limits of platform outside the US, and you will not about where is HBO Max available anymore.
Is HBO Max free through Amazon Prime?
Yes, HBO Max is free through Amazon Prime. Therefore, where to watch HBO for free gets possible if you subscribe to Amazon via Play Store, Apple Store, Roku channel store, or Amazon Appstore. Then you can access the HBO Max Ad-free version without paying extra.
Can you stream HBO Max for free?
Yes, you can stream some limited, freely available content on the service. Also, you can watch HBO online free for 7 days with its free trial via Hulu subscription. Presently, HBO Max is not directly offering a free trial on the service.
And after the free trial expires, you can get the ad-supported version for $9.99/mo and ad-free for $15.99/mo.
Why can’t I access HBO Max using a VPN in New Zealand?
To watch HBO Max in New Zealand, you need to connect to a VPN server in a country where HBO Max is available. For example, you can use a US server to get a US IP address. But not every VPN works since HBO Max blocks most VPN connections. But if you use ExpressVPN, you can seamlessly access HBO Max NZ.
When will HBO Max be available in New Zealand?
No, there are no plans for HBO Max to be released in New Zealand as of now. Since it’s only available in the US, you must be wondering, ‘how do I get HBO Max in New Zealand?’ you can simply use a VPN to watch HBO Max in the country. A reliable option for this is ExpressVPN, which offers multiple US servers in some of the most popular US cities and great speeds.
Is HBO Max available in New Zealand?
No, unfortunately, HBO Max is not available in New Zealand. However, you can get HBO Max in New Zealand by using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access the content.
Why is HBO Max not available in New Zealand?
HBO Max is unavailable in New Zealand due to content licensing agreements and restrictions. While this is quite disappointing for New Zealand users, the organization agreed with Crave to offer some HBO Max content to them.
Does HBO Max NZ have a free trial?
Yes! HBO Max does offer a free trial for a limited, free experience. You can visit the HBO Max website to avail the offer and stream the first few episodes of selected HBO Max originals without any charges. Do make sure you use the ExpressVPN server to access HBO Max in New Zealand right away!
Can you watch HBO Max on Prime?
HBO Max is returning to Prime Video Channels in U.S.! Prime customers can now subscribe to HBO Max at $14.99 per month, granting them entry to a curated collection of premium content from Warner Bros., encompassing a whopping 15,000 hours of entertainment. Unfortunately, HBO Max does not come with Prime in New Zealand.
Wrapping Up!
HBO Max is one popular streaming service available in the US and 39 territories of Latin America and the Caribbean. To stream HBO Max NZ, a credible VPN is needed.
Amongst all the VPNs we tested, ExpressVPN is our top choice as this VPN will let you watch HBO Max in New Zealand with its 23+ US servers, fantastic speeds, and great unblocking capability.
It also offers a 3-month free subscription to enjoy free service on its annual plan. If you encounter any issues, feel free to drop a comment below! Until then, happy streaming!
