HBO Max in NZ: How to Watch in 5 Easy Steps [November 2023]

If you’re in New Zealand and frustrated with the limitations in accessing your favorite shows, you’re not alone. Many Kiwis face the same challenge, especially regarding streaming platforms like HBO Max in NZ. Fortunately, You can easily access HBO Max in NZ streaming using a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.

HBO (Home Box Office) is the popular US-based pay-TV network. It is famous for the best shows like The Success, RapSh!t, The Haunted Museum 2023, and others. Moreover, It’s worth mentioning that the platform has now merged with Discovery Plus into one entity called Max.

This guide will describe how to watch HBO NZ using the best VPN for HBO Max New Zealand. Without any further ado, let’s start with the following!

How To Watch HBO Max in NZ? [Quick Guide]

Is Discovery merged with HBO Max?

Warner Bros Discovery announced combining both streaming giants, HBO and Discovery+, on a single platform called Max. This merging of two popular services will provide users with extensive content to devour at their convenience.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in New Zealand?

HBO Max hasn’t been offered in New Zealand yet due to content distribution policies. So, you’ll need to rely on a high-end VPN such as ExpressVPN.

If you try to watch HBOMax NZ without a VPN, you will receive the following message on your screens:

“Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet.”

We faced the geo-restriction error while visiting HBO Max without a VPN.

ExpressVPN will change your IP address, making your traffic appear as if coming from US, so you can easily watch Max in New Zealand.

How to Get HBO Max Subscription in New Zealand?

If you want to stream HBO Max in NZ, use these 2 options. HBO Gift Card and Credit Card from a Friend or Relative, as payment from New Zealand, is not accepted by HBO Max.

For your convenience, we have explained both these methods in detail below.

Get an HBO subscription using Gift Card:

Subscribe to HBO Max NZ Using a US Credit Card of a Friend

Another alternative to get an HBO Max subscription is using a US-issued credit card of a friend or family member in the US.

HBO Max NZ Pricing and Package

HBO Max offers two pricing tiers: Ad-supported and Ad-free plans. Thanks to a VPN, you can enjoy the US library of HBO and will be charged the same fee as subscribers in the United States.

Consider the HBO Max cost in New Zealand packaging options below:

In such a situation, your membership is linked with these providers, so when you unsubscribe from them, it will cancel your HBO Max subscription automatically.

Does any VPN work with HBO Max?

Yes! ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max in New Zealand. And beyond New Zealand, this VPN will allow you to stream Max content worldwide.

You can also look into NordVPN and Surfshark for a more affordable option. These vendors give exceptional performance at reasonable pricing, making VPNs incredibly simple.

Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in NZ

Here are the best VPNs for HBO Max in New Zealand, based on our thorough evaluation of 15 providers. Throughout this rigorous testing process, we placed great emphasis on assessing each VPN’s ability to bypass restrictions, its streaming speed performance, as well as its security features and pricing choices.

1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to watch HBO Max NZ

ExpressVPN is the best, most reliable, and most trusted VPN for streaming HBO Max NZ. This VPN is well-known for its blazing fast speed and robust security features to watch Max in New Zealand.

For connectivity, ExpressVPN offers 3000+ servers in more than 105 countries. Out of these, 25 server locations are in the US, using which can you get HBO Max in NZ or may also watch US Netflix in New Zealand.

ExpressVPN servers were exceptionally fast and efficient in unblocking HBO Max.

In a speed test, ExpressVPN gave us a lightning-fast download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps over 100 Mbps internet.

ExpressVPN speed test results on a 100 Mbps Network Connection

Based on these speeds, you can also easily watch Steven Universe Future and sports events, including USWNT vs Canada Live in New Zealand, from HBO Max content library without any lags or disconnections.

When it comes to security and protection, military-grade encryption of AES256-bit keys secures your privacy and online activity as it does not keep logs. IP leak protection, split tunneling, kill switch, etc, are its best security features.

ExpressVPN supports streaming on all standard devices, including Windows, Mac, Samet phones, tablets, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, and FireOs. It also comes with a Smart DNS for devices lacking VPN configuration.

With this MediaStreamer, questions like how to watch HBO in NZ on Xbox, PS4, LG TV, or Samsung Smart TV no longer bother you. Not just HBO, you can also watch Tiny Pop & Pluto TV in NZ on any device using ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN offers its amazing services at the cost of NZ$10.77/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee offer. On one account, it allows a maximum of 8 simultaneous connections.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN to watch HBO Max NZ

Surfshark is a Budget-friendly VPN for those looking for how to get HBO Max in NZ on a budget. It has the most affordable subscription plan cost around NZ$3.21/mo (US$ 1.99/mo)- Get 86% on a 24-month subscription. It gives a 30-day money-back guarantee offer to the users.

The network of Surfshark has more than 3200+ servers in around 100 countries, including 500+ servers in the US.

The US server of Surfshark lets you enjoy HBO Max content hassle-free.

It works well with geo-restricted streaming services and unblocks well-known platforms. Now watch your favourite content on HBO in NZ without any hassle. You can also watch Sky News and Philo in New Zealand using Surfshark.

During a speed test, we connected to the Seattle server. It gave us 88.14 Mbps speed for download and 83.72 Mbps for upload on a case network of 1 GB. The speed is enough to watch Westworld NZ buffer-free without any latency.

Surfshark speed test results on its US servers.

Moreover, Surfshark abides by a no-log policy and strictly protects the user’s data and online activities. Some best security features of Surfshark are Camouflage Mode, ByPasser, Kill Switch, military-grade 256-bit encryption, MultiHop, and CleanWeb.

Its user-friendly applications are compatible with all daily used streaming devices. Hence, you no longer have to worry about where to watch HBO.

With Surfshark, you can easily access HBO Max on Roku, Android, iOS, Xbox, and other Gaming Consoles. The best part is there is no limit on simultaneous connection, so you can connect as many devices as you like at a time.

3. NordVPN – Largest Network Server to Watch HBO Max NZ

NordVPN has the most extensive network to watch Max in New Zealand. It comprises over 5310+ servers in 59+ countries worldwide, including 1970 servers in the United States, ensuring quick access to any streaming platform currently inaccessible in NZ.

NordVPN servers were capable of unblocking HBO Max within seconds

We selected the Atlanata server to watch Happy to Be Home with Benkos on HBO Max in New Zealand, and it never disappoints us. When tested on an internet connection of 100 Mbps, the resulting speed was 93. 42 Mbps download and 87.68 Mbps upload.

NordVPN speed test results on a 100 Mbps connection indicate that it will not lower your internet speed.

Besides HBO GO New Zealand, NordVPN perfectly unblocks the geo-blocked streaming services such as Hulu, Sling TV, and ESPN Plus in New Zealand.

Moreover, this VPN strictly follows a No-Log policy. Your privacy is perfectly secured with NordVPN as it offers its best security features, such as double VPN, AES 256-bit encryption, Meshnet Protection, kill switch, split tunneling, Obfuscated servers, etc.

Compatibility-wise, NordVPN works with all operating systems and devices. You can download its dedicated app to get HBO Max on iPhone, Android, Firestick, Mac, or Windows. Furthermore, you can use six devices concurrently on one account.

NordVPN service offers you to save 70% on 2 years plan at NZ$5.31/mo (US$ 3.29/mo) cost along with a 30-day money-back guarantee offer.

Can I watch HBO Max NZ using a Free VPN?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for HBO Max in New Zealand. However, we are not in favour of such free services as they cost you much more indirectly compared to the paid VPNs when considering their odds.

Many free VPNs are not abode by no log policy. So, they not only record user data but also transfer it to advertising companies for monetization. Besides that, they are not reliable for HBO stream free as their servers are prone to VoD IP tracking technology.

That’s why taking advantage of the free trial or money-back guarantee of premium VPNs like ExpressVPN is much safer if you want to watch HBO online for free.

HBO Max NZ Salient Features

You will be thrilled to find out what is HBO and its array of impressive features that cater to your entertainment needs.

The icing on the cake is undoubtedly having a wide range of genres like adventure-packed tales or fantastical journeys, side-splitting comedies or suspenseful flicks, and adrenaline-pumping action movies. Everything is effortlessly accessible on only one platform: HBO Max!

Is HBO Max free with Prime?

Unfortunately, HBO Max does not come for free with Amazon Prime in New Zealand. However, if you haven’t used the HBO Max Ad-On before, there is a 7-day complimentary trial that you can take advantage of.

Once this HBO Max NZ free trial period ends, subscribers will be charged NZD 16.23 per month (equivalent to USD 9.99) for their ongoing HBO subscription NZ.

Alternative Method:

Sky Network has acquired HBO’s streaming rights within the Kiwi territory. The network offers four types of pricing plans to its subscribers. These plans are Sky Starter, Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports, and Sky Movies. You can subscribe to Sky Starter by paying NZD 37.39 per month.

Likewise, you must bear a monthly cost of NZD 74.04 if you sign up for Sky Starter + Entertainment package. The Sky Starter + Sports package is available at the expense of NZD 83.41/month.

Lastly, you can start using Sky Starter + Movies once you have paid $46.92 monthly (NZD 67.17). Besides, all these plans include the free broadcast of Soho 1 and Soho 2 channels that allow you to watch HBO without trouble.

The Sky Starter package helps you stream content from 40+ channels, including Bravo, Prime, and others. The Entertainment package, along with the basic package, lets you access coverage of 55+ channels like UKTV, BBC, History, and so on.

Moreover, the Sports package allows you to entertain yourself by watching ESPN and Rugby channels alongside Starter channels. The Sky Starter +Movies package is perfect for viewing famous movies such as Pitch Perfect 3, The English Patient, etc.

What Can I Watch on HBO Max NZ in 2023?

HBO Max is renowned for its extensive and top-notch selection of TV shows and movies. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, there’s something for everyone’s taste. With an array of this diversity enjoy countless hours of quality entertainment, HBO Max is truly a haven for TV aficionados in New Zealand!

If you’re wondering what to watch on HBO Max in New Zealand, fret not! We’ve got you covered with a list encompassing some must-see series and films available either through the HBO Sky Channel or by accessing the streaming service directly using ExpressVPN.

Best TV Shows to Watch on HBO Max NZ in 2023:

Followings are the widely acclaimed TV shows on HBO Max:

Best HBO Max Movies to Watch in NZ in 2023

Below are some of the top-rated HBO Max Movies available for streaming:

Note: For daily updates about HBO Max and other streaming services, follow our TV guide for the daily schedule of shows on different channels in NZ.

What’s coming on HBO Max in November 2023?

There’s lots of new exciting content to watch on HBO Max in New Zealand. Following are the new movies and shows you can watch on HBO New Zealand in November 2023:

Which Devices are Compatible with HBO Max NZ?

You may also want to know about the device that does HBO Max work in New Zealand. Fortunately, by having a dependable VPN on your side, you can enjoy HBO streaming NZ on various other devices, such as:

Is Discovery Plus now Max?

No! Although Discovery Plus has partnered with HBO Max, it remains an independent platform for fans looking for low-cost entertainment options.

While there may be some overlap in content between these two services (both top-notch picks for top-tier streamed shows), it’s worth mentioning that they each bring their own unique offerings catered to different types of viewers depending on what tickles their fancy.

So you see, Max Streaming NZ only offers a taste of popular networks from Discovery+ available on TLC, HGTV, and Food Network.

HBO Max NZ: FAQs