OpenAI’s Sora 2 has taken the AI world by storm with its impressive video generation capabilities. If you’re in New Zealand and want access to this powerful tool, you’ve probably noticed that getting an invite isn’t straightforward—and the official waitlist can feel like it takes forever.
The good news? There are practical methods that users are successfully employing right now to access Sora 2 from New Zealand, including workarounds that can get you creating AI videos much faster than waiting months for an official invite.
The Reality of Regional Access
Sora 2 operates on an invite-only system, and OpenAI has been rolling out access gradually across different regions. While New Zealand isn’t explicitly blocked, the waitlist can be extremely long, and there’s no guarantee when—or if—you’ll receive access through official channels. 
This has led many Kiwis to explore alternative methods to gain access sooner rather than later.
Using a VPN to Access Sora 2
Currently invites only work for users in USA and Canada, thus a VPN is required and must be used when using Sora 2. One of the most effective methods users are employing is using a VPN service to access Sora 2 as if they were in a region with better availability—particularly the United States.
How It Works: Services like PureVPN allow you to connect to US servers, making it appear as though you’re accessing Sora from America. Many users have reported success with this approach, gaining access to Sora 2 invites that are more readily available to US-based users.
Steps to Try:
- Sign up for a reliable VPN service with US servers (PureVPN is one option many users recommend)
- Other options include ExpressVPN, Surfshark etc. Be wary of free VPNs – most are riddled with malware or adware.
- Connect to a US server location
- Visit OpenAI’s website and sign up for Sora access or join the waitlist
- When accessing Sora, maintain your VPN connection to a US server
Getting Invites: Once you’re appearing as a US user, you may find it easier to obtain invite codes through various channels, including community forums, social media groups, or direct invites from other users.
Understanding “Free with Invite”
Sora 2 access with an invite code means you can use the service once you have the code—though there may be usage limits or tier restrictions depending on your OpenAI subscription level. The key is getting that invite code, which can be significantly easier when you appear to be accessing from certain regions.
Alternative Access Methods
ChatGPT Plus/Pro Subscriptions: Even with a VPN, having a paid ChatGPT subscription can improve your chances of receiving Sora access. OpenAI tends to prioritize paying customers for new feature rollouts.
Community Invite Codes: Join Discord servers, Reddit communities, and social media groups focused on AI video generation. Users with Sora access sometimes share invite codes with community members. Being active in these spaces increases your chances of snagging a code when one becomes available.
Direct Requests: Some users have had success directly reaching out to OpenAI support or content creators who have Sora access, explaining their use case and requesting consideration for access.
Important Considerations
Terms of Service: It’s worth noting that using VPNs to circumvent regional restrictions may technically violate OpenAI’s Terms of Service. While many users employ this method without issues, there’s always some risk that OpenAI could detect VPN usage and restrict access. You’ll need to decide whether this risk is acceptable for your situation.
Account Security: When using VPNs, ensure you’re using reputable services. Free VPNs often have security issues and may compromise your data. Paid services like PureVPN, NordVPN, or ExpressVPN are generally more reliable and secure.
Consistent Location: If you do use a VPN to gain access, try to connect to the same server location consistently. Frequent location changes can trigger security flags on your OpenAI account.
Maximizing Your Chances
Whether you’re using a VPN or going through official channels, here are some tips to improve your access prospects:
Present a Strong Use Case: When applying for access, clearly articulate how you plan to use Sora 2. Professional applications (content creation, marketing, education, research) tend to receive priority over casual interest.
Build Your Portfolio: Having an online presence that showcases your creative work or professional background can help. Link to your portfolio, YouTube channel, or professional website when applying.
Stay Active in AI Communities: Engage genuinely with communities discussing Sora and AI video generation. This puts you in position to hear about invite opportunities quickly and builds connections with others who might share codes.
Be Quick: When invite opportunities arise—whether through official channels or community shares—act fast. Popular invite codes get claimed quickly.
What to Expect Once You Have Access
Once you successfully gain Sora 2 access, you’ll be able to create AI-generated videos by simply describing what you want to see. The quality is impressive, with realistic motion, consistent characters, and complex scene generation.
However, keep in mind:
- There may be usage limits depending on your subscription tier
- Generation times can vary based on video complexity and server load
- Not every generation will be perfect—experimentation is part of the process
The Practical Approach
While waiting for official OpenAI invites is the “by the book” method, the reality is that many New Zealand users are successfully accessing Sora 2 right now using VPNs and community invite codes.
If you’re eager to start creating with Sora 2 and don’t want to wait potentially months for official access, the VPN route combined with active community participation offers a practical path forward. Just go in with your eyes open about the potential risks and make an informed decision about what works for your situation.
The AI video generation space is moving fast, and sometimes being an early adopter means finding creative solutions to access barriers. Whether you choose the official route or explore alternative methods, the important thing is getting your hands on this technology and starting to create.
