Shetland, the gripping British crime drama set in Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands, has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling mysteries and stunning landscapes. If you’re in New Zealand and wondering how to catch up on DI Jimmy Perez’s investigations, you have several options available.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to watch Shetland in New Zealand, covering both official streaming platforms and VPN solutions that can expand your viewing options.
Legal Ways to Watch Shetland in New Zealand
Before exploring VPN options, let’s look at the legitimate streaming services where you can watch Shetland in New Zealand. 
TVNZ On Demand
TVNZ On Demand is your primary free option for watching Shetland in New Zealand. The platform regularly features episodes from the series, though availability can vary depending on licensing agreements. You’ll need to create a free account and may encounter some advertising during episodes.
Sky Go and Neon
Sky subscribers can access Shetland through Sky Go, while Neon (Sky’s streaming service) also features the series. These are paid services but offer ad-free viewing and often have multiple seasons available simultaneously.
iTunes and Google Play
For those who prefer to own their content, both iTunes and Google Play offer Shetland episodes and seasons for purchase or rental. This option gives you permanent access to episodes you buy.
Why Use a VPN to Watch Shetland?
While New Zealand has some legal options for watching Shetland, using a VPN can significantly expand your choices. VPNs allow you to access international streaming libraries that may have more seasons, better video quality, or earlier episode releases.
Popular international platforms like BBC iPlayer (UK), BritBox, and Amazon Prime Video often have more comprehensive Shetland collections than what’s available in New Zealand.
Best VPN Options for Streaming Shetland
PureVPN
PureVPN stands out as an excellent choice for New Zealand viewers wanting to access Shetland content. With over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries, PureVPN offers reliable connections to UK servers, making it ideal for accessing BBC iPlayer and other British streaming services.
Key features that make PureVPN perfect for streaming:
- High-speed servers optimized for streaming
- Strong encryption to protect your privacy
- 24/7 customer support
- No-logs policy
- Apps for all major devices including Smart TVs
Alternative VPN Services
Other reliable VPN options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These services also offer robust UK server networks and streaming-optimized connections that work well with British broadcasting services.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using a VPN to Watch Shetland
Here’s how to set up and use a VPN to access Shetland content:
- Choose and subscribe to a VPN service – We recommend PureVPN for its reliability and streaming performance
- Download the VPN app – Install it on your preferred device (computer, phone, tablet, or Smart TV)
- Connect to a UK server – This will give you a British IP address
- Clear your browser cache – This ensures streaming sites see your new location
- Visit BBC iPlayer or your chosen platform – You should now have access to their UK content library
- Create an account if needed – Some services require free registration
- Start watching Shetland – Enjoy the full series library!
Which Streaming Platforms Have Shetland?
When using a VPN, these international platforms offer excellent Shetland content:
BBC iPlayer (UK)
The gold standard for Shetland content, BBC iPlayer typically has all seasons available and often gets new episodes first. It’s free to use but requires a UK IP address.
BritBox International
BritBox offers a comprehensive collection of British TV shows, including Shetland. Available in multiple countries with a VPN connection.
Amazon Prime Video (Various Regions)
Different Amazon Prime regions have varying Shetland content. The UK and US libraries often have the most complete collections.
Is Using a VPN Legal in New Zealand?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in New Zealand. VPNs are legitimate tools used for privacy protection, security, and accessing geo-restricted content. However, it’s important to respect the terms of service of streaming platforms you access.
While VPN use itself is legal, streaming copyrighted content from unauthorized sources is not. Always use official streaming platforms, even when accessing them through a VPN.
Technical Tips for Better Streaming
To ensure the best viewing experience when watching Shetland:
- Choose nearby servers – UK servers typically offer the best speed for accessing British content
- Test your connection speed – Ensure you have at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming
- Use ethernet when possible – Wired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi
- Close unnecessary apps – Free up bandwidth for streaming
- Update your streaming apps – Newer versions often work better with VPNs
Troubleshooting Common VPN Streaming Issues
If you encounter problems while trying to watch Shetland with a VPN:
- Try different servers – Switch to another UK server if one isn’t working
- Clear cookies and cache – This removes location data stored by streaming sites
- Disable IPv6 – Some streaming services detect VPNs through IPv6 leaks
- Contact VPN support – Most premium VPN services offer 24/7 chat support
- Try incognito/private browsing – This prevents location data from being cached
Cost Comparison: Legal vs VPN Streaming
When deciding between local legal options and VPN access, consider these approximate costs:
New Zealand Legal Options:
- TVNZ On Demand: Free (with ads)
- Neon: $12.99/month
- iTunes episodes: $2.99-$4.99 per episode
VPN + International Streaming:
- PureVPN: From $3.24/month (2-year plan)
- BBC iPlayer: Free (with VPN)
- BritBox: Around $8.99/month (with VPN)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Shetland for free in New Zealand?
Yes, TVNZ On Demand offers Shetland episodes for free, though availability varies. With a VPN, you can also access BBC iPlayer for free, which typically has a more complete collection.
How many seasons of Shetland are available?
Shetland has eight seasons as of 2024, with the series continuing to produce new episodes. Different streaming platforms may have varying numbers of seasons available.
Will using a VPN slow down my internet?
High-quality VPN services like PureVPN typically cause minimal speed reduction. Most users experience only a 10-20% decrease in speed, which is barely noticeable for streaming.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Shetland?
While free VPNs exist, they often have data limits, slower speeds, and fewer server options. For reliable streaming access, a premium VPN service is recommended.
Is it safe to use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, using a reputable VPN service is safe and actually enhances your online security. Choose established providers with no-logs policies and strong encryption.
What if the VPN doesn’t work with streaming services?
Try connecting to different servers, clearing your browser cache, or contacting your VPN provider’s support team. Premium VPNs like PureVPN actively work to maintain access to popular streaming platforms.
Can I watch Shetland on my Smart TV with a VPN?
Yes, many VPN services offer Smart TV apps or can be configured on your router to protect all connected devices. PureVPN supports various Smart TV platforms.
Are there any risks to using a VPN for streaming?
The main risk is potential violation of streaming service terms of service, though enforcement varies. Using a VPN itself is legal in New Zealand, and the security benefits often outweigh the risks.
Whether you choose to stream Shetland through New Zealand’s legal platforms or expand your options with a VPN, you’ll soon be enjoying one of television’s finest crime dramas. The atmospheric Scottish setting and intricate mysteries make every episode worth watching, regardless of how you access them.