If you live in New Zealand but want to access the best free streaming platform on the planet, you need a BBC iPlayer subscription.
But there's one problem, it technically doesn't work, unless you're an UK resident living in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
I say technically because there's a simple workaround to bypass this geo-restriction.
You simply need a reliable VPN with UK based servers. You can then watch BBC shows with just one click, from anywhere in New Zealand.
It really is a three step process...
How To Watch BBC iPlayer in NZ in 3 Steps
1. Download and install a VPN. I recommend PureVPN for it's consistently reliable service and affordable pricing.
2. Login, open your VPN and choose the 'UK' servers.
3. Create a free iPlayer account using a random UK postcode.
Why You Need a VPN To Watch BBC iPlayer?
Due to licensing rights for content, geo-blocks exist to prevent viewers from other countries from accessing the streams on BBC iPlayer.
Here in New Zealand we're suppose to use our local TV providers such as TVNZ On Demand or 3 Play or one of the paid services such as Sky. Problem is, they often don't actually have the content you're looking for.
Compare that to a single monthly free subscription with iPlayer.
This means you can't watch your favourite shows and sports for free. However you can easily bypass these restrictions if you have a VPN.
A VPN takes your existing IP address from your Internet Provider and provides a new one in a chosen country such as United Kingdom.
All your internet usage is routed via a server in UK such as London or Cardiff before going out to the world wide web, fooling BBC iPlayer into thinking you reside there.
There's many free VPN providers out there, but you'll experience slow service and most likely spyware on your device. You should pick a trusted VPN provider.
If you want to watch iplayer in New Zealand, you need a VPN that offers fast speeds, a robust service and plenty of UK servers.
Best VPN For Watching BBC iPlayer In NZ
#1. PureVPN
Best Rated VPN For BBC iPlayer
Countries supported: 142 | Total servers: 3,000+ | Devices supported: 5 | Total IP Addresses: 30,000+ | Lowest price: $2.88/mo
PureVPN has been our #1 recommendation for the last three years, as it offers the most affordable pricing for New Zealanders, especially given the strong USD.
With PureVPN you get access to over 100+ powerful, super fast UK streaming servers, which means loading BBC streams is lightning fast.
They offer a one click, 'UK launcher' which connects in under 10 seconds. It will run in the background while you connect and use BBC iPlayer.
Additionally, they offer the ability to connect to servers from 142 countries worldwide. Want to change Netflix region? Want to watch Hulu or HBO? It's all possible.
For the security conscious, they offer a no logs policy, dedicated IP addresses (addon) and the highest grade military encryption.
It's easy to see why PureVPN is so highly rated online, it's one of the world's best VPN providers. Combine this with their 31-day money back guarantee, it's risk-free!
PureVPN can unlock and works with:
They offer support for:
- Torrenting with P2P servers available. Dedicated Chinese servers, Port forwarding, Dedicated IP's.
PureVPN has apps for these devices:
How To Use VPN With BBC iPlayer?
A lot of our readers asked for a step by step guide on how to setup and use the VPN.
There are a few steps, we've outlined them into this simple process:
- Purchase VPN plan and download files
- Login to your account
- Choose UK server
- Create BBC iPlayer account.
1. Purchase VPN Plan & Download Files
The first thing to do is visit PureVPN and purchase your subscription. While there's no free trial, there is a 31-day money back guarantee (no questions asked).
If you're going to be watching iPlayer for years to come (likely), you probably should purchase the 2 year plan for $2.14/mo. It's got the steepest discount.
If you want to test out the platform, you can opt for the monthly plan ($12.95).
You can checkout using various payment methods such as credit/debit cards, Paypal, Alipay, Bitcoin, Payza, Skrill, Western Union and bank transfer.
Enter your payment details, ensure your email address is correct.
Now check your email for your login details. You'll also have a link to download the various apps for your device.
You'll find the apps in the Google Play Store, Apple Store for those on portable devices. You'll find other apps for Windows, MacOS on the official website.
2. Login To Your Account
You'll now be able to login to your app using the username and password.
Make sure you use the purevpn0s before your username.
Once you've logged in you're ready for the next step.
3. Choose British Servers
You can either choose a British server yourself or you can use the UK launcher, which will automatically change your IP address, ready to open BBC iPlayer. Choose London or Cardiff for best results.
After 10 seconds you'll get confirmation that you're connected. You can now manually launch the BBC website.
If you want to download the BBC iPlayer app to your device, you can use this website to sideload the app onto your device.
4. Create BBC Account
Only register for your account when the VPN is running! Enter a random address during the signup process and a relevant post code - you'll need to use a postcode in England. If you choose Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland some content won't be available however you'll also get the local content such as S4C in Wales.
How To Get UK Number For iPlayer?
Currently there is no requirement to enter or confirm a UK mobile number when signing up for an iPlayer account.
What is BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), offering a range of content including TV shows, movies, documentaries, and live broadcasts of BBC channels.
It includes popular BBC programmes across genres such as drama, news, sports, nature, and comedy, making it accessible online via the BBC iPlayer website or through apps on various devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
BBC iPlayer is mainly available to viewers in the United Kingdom due to regional content restrictions, but users outside the UK sometimes access it with a VPN that provides a UK-based IP address.
The service does not require a subscription but generally requires users to sign in with a BBC account, and, technically, viewers in the UK should have a valid TV licence to use it.
How To Get BBC iPlayer On TV
The standard app available on iOS and Android offers Google Chromecast functionality or casting if your smart TV supports such a feature. If you don't have either, currently there is no Android box support for the app currently.
Does BBC iPlayer Work With a VPN?
According to the official website iPlayer does not work with a VPN but these are simply scare-mongering tactics to stop people attempting it.
I've been using iPlayer here in New Zealand and abroad since it first launched early last year and can confirm it works very well indeed.
Can we stream BBC iPlayer with a free VPN?
There are a few free VPNs available. None of them, however, are safe or reliable!
If you use a free VPN to access BBC iPlayer, you will only be able to watch a restricted number of programmes and movies, and you will also experience significant performance issues, lags, jitter, and buffering while streaming. In addition to performance issues, not only are these free VPNs highly prone to being identified by the relevant channels and having your connection immediately interrupted, but they are also extremely dangerous, resulting in misuse or eavesdropping of your private data, etc. So, what is the intent? None!
Therefore, better pay a few pennies than be susceptible to viruses or misuse of data. Therefore, we recommend PureVPN, a high-quality VPN service that is not only untraceable, highly secure, and fast, but also has a 31-day money-back guarantee!
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
On BBC iPlayer, you can watch a broad selection of content, including:
- Drama Series: Popular BBC dramas like Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who, Sherlock, Line of Duty, and Killing Eve are often available, as well as new and classic British dramas.
- Comedy: Enjoy British comedies such as Fleabag, The Office (UK), This Country, Gavin & Stacey, and Mock the Week.
- Documentaries: BBC iPlayer features a rich catalogue of documentaries on nature, history, science, and current affairs. Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Louis Theroux’s documentaries, and Panorama are some highlights.
- Movies: A selection of films is available, including British and international films, often rotating regularly.
- News and Current Affairs: Live news broadcasts, political coverage, and investigative programmes like BBC News, Panorama, Newsnight, and election coverage are always available.
- Children's Programming: BBC iPlayer includes a Kids section with educational and entertaining programmes for children, such as Bluey, Hey Duggee, and The Worst Witch.
- Sports: Coverage of major UK and international sporting events, such as Wimbledon, the Six Nations Rugby, and highlights from the Premier League, are streamed live or on-demand when available.
- Lifestyle and Factual Entertainment: The Great British Bake Off, Top Gear, and Gardeners' World are popular factual shows with episodes often available on iPlayer.
- Live BBC Channels: iPlayer also allows you to watch live streams of BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, and BBC News, offering real-time access to UK television.
Content availability can change, with some shows only available for a limited time due to licensing, but BBC iPlayer typically offers something for everyone.
Watch BBC iPlayer in New Zealand on various streaming devices
Watch iPlayer in New Zealand On iOS
To watch iPlayer on your iOS device, simply follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a VPN service.
- Get our iOS app.
- Connect to an UK server.
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app and sign in.
- Stream iPlayer right away!
Watch iPlayer in New Zealand On Android
Here’s how you can stream iPlayer app on your Android device while being in New Zealand:
- Subscribe to a VPN service such as PureVPN.
- Get our Android app from Google Play.
- Connect to an UK-based server.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in using your credentials.
- Stream your preferred iPlayer content from the comfort of your own home.
Watch BBC iPlayer in New Zealand On Roku
Just follow these simple steps to access iPlayer shows on Roku.
- Subscribe to a VPN service.
- Configure our VPN service on your router.
- Select an UK-based server.
- Download the BBC iPlayer app from the Roku Channel Store.
- Open iPlayer and log into your account or sign up for one.
- Enjoy streaming your favourite iPlayer content!
Watch BBC iPlayer in New Zealand On Firestick
Simply follow these easy instructions to watch iPlayer shows on Fire Stick:
- Get yourself a VPN subscription.
- Download the VPN app for your Firestick device from the Amazon App store.
- Connect to an UK server.
- Now download the BBC iPlayer app, log in to your account or sign up for one.
- Voila! Enjoy the complete access to iPlayer titles regardless of where you are in the world.
Watch BBC iPlayer in New Zealand On PlayStation
Simply follow these basic steps to get started with iPlayer shows on PlayStation:
- Subscribe to a VPN.
- Configure our VPN service on your router.
- Select an UK-based server.
- Download the iPlayer app from the PlayStation Store app.
- Log in to your iPlayer account.
- Stream right away!
Watch iPlayer in New Zealand On Xbox
Just follow these simple steps to access iPlayer on your Xbox:
- Subscribe to a VPN.
- Configure our VPN service on your router.
- Connect to a server based in UK.
- Download the iPlayer app from the Microsoft store.
- Log in to your iPlayer account.
- Enjoy streaming BBC content in New Zealand without a hitch!
Watch iPlayer in New Zealand On Smart TV
Just follow these simple steps to access iPlayer on smart TV:
- Subscribe to a VPN service.
- If your smart TV is Android-based, download our Android TV app. If not, configure our VPN service on your router.
- Connect to an UK-based server.
- Download the iPlayer app from the app store on your smart TV.
- Open BBC and log into your account or sign up for one.
- Enjoy streaming your favourite iPlayer content from anywhere in the world!
How to sign up for BBC iPlayer in New Zealand
If you want to signup, your best bet is to get an UK IP address with a premium VPN like PureVPN. Here’s how you can access iPlayer in a matter of seconds:
- Subscribe to a VPN service.
- Download our app on your device.
- Connect to a server where iPlayer works, such as UK.
- Open iPlayer and log in or sign up.
- Enjoy your favourite shows on iPlayer without any restrictions!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I watch BBC iPlayer in NZ?
A: You can watch BBC iPlayer by using a premium VPN provider that offers servers in UK. You can learn about the #1 solution we recommend by clicking our article here.
Q: How much does BBC iPlayer cost?
A: You can purchase a subscription for free. There is no fee per month which includes 2-3 devices of simultaneous streaming. You will need to use a VPN if you live outside the UK.
Q: Does BBC iPlayer work in New Zealand?
A: Yes, it definitely works and is possible to get iPlayer working in New Zealand. We have successfully watched many shows from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Q: Do I need an UK mobile number?
A: No you don't need a mobile number for iPlayer signup.
