If you have already tried to stream Hulu in New Zealand (or Hulu Plus – same thing), odds are you didn’t get very far. Hulu, like most other on-demand video providers, uses geo-location technology to block anyone outside the US from using their service.
As things stand, the only way to watch Hulu in New Zealand is to use a VPN.
A VPN can fool Hulu into thinking you’re using the internet from within the United States. This allows you to bypass its geo-blocking measures and gives you full access to the entire library. This process, by the way, works with other streaming services too, including Disney+ and Netflix US.
Let’s start with a quick bullet point summary of how to get Hulu working in NZ.
How Do I Watch Hulu in New Zealand?
To access Hulu in New Zealand, you need to do the following:
- Get a VPN that works with Hulu – not all do. You’ll find a list of the best options here.
- Download the VPN app, install it, and connect to a US server.
- Create a Hulu account (please see further below for exact steps) and sign in.
- You’re done! Sit back and enjoy Hulu.
How VPNs Let You Stream Hulu
So, why exactly do you need a VPN subscription to watch Hulu?
Anytime you sign into Hulu, it checks your device’s IP. One of the things an IP address reveals about you is your physical location. If Hulu sees you’re outside the US – the only country where the service is available – it shuts the door.
Instead of your favorite TV show, all you get is an error message.
The good news is, a VPN can easily get around Hulu’s geo-blocking. VPNs work by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server of your choice – in this case, one located in the United States.
Once connected, any service or website you access is fooled into thinking your device is the VPN server. And, because that server is in the US, so is its IP address, and (virtually) so are you.
Hulu and other US streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or any American TV station will now let you watch their programming as if you were in the country.
There are also plenty of other advantages to using a VPN, beyond unrestricted streaming. Features like 256-bit encryption, kill switches, DNS leak protection, and strict no-logging policies help you stay safe and anonymous anytime you go online.
No one – not your ISP, not a government agency – will have an idea of what you’re watching or doing on the internet.
Which VPNs Let You Watch Hulu
That all said, not every VPN provider is a good choice to unblock Hulu.
Unsurprisingly, Hulu knows all about VPNs. And, on top of checking the location of the connecting IP address, it also checks whether that IP belongs to a known VPN server. If it does, it’s access denied.
Because of this, some VPNs won’t work. Only a handful of providers have the financial and technological resources to stay one step ahead of Hulu.
Performance is also a big factor to consider when choosing a VPN service to stream video. Pick a high-speed provider that offers unlimited bandwidth. Otherwise, instead of a relaxing evening watching a show, frustration in the form of pixelation and constant buffering is what you may experience.
So, what are the best VPNs to watch Hulu in New Zealand?
My favorite of the bunch is Surfshark. It works well with Hulu (as well as just about every other popular streaming service), has excellent performance, and is dead simple to use. It’s also very, very inexpensive, costing less per month than a basic cup of coffee at Starbucks.
There are, of course, other options too.
NordVPN is always a great and reliable choice. Arguably the best VPN in the market, it also has an uncanny ability to let you watch just about any streaming service, whether you’re in New Zealand or anywhere else in the world.
Two other excellent choices are well-known VPN providers CyberGhost and PureVPN. Both make letting us watch geo-blocked content a priority, and both have specialized servers dedicated and optimized specifically for streaming Hulu.
All VPN providers come with at least a 30-day no questions asked money back guarantee (45 days for CyberGhost), so you have plenty of time to try them out risk-free.
How to Create a Hulu Account From New Zealand?
To watch Hulu in New Zealand, you must first create an account with the service. Even for those of us without a US registered form of payment (i.e., pretty much anyone who doesn’t live in the country), the process is quite simple.
The key is a Hulu gift card.
To create a Hulu account from NZ, follow these steps:
- Go to the website MyGiftCardSupply.com and buy a Hulu gift card.
- Wait for your gift card to arrive in your email – it only takes a minute or so.
- Connect to a US server with your VPN – you’ll find a list of the best providers to use here.
- Redeem your gift card on Hulu’s website.
- While redeeming, create a Hulu account if you don’t yet have one – enter any valid US zip code if asked (90210, for example).
- Pick your Hulu subscription plan.
- Congratulations! You’re done and ready to watch.
Hulu New Zealand FAQ
Is Hulu Available in NZ?
Officially, Hulu is not available in NZ – it is a US-only streaming service. However, you can get Hulu in New Zealand by using a VPN with US servers that can get around geo-blocking technology. Please see above for specific providers.
How Much is Hulu NZ?
The price of Hulu in New Zealand is the same as in the US. Currently, the ad-supported plan costs USD 5.99/month, and the add-free plan (which lets you stream without ad interruptions) costs USD 11.99/month.
Which TV Shows Are Available on Hulu?
Hulu features content from multiple US channels like ABC, AMC, CBS, Fox, FX, NBC, as well as original programming. It has well over 1,600 TV series including Atlanta, Castle Rock, Family Guy, How I Met Your Mother, Killing Eve, Modern Family, Shrill, The Handmaid’s Tale, and This is Us.
Is Hulu Coming to New Zealand?
Unfortunately, at this time, Hulu does not have any plans to launch in New Zealand. The service is available in the United States exclusively and can only be streamed internationally over a VPN connection.
Conclusion
A VPN will help you bypass the geo-blocking technology that stands in your way if watching Hulu in New Zealand is what you’re after. There is no better way to experience an unrestricted internet and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows on Hulu anytime, from anywhere.