How to Get American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand

It is no news that American Netflix is by far the best of Netflix. Every avid consumer of digital content envies the content libraries of American Netflix. Then comes another problem, how to get American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand. 

Yes, that’s right, when you are in New Zealand, these are two problems you need to sort out if you also happen to have Roku. If it were Amazon Firestick, iPhone, or Android, the process would have been less of a hassle comparatively.

But we did it to ourselves by adding more problems.

• Problem # 1: Get American Netflix
• Problem # 2: Get Roku on American Netflix
• Problem # 3: Configure VPN on Roku

We may have given you fright for life, but we also have a solution. Read on as we dissect each problem and bring out a solution that you can do without any professional help.

Let’s begin  

How to Watch American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand │ Quick Steps

To get American Netflix in New Zealand on Roku, follow these steps:

• Get a reliable VPN that supports Roku 
• Get an American Roku account 
• Set Up VPN on Roku to Watch American Netflix 

We begin with the first step, search for a VPN service that works well with Roku. In our quest, we tested various VPN services and found one the best – ExpressVPN. The service is also most recommended in Toms Guide, PC Mag, TechCrunch, Comparitech, and Tech Radar.

ExpressVPN seems like the best choice as it integrates with Roku fairly easily due to its Smart DNS and direct router setup feature.

Now that we have selected a VPN service let’s proceed to get a Roku account.

How to Set Up a US Roku Account in New Zealand?

To get American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand, follow these steps:

• Download the VPN application on a PC or desktop. We recommend ExpressVPN
• Initiate the session on VPN and look for US servers. 
• Turn off the device’s location tracker.
• Open the browser and write https://my.roku.com/index and click Create Account on the next screen. 
• Enter all the information prompted and click Continue
• Next, opt for the payment method you prefer – PayPal or Credit Card, and click to Continue. 
• On the next page, you provide various information, including zip code. 
• Enter US Zip codes such as 02110, 90003, and 43003. 
• After you have provided all information, you will have a Roku account. 
• Reset the device, and log in using your Roku account.
• Search for American Netflix and click to add the channel. 
• After you have set up a US Roku account, add American Netflix and connect Roku with VPN to watch all the content in New Zealand.

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!

Set Up VPN on Roku in New Zealand to Watch American Netflix

You can set up a Roku device in three steps:

• Method # 1: Set up the virtual router using a laptop and connect with Roku – Recommended.
• Method # 2: Set up the VPN on the home router and connect with Roku.
• Method # 3: Smart DNS to use VPN with Roku – it doesn’t work with Roku devices after recent updates.

How to Set Up VPN to Watch American Netflix in New Zealand on Roku via Virtual Router

Windows User

Here’s how you can set up VPN and watch American Netflix in New Zealand on Roku using a virtual router using Windows laptop/PC:

• Download the VPN app on Windows PC or laptop – we use ExpressVPN.
• Click on the internet connection icon. You can find it on the taskbar; click Open Network & Internet Setting.
• Select Mobile Hotspot located on the left side and turn it on.
• Now click on Status and select Change Adaptor Options. 
• On ExpressVPN, Tap Adaptor right, click, and then select Properties. 
• Check to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection. You will find this option on the ‘Sharing’ tab.
• Select the hotspot connection in the dropdown menu.
• Click Ok
• The new hotspot option is created.
• Next, open the VPN application on Windows Laptop and connect the US servers.
• On the Roku device, click Network > Set up Connection > Wireless 
•  Connect the hotspot connection using a Windows device

As soon your device is connected to the internet, go to American Netflix and start streaming from your home in New Zealand.

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!

Mac Users

ExpressVPN and NordVPN no longer have PPTP & L2TP – IP Sec protocol. It is a weak security feature required to set up a virtual router. However, you can try PrivateVPN to set up a virtual router on a Mac device to watch American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand.

How to set up a VPN to watch American Netflix in New Zealand on Roku using the virtual router on Mac laptop/PC:

1. Download the VPN application on a Mac device.
2. We recommend PrivateVPN since the setting in the application supports the integration.
3. Proceed to the PrivateVPN website and click on My Account from the top menu.
4. On the next page, enter the email address and password.
5. Subscribe and click Sign in 
6. Next click Manual Config > PPTP & L2TP – IP sec 
7. You will find the server locations, username, and password
8. On the Mac device, select Apple Menu > System Settings > VPN. VPN is on the sidebar; scroll down a little to find it.
9. Click to Add VPN Configuration and select L2TP over IP sec
10. On the next page, you will be prompted to enter some information

• Display Name: PrivateVPN Router
• Configuration: Default
• Server Address: On the PrivateVPN website, copy the US server address and paste it.
• Account name: On the PrivateVPN website, copy Username and paste.
• User Authentication: On the PrivateVPN website, copy the password and paste it.
• Shared Secret: 123456789

11. Click on Option and check the box for sending all traffic over the VPN connection 
12. Select Create 
13. Connect to the VPN connection you created for the Roku device
14. Sign in with US Roku details and log in to watch American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand

How to Set Up VPN on Home Router to Watch American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand

We have used ExpressVPN for this process. If you happen to have Linksys, Asus, or Netgear, you can use the guide below to install ExpressVPN and get American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand:

For Linksys Router:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-linksys/

For Asus Router:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-asus/

For Netgear Router:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-netgear/

For Manual Router Configuration:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/#manual-router

Why Do You Need VPN to Watch American Netflix on Roku

American Netflix is not available outside America, as is evident from the name. Due to copyright and licensing agreement, it is restricted to one region. 

But there is another easy way to get it, have a US IP address. You may wonder how one can have a US IP address when in New Zealand. Well, our answer is one magic word – VPN! 

VPN cloaks the IP address and appears as a new IP address, which is acceptable for US servers. As you connect the router or create a virtual router, you can set the location to USA. Now your Kiwi IP address is an acceptable US IP address to access American Netflix. 

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!

How Can I Watch American Netflix on Older Device? 

There are certain Roku devices that aren’t compatible with a recent version of American Netflix. Devices such as:

• Roku 2050X
• Roku 2000C
• Roku 2100X
• Roku HD Player
• Roku XR Player
• Roku SD Player

For general ease, do not opt for Roku 2400-3100 and stick models 3420 and above. These have older versions of software and may not work with your American Netflix application.  

Compatible Roku Devices for American Netflix

There are several plans you can select on American Netflix. If you have HD, HDR, or Ultra HD, a different format of the device will work. Here is the list:

With Dolby Atmos Audio:

• Roku 1 2710X
• Roku 2 2720X, 4210X
• Roku 2 HD 3000X
• Roku 2 XD 3050X
• Roku 2 XS 3100X
• Roku 2 4200X, 4230X
• Roku 4 4400X
• Roku Express 3700X, 3910X, 3913X
• Roku Express 4K 3940X
• Roku Express 4K+ 3941X
• Roku HD 2500X
• Roku LT 2400X, 2450X
• Roku LT 2700X
• Roku Streambar
• Roku Streambar Pro 9101X
• Roku Premiere 3920X, 4620X
• Roku Premiere+ 3921X, 4630X
• Roku SE 2710X
• Roku Streaming Stick 3600X, 3400X, 3420X, 3500X, 3800X
• Roku Streaming Stick+ 3810X, 3811X
• Roku Smart Soundbar 9100X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K 3820X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821X
• Roku Ultra 4640X, 4660X, 4670X
• Roku Ultra 4800X
• Roku Ultra LT 4662X

For Ultra HD

• Roku 4 4400X
• Roku Smart Soundbar 9100X
• Roku Streambar 9102X
• Roku Streambar Pro 9101X
• Roku Premiere 3920X, 4620X
• Roku Premiere+ 3921X, 4630X
• Roku Express 4K 3940X
• Roku Express 4K+ 3941X
• Roku Streaming Stick+ 3810X, 3811X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K 3820X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821X
• Roku Ultra 4640X, 4660X, 4670X, 4800X
• Roku Ultra LT 4662X

For HDR

• Roku 4 4400X
• Roku Express 4K 3940X
• Roku Express 4K+ 3941X
• Roku Premiere 3920X, 4620X
• Roku Premiere+ 3921X, 4630X
• Roku Smart Soundbar 9100X
• Roku Streambar 9102X
• Roku Streambar Pro 9101X
• Roku Streaming Stick+ 3810X, 3811X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K 3820X
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821X
• Roku Ultra 4640X, 4660X, 4670X, 4800X
• Roku Ultra LT 4662X 

Non-compatible Roku Devices for American Netflix

• Roku 2050X
• Roku 2100X
• Roku 2000C
• Roku SD Player
• Roku HD Player
• Roku XR Player

Roku TV Models Support American Netflix

• Android Devices 
• Element 
• Hitachi 
• Hisense 
• JVC 
• Magnavox 
• Philips 
• Sanyo 
• Sharo 
• RCATCL
• Westinghouse 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

Roku is a great way to manage all the digital content in one place. You can watch sports, news, movies, series, documentaries, and whatnot.

You can also integrate your favorite streaming services, such as American Netflix, on Roku. But if you live in New Zealand and wish to access American Netflix, you have a small process you have to sort the settings.

First, you need to sort the IP address problem, which can be done by subscribing to a reliable VPN. Then there are some settings you must change in your device to get American Netflix on Roku in New Zealand.

Sebastian Petrosi CEO/Chief Editor

Sebastian Petrosi, Editor of various cord cutting websites, founded Howtostream.co.nz in 2019. With a Masters’s degree in communications, Sebastian specializes in gathering details, checking facts, and writing easy to understand cord cutting guides. In addition to writing articles and testing and reviewing softwares, Sebastian is a digital nomad who loves to travel, play games and binge watch his favorite shows over the weekends.

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