NZ Tech Podcast
Gadget and Technology News and Opinions (with a New Zealand flavour)

How to setup Netflix in NZ

This article covers the major steps required to get yourself or your family up and running with the Netflix online TV and movie service in New Zealand. These instructions will also work in any other country outside of the USA and other on demand video services such as Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video, Vudu amongst others.

Our recommended configuration allows any appropriate networked device (Roku, Xbox, PS3, PC, Mac, iPhone, Windows Phone, Android, etc) in home network to connect to Netflix – or a range of other international media services.

The good news – once you’ve collected a suitable router and setup the 2 accounts needed – the setup can often be completed reasonably quickly. And the running costs can be as low as US$13/month!

What’s the challenge?

This issue with connecting to Netflix (and many other US music/TV/movie services) is that they are targeted at the US market and therefore check if your internet connection is US based. This is done by comparing your IP address (each internet connection has one) with a list of valid IP address ranges for the US.

What are the workarounds?

The most reliable work around is to connect via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that links your existing connection to the USA and provides you with a trusted US based IP address. This is what Netflix and other providers expect you to have in order to provide service.

A second option which I won’t go into detail on is to use a special proxy service called UnblockUS. Unfortunately this doesn’t work with all ISPs and unless you have a fixed IP address this service may drop out.

How much does it cost?

Running costs start at about US$13/month excluding internet connection and the cost buying your connection device (such as a Roku, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Mac, etc). Netflix on its own is US$8/month. Add to that a VPN to connection from NZ which is usually in the range of US$5 – $10/month.

As the video content is streamed using your home internet connection you may find a higher usage plan is required if you choose to use Netflix regularly.

What do I need?

In addition to a Netflix account there are only a few things you’ll need to get started:

1. Internet connection
2. Compatible router (in addition to your existing internet router)
3. An account with a VPN provider
4. Device for Netflix playback

Can you give me more details about those requirements?

Yes – here are the details broken down with more detailed specifications.

Internet connection

• A fixed connection of at least 2.5mb/s is suggested – this covers most ADSL or cable modem connections in NZ
• It’s important to realise that the more you watch the more data you’ll use. This may lead to your current internet plan being insufficient. It’s suggested you start with a plan that provides a minimum of 30gb data per month – more if you plan to watch Netflix for a lot of hours each month. Some users find a 60gb is more than sufficient, others use a 100gb plan – this will also depend on how heavily you utilise your Internet connection for other downloads.

Compatible Router

• Recommended model is Dlink DIR-615
  • The DIR-615 is very easy to find in most countries incl NZ
  • Must be H/W rev C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E3 or E4 (these are common and easy to find from most electronics retailers)
  • Connects to your existing (primary) ADSL or Cable router
  • Compatible with typical ISP routers which provide an Ethernet connection
• Typical cost NZ$60-NZ$200 (Dependant on where you purchase and whether new or second hand)
• Many other routers that are compatible with the full DD-WRT software (however these are mostly untested by us)

• An account with a VPN provider who offers US IP addresses:
  • We have tried and tested StrongVPN – this is our recommendation
  • There are others that may provide better or worse results (faster or slower speeds)

Device for Netflix playback

The Roku player is the quickest and easiest to setup – and has the benefit of no ‘Xbox Live Gold’ subscription requirement when compared the Xbox 360. The downside is the Roku needs to be ordered from the US so will take a few days to arrive. The Xbox 360 provides the most impressive Netflix capabilities and with Kinect the benefits of voice control and gesture control.

• Roku Streaming Media Player
  •  Roku XD Streaming Player (shipped to NZ via Amazon – RRP US$79.99)
  • Roku XS Streaming Player (shipped to NZ via Amazon – RRP US$99.99)
• Xbox 360 (all models are suitable) – setup with a US Xbox Live Gold account
• There are lots of other options and have tested too:
  • Hardware imported from the USA such as the Roku box, some Blu-ray players come preconfigured to support Netflix
• You can also use a PC or Mac

What steps do follow to get Netflix running?

Here are the steps broken down so just about anyone can follow them.

Step 1: Router

• First step is downloading the appropriate DD-WRT firmware for your router to your desktop. In the case of the Dlink DIR-615 and many others you locate it on this page.
  • After visiting the link enter the name of your router – such as: DIR-615
  • The correct download for the DIR-615 should be labelled: Special image for initial flashing (or similar)
• Disconnect your computer from your existing internet connection/router (turning off Wi-Fi if necessary)
• Connect your computer any port on the Dlink DIR-615 (except for the WAN port)
• Login to the router by navigating to the router’s webpage – you can do this by entering the following address in your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc): http://192.168.0.1
  • Username: admin
  • Password (leave this blank)

Step 2: VPN

• Setup your VPN using the instructions from the VPN provider. Feel free to try any one you want.
• As mentioned previously we have primarily used StrongVPN though there are a couple of other methods that seem to vary in their performance and reliability. Visit their website to sign up and for instructions for use in conjunction with a DD-WRT enabled router.
  • The method of configuration suggested is the ‘Modify Wan Connection Type’ and instructions are here.

Step 3: Device connection

• In our experience for the best results use an Ethernet cable between your device (Xbox 360, Roku, PC, Mac, etc) rather than Wifi
• If you prefer to use Wifi – then connect to your new Wifi connection using the details you setup in step 1

Please let us know if we’ve left anything out and we’ll try and fill in the gaps promptly.

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