How to Watch Encore Play in NZ [Updated Nov 2024]

Encore Play is an on-demand video streaming service that offers an extensive collection of Broadway musicals, classic Hollywood films, and TV shows.

It’s the perfect platform—or at least it used to be—for theatre enthusiasts who love to relive their favorite stage performances from the comfort of their homes.

Sadly, in 2016, the Encore Play platform was merged with Starz’s streaming app and website. Therefore, you can now access Encore Play through the Starz website only. 

But due to geo-restrictions, Encore Play, now Starz, is only available to viewers located in the United States or Puerto Rico.

Fear not, though, as there’s a solution to this problem!

By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can bypass these restrictions and access Encore Play in New Zealand.

Based on my testing, I strongly suggest using ExpressVPN.

This VPN not only effectively bypasses Encore Play’s geo-restrictions, but it also provides access to over 25 US server locations, lightning-fast speeds, and industry-leading security features, all at an affordable price of $6.67/mo (49% discount – 1 year + 3 months free).

5 Quick Steps to Watch Encore Play in New Zealand

Follow the steps below to watch Encore Play in New Zealand:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install its app on your device. 
3. Launch the VPN app and connect to a US server.
4. Visit the Starz website to create an account.
5. Enjoy streaming Encore Play’s content on Starz in NZ!

Watch Encore Play with ExpressVPN

Why VPN Is Needed to Watch Encore Play in New Zealand?

Encore Play, which is now Starz, is a popular on-demand video streaming service based in the United States. If you’re trying to access Starz in New Zealand or other unavailable countries, you’ll be greeted with a geo-restriction message that prevents you from watching any of its content:

“NOT AVAILABLE

STARZ online streaming services are only available through participating partners located in the United States or Puerto Rico”.

That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy!

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a server located in a different country. By doing so, it assigns you a new IP address based on the server’s location, effectively making it appear as though you’re browsing the internet from that country.

In the case of Encore Play/Starz, connecting to a US-based VPN server is all you need to do to get a US IP address and bypass the geo-restrictions.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for unblocking Starz in NZ. It’s known to be the fastest VPN provider available, with top-notch security features and a user-friendly interface.

And the best part is that it’s available at a price of only $6.67/mo (49% discount – 1 year + 3 months free).

Quick Overview of the Best VPNs to Watch Encore Play in New Zealand

Best VPNs to Watch Encore Play in New Zealand

1. ExpressVPN: Overall Best and Fastest VPN to Watch Encore Play in NZ

ExpressVPN is the ultimate choice to watch Encore Play in New Zealand.

Why?

Because this VPN offers multiple US servers, top-tier unblocking capabilities, and lightning-fast speeds.

With 3000+ servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has multiple servers in 25 US locations, and I could easily unblock Encore/Starz by connecting to their New York server.

Then, I selected “Blindspotting” from the Starz/Encore series list, and guess what? I could enjoy 2-3 episodes without any buffering or delays!

To confirm ExpressVPN’s claim of blazing-fast speeds, I performed a quick speed test. I got a whopping 87.02 Mbps download speed on my 100 Mbps connection.

And that’s not it. ExpressVPN is compatible with numerous devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Roku, Kodi, FireStick, and many more.

You can even connect 8 devices simultaneously, meaning you can use the Encore streaming app on more than one device at the same time.

In short, if you want to stream Encore Play without any location restrictions or lags, ExpressVPN is your go-to.

You can grab it for only $6.67/mo (49% discount – 1 year + 3 months free) along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Encore Play with ExpressVPN

2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Watch Encore Play in NZ

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that won’t break the bank by costing only $2.29/mo (85% discount – 2 years).

It offers over 3200 servers in 100 countries – including over 600 servers in 23+ US locations.

I put Surfshark to the test by connecting to its Miami server and was able to easily unblock Encore/Starz without any issues.

I then accessed the Encore movies channel and tried streaming ‘Station Eleven’ in HD, and to my delight, it worked flawlessly. With speeds reaching 72.27 Mbps / 100 Mbps, I was thoroughly impressed.

But what really sets Surfshark apart is its ability to connect unlimited devices at the same time, meaning you can use it on Android, iOS, Windows, FireStick, Smart TV, PS4, Roku, and Kodi, all at once!

So, if you’re looking for a VPN that is not only affordable but also reliable and versatile, Surfshark is the way to go. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose!

Watch Encore Play with Surfshark

3. NordVPN: Reliable VPN to Watch Encore Play in NZ With a Massive Server Network

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs to watch Encore Play in New Zealand. 

With a whopping 5600+ servers in 59 countries, NordVPN truly has an impressive server network. But the real kicker is that it offers 1970+ servers in 15 US cities alone.

That’s right, 15 cities!

I connected to its Atlanta server for testing, and voila, Encore Play got unblocked in seconds.

Next, I put on ‘The Serpent Queen’ and let me tell you, I could easily enjoy the show in High Definition.

And when I put NordVPN’s speeds to the test, I was not disappointed. I received a download speed of 68.73 Mbps / 100 Mbps.

But wait, there’s more!

NordVPN offers simultaneous connections on up to 6 devices so that you can download the Encore Play app on all your favorite devices, like Roku, Kodi, FireStick, Android, and iOS, at the same time.

Finally, this VPN costs only $3.09/month (58% off) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Encore Play with NordVPN

How to Sign Up for Encore Play in New Zealand?

Follow the steps below to get an Encore Play, now known as Starz subscription in New Zealand:

• Subscribe to ExpressVPN and connect to its US server.

• Then, visit the Starz website and click ‘START YOUR FREE TRIAL.’

• Enter a valid email ID and click ‘Continue.’

• After that, choose a payment plan, enter the required details, and click ‘Subscribe.’

• Once you’re done, you can access your favorite Encore TV shows on Starz in NZ.

Please note that there’s a Starz free trial available, so you can watch Encore online free for a week before getting charged!

Watch Encore Play with ExpressVPN

How to Get the Encore Play App on Mobile Devices

Encore/Starz is compatible with all your favorite devices. However, to get the Starz app on your Android or iOS device, you need to follow the simple steps below:

Steps to Download the Encore Play App on iOS

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
2. Head to the VPN server’s list and choose a US server to connect to.
3. Open the Settings app on your iOS device. 
4. Tap on your name, then tap on Media & Purchases.
5. Next, tap on View Account. At this point, you may be asked to sign in to your account.
6. Next, tap on the Country/Region.
7. Tap on the Change Country or Region option.
8. Scroll and choose the United States as your new country or region and agree to the terms and conditions.
9. Tap on Agree option located in the top right-hand corner and then tap on Agree again to confirm.
10. Finally, select a payment method and enter your new payment information and billing address. After that, tap Next.
11. Once your region changes, visit the Apple App Store and search for the Starz app.
12. Download and install the Starz app on your iOS device and start watching Encore Play’s content from NZ.

Steps to Download the Encore Play App on Android

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN on your Android device.
2. Head to the VPN server’s list and choose a US server to connect to.
3. On your Android device, open the Google Play app.
4. Tap on the profile icon.
5. Tap on Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and Profiles.
6. Tap on the United States from the list.
7. Follow the instructions you see on your screen to add a payment method for that country.
8. Once your account region is changed, search for the Starz/Encore streaming app in the search bar and install it on your Android device.
9. Sign in to your Starz account and watch Encore Play’s content from NZ.

Worth Watching Content on Encore Play in New Zealand

Since Encore Play is now Starz, here is an updated list of the platform’s most popular and latest content available for streaming:

New Releases to Watch on Encore Play/Starz in NZ

• Mary & George
• BMF (Black Mafia Family)
• 12 Mighty Orphans
• 1982
• Akeelah And The Bee
• All Square
• A Mouse Tale
• An American Tail: The Mystery Of The Night Monster
• Joe Kidd
• John Ford Goes To War
• Kill The Irishman
• Killing Gunthe

Best Movies to Watch on Encore Play/Starz in NZ

• Run The World (IMDB: 6.2) 
• Never Let Me Go (IMDB: 7.1)
• Station Eleven (IMDB: 7.6)
• Confronting a Serial Killer (IMDB: 5.9)
• La La Land (IMDB: 8.0)
• The Great (IMDB: 8.2)
• Cowboys & Aliens (IMDB: 6.0)
• Home Alone (IMDB: 7.7)
• Escape Room (IMDB: 6.4)

Best Shows to Watch on Encore Play/Starz in NZ

• Outlander (IMDB: 8.4)
• Power (IMDB: 8.1)
• Black Sails (IMDB: 8.2)
• Party Down (IMDB: 8.2)
• The Spanish Princess (IMDB: 6.9)
• Run The World (IMDB: 6.2)
• The Serpent Queen (IMDB: 7.7)
• The Luminaries (IMDB: 6.4)
• Counterpart (IMDB: 8.0)
• Hightown (IMDB: 6.8)

Channels Other Than Encore Play to Access in New Zealand

• Access ABC in New Zealand
• Access Sling TV in New Zealand
• Access Oxygen TV in New Zealand
• Access CNBC in New Zealand
• Access Pandora in New Zealand
• Access Vudu in New Zealand
• Access Fox TV in New Zealand
• Access Lifetime in New Zealand
• Access Freeform in New Zealand
• Access VH1 Now in New Zealand
• Access CMT Live in New Zealand
• Access Xumo in New Zealand

Conclusion

Well, that’s a wrap on how to watch Encore Play in New Zealand! If you’re a fan of Hollywood blockbusters and Broadway musicals but you’re living in New Zealand, don’t worry—you’re not out of luck.

By using a VPN, you can easily bypass Encore Play’s geo-restrictions and watch all your favorite shows from anywhere in New Zealand.

I highly recommend using ExpressVPN to watch Encore Play in NZ, as it offers 25+ US server locations, super-fast speeds, and top-notch security features.

And the best part is that it’s available at a discounted price of just $6.67/mo (49% discount – 1 year + 3 months free).