Official TVNZ+ app doesn't allow downloads? Learn how to download TVNZ videos, shows, and movies for offline viewing in 1080p with no ads. (Updated 2026)
Quick Answer: The official TVNZ+ app do not lets you download shows because of copyright agreements, however you may utilize a tool like StreamGaGa to save them as MP4 files.
This workaround lets you watch Shortland Street or The Brokenwood Mysteries fully offline, without commercials. It also retains the videos on your device forever, even when they leave the streaming platform.
Whether you are commuting through tunnels with zero 4G reception or just want to archive your favorite Kiwi classics before they expire, relying solely on streaming is not always an option. I spent weeks testing every method—from screen recorders to browser extensions—to find a reliable way to watch TVNZ offline. The good news? There is a solution that actually works in 2026.
Sometimes, it might be more convenient to download your favorite shows offline and enjoy them when you are not connected to the internet. In this article, we have introduced an effective way to download TVNZ+ videos easily and fast.
Can You Download TVNZ+ Content? The Truth About Offline Viewing
Note: The official TVNZ+ app does not allow downloads on any device (Mobile/Tablet/TV) due to strict copyright agreements and its ad-supported revenue model.
Offline viewing is technically possible only by using third-party software like StreamGaGa on a PC or Mac.
If you open the official TVNZ+ help page today, you will see a blunt message: "Unfortunately, our current TVNZ rights agreements do not allow download of content for offline viewing."
TVNZ+ (previously TVNZ OnDemand) is a free platform that is sponsored by ads, unlike Netflix or Disney+. They make money by showing you advertising every time you stream. They would lose that ad money if they let people download things offline, and their license agreements with studios often make it illegal.
So, can you download on TVNZ despite this? Technically, yes.
While the app blocks you, third-party tools like StreamGaGa operate differently. Instead of "ripping" the stream illegally, StreamGaGa acts as a bridge. It streams the video in a secure environment and saves a personal copy to your hard drive.
This solves three massive problems:
- No Ads: It automatically removes commercials during the process.
- Permanent Access: You keep the file even if TVNZ removes the show next month.
- True Offline: It is a standard MP4 file, playable on any device without an internet connection.
StreamGaGa vs. Official App vs. Screen Recorders: Which is Best?
Note: Free tools like OBS do work in theory, but they take a lot of time to use and make low-quality recordings. StreamGaGa is efficient to download a lot of TVNZ shows at once.
You might be wondering, "Why not just use a free screen recorder like OBS?" I thought the same thing. I tried using OBS to record a 1-hour episode of Celebrity Treasure Island. It took exactly one hour to record (plus setup time), and the frame rate was choppy because my laptop CPU was overwhelmed.
Here is a data-driven comparison of why a dedicated downloader is the superior choice for downloading TVNZ videos
| Feature | StreamGaGa Downloader | Official TVNZ+ App | Free Screen Recorders (OBS) |
| Download Capability | ✅ Yes (Direct Download) | ❌ No (Streaming Only) | ⚠️ Yes (Manual Recording) |
| Video Quality | 💎 1080p Full HD | Variable (Depends on Net) | Lossy (Depends on CPU) |
| Ad Removal | 🚫 Auto-Removes Ads | ❌ Ads are Mandatory | ❌ Records Ads |
| Speed | ⚡ Turbo Speed (5 min for 1h show) | N/A | 🐢 1:1 Real-Time (1 hour for 1h show) |
| Batch Mode | 📦 Download Entire Series | N/A | ❌ One by One only |
| Offline Expiry | 🔒 Never Expires | N/A | Never Expires |
How to Download TVNZ+ Videos With StreamGaGa MPD Downloader
I use StreamGaGa MPD Downloader to download my favorite videos to my devices, and watch TVNZ+ videos without having to wait for annoying advertisements. I can also transfer and save downloaded videos as MP4 files, which can play on any device.
- Enjoy a crystal-clear viewing experience with 1080p HD resolution;
- Experience fast download with GPU Acceleration and Turbo Speed;
- Easily play and enjoy various formats such as MP4 and MKV;
- Use a single account across 5 PCs for added convenience;
- Download separate subtitle files;
- Efficiently download multiple files with batch download feature;
- Navigate seamlessly with the ad-free and user-friendly interface;
- Try it out with a free trial, allowing you to download up to 3 files in 30 days.
Here's how to use StreamGaGa to download TVNZ+ videos.
Step 1: Visit the official website of StreamGaGa and click "Free Download." Launch StreamGaGa after the installation.
Step 2: Type the https://www.tvnz.co.nz/ URL into the search box and enter it in the Home page of StreamGaGa.
Step 3: Browse TVNZ+ and find the video you want to download. Click to play it.
Step 4: Click the Download Now button.
Editor's Takeaways
In the end, even though TVNZ+ doesn't let you watch videos offline, there are other ways to do it for people who want to download TVNZ+ videos. StreamGaGa MPD Downloader is a tool made by third-party company that lets you download videos from TVNZ+ and save them as MP4 files on your computer. You might also be interested in learning about MPD videos and how to download Viaplay videos.
FAQs
Q1. Why can't I just use a free Chrome extension to download TVNZ+ videos?
A1. You may have tried extensions that failed or produced a file that won't play. This is because TVNZ+ uses advanced DRM and encrypted streaming protocols (MPD/M3U8) that simple browser extensions cannot download videos sucessfully.
Q2. Do the downloaded TVNZ+ videos expire after 48 hours?
A2. No. With StreamGaGa, videos you download will always be available, unlike other apps (like Netflix or Disney+) where "offline viewing" features have download time limits. Since they are saved on your hard drive, they won't ever end, even if the show is taken off of TVNZ+.
Q3. Is the downloaded TVNZ+ video quality better than screen recording?
A3. Much better. When you screen record with tools like OBS, your screen is caught in real time. If your internet connection gets worse, this can lead to choppy frame rates, lag, or lower quality. Every time, StreamGaGa gets the source file right from TVNZ+, so you get a Full HD 1080p video with perfect audio sync.
Q4. Can I transfer TVNZ+ downloads to my iPad or iPhone?
A4. Absolutely. Since StreamGaGa saves videos as standard MP4 files, you can transfer them to your iPhone, iPad, or Android tablet using a USB cable, AirDrop, or cloud storage, allowing you to watch TVNZ+ offline on mobile devices.
