Chinese channels IPTV NZ — New Zealand has 279,039 Chinese residents, and Sky NZ has never carried a single Chinese-language channel. CCTV-4 streams free on YouTube. BNE’s Freeview TV channels are no longer on air — but its radio stations and YouTube channel remain active. TVBAnywhere+ carries Hong Kong TVB. IPTV services with appropriate licensing carry broader Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese live feeds.
This is the complete, corrected guide for July 2026 – what is free, what requires a subscription, and what suits each community within the Chinese NZ diaspora.
Summary — Chinese Channels Available in NZ (July 2026)
| Option | Language | Type | Cost | Content Focus | Available in NZ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV-4 (YouTube) | Mandarin | Free stream | Free | Mainland news + programming | ✅ Yes |
| CGTN (YouTube) | English / Mandarin | Free stream | Free | China international news | ✅ Yes |
| BNE YouTube | Mandarin / Cantonese | Free stream | Free | NZ Chinese community content | ✅ Yes |
| BNE Radio | Mandarin / Cantonese | Free radio | Free | AM 936 + FM 99.4 + FM 104.2 — Auckland | ✅ Yes |
| TVBAnywhere+ | Cantonese | Official TVB streaming | USD subscription | Hong Kong TVB drama, news, entertainment | ✅ Yes |
| iQIYI | Mandarin | Mainland streaming | Free tier + VIP | Chinese drama, variety, film | ✅ Yes |
| WeTV (Tencent Video) | Mandarin | Mainland streaming | Free tier + VIP | Chinese drama, variety — content varies by region | ✅ Accessible |
| IPTV (licensed) | Mandarin / Cantonese | International IPTV | Varies by provider | Mainland + HK + Taiwan live channels | Subject to licensing |
| Netflix NZ | Mandarin (subtitled) | NZ streaming | From NZ$17.99/month | Selected Chinese drama (rotating) | ✅ Yes |
| Sky NZ | — | NZ satellite/streaming | Sky subscription | Zero Chinese-language channels | ❌ None |
Prices verified July 2026. Verify platform pricing directly before subscribing.
Watch Chinese TV in NZ — Free and Official Options
Before spending anything on subscriptions, NZ Chinese households should know what is available completely free.
Quick Answer — Chinese TV in NZ 2026 Free: CCTV-4 YouTube, CGTN YouTube, BNE YouTube, and BNE Radio (AM 936 / FM 99.4 / FM 104). 2) Paid streaming: TVBAnywhere+ (Cantonese), iQIYI VIP (Mandarin drama), WeTV VIP (Mandarin drama) Live Chinese TV: Licensed IPTV providers with appropriate Chinese content licensing
CCTV-4 and CGTN — Free on YouTube
CCTV-4 (China Central Television International Chinese) is mainland China’s official international Mandarin-language channel. It streams free on YouTube — search “CCTV-4” or “CCTV中文国际” to find the official channel. The stream carries Chinese news from Beijing, documentary programming, drama, cultural content, and current affairs. Available 24/7 from any NZ IP address, no account required.
CGTN (China Global Television Network) is the international English-language service of CCTV — free on YouTube and at cgtn.com. For NZ Chinese viewers who want Chinese-perspective news in English alongside Mandarin options, CGTN fills that gap.
BNE — NZ’s Chinese Media (Radio + YouTube, July 2026)
Best News Entertainment (BNE), formerly World TV, is an NZ Chinese media company based in Penrose, Auckland. BNE has served the Chinese community in New Zealand since 2000 and remains the only Chinese media group in NZ with a genuine local editorial voice.
Important update (July 2026): BNE’s Freeview television channels are no longer on the Freeview platform. BNE previously broadcast on Freeview Channel 28 (later rebranded as TV32 on Freeview Channel 32 in April 2024) and Channel 29 (the Panda Channel). As of July 2026, neither channel appears on the official Freeview channel listing (freeviewnz.tv/channels) or on independent channel databases. BNE’s own website (bne.co.nz) still references Channels 28 and 29, but this information has not been updated to reflect the current situation. Many existing guides — including Google’s own featured snippet for “how to watch Chinese TV in NZ” — still reference BNE freeview channels that are no longer available.
What BNE still operates (confirmed July 2026):
- AM 936 — NZ’s only Mandarin-language radio station (Auckland, online at nz936.com)
- FM 99.4 — Auckland’s only Cantonese-language radio station (online at nz936.com)
- FM 104.2 — English and Chinese bilingual radio (online at nz936.com)
- BNE TV YouTube — active YouTube channel with NZ Chinese community content
For NZ Chinese households without a television setup, BNE’s radio stations and YouTube channel remain the simplest free connection to NZ-produced Chinese-language content.
What You Can Watch for Free — NZ Chinese TV 2026
| Platform | Language | Available in NZ | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV-4 (YouTube) | Mandarin | ✅ | Free |
| CGTN (YouTube) | English / Mandarin | ✅ | Free |
| BNE TV (YouTube) | Mandarin / Cantonese | ✅ | Free |
| BNE AM 936 (nz936.com) | Mandarin | ✅ | Free |
| BNE FM 99.4 (nz936.com) | Cantonese | ✅ | Free |
| BNE FM 104.2 (nz936.com) | English / Chinese | ✅ | Free |
Chinese TV Streaming NZ — The Complete Picture for 2026
The landscape for Chinese television in New Zealand has always been fragmented — split across free platforms, diaspora-focused streaming services, and IPTV — because no single NZ broadcaster or streaming service has ever served the Chinese community comprehensively.
Sky NZ, which carries BBC World News, Al Jazeera English, and a range of international sport, has never included a Mandarin or Cantonese channel. TVNZ+ and Three carry no Chinese-language content. The gap has always been filled by the community itself — through local broadcasters like BNE, through diaspora platforms like TVBAnywhere+, and through IPTV services with appropriate licensing.
In 2026, the options fall into three categories: free platforms (YouTube-based and radio); official Chinese streaming services (TVBAnywhere+, iQIYI, and WeTV); and IPTV with licensed Chinese channel packages. Understanding which category suits your household depends on your language preference (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Taiwanese), your content preference (news, drama, live channels), and your budget.
TVBAnywhere+ — Hong Kong TVB for Cantonese Speakers
TVBAnywhere+ is TVB’s (Television Broadcasts Limited) official international streaming platform — the legitimate route to Hong Kong Cantonese television for NZ households.
What TVBAnywhere+ carries:
TVB Jade (Cantonese drama) — live and on demand. TVB Pearl (English and international content). TVB News (Hong Kong news in Cantonese and English). On-demand library of classic and current TVB series. TVB entertainment, variety programming, and documentaries.
Availability in NZ: TVBAnywhere+ (tvbanywhere.com) is available globally except Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the USA (which have regional versions). New Zealand falls within the global version. USD-based subscription — check current pricing at tvbanywhere.com.
Why TVB matters for the Hong Kong NZ community: TVB has been Hong Kong’s dominant broadcaster since 1967. For the Hong Kong community in NZ — significantly augmented by post-2019 emigration — TVB dramas, news, and variety programming represent a direct cultural connection that no other platform provides. BNE’s FM 99.4 Cantonese radio complements TVBAnywhere+ — together they cover the Cantonese audio and visual landscape for NZ households.
Chinese Drama Streaming — iQIYI, WeTV, Youku, and Bilibili
For NZ Chinese viewers whose primary interest is Chinese drama, variety shows, and film rather than live channel feeds, four major Mainland Chinese streaming platforms are accessible internationally.
iQIYI (iqiyi.com): Often described as “China’s Netflix”, iQIY I am one of China’s largest streaming platforms with a substantial international catalogue. Carries Chinese drama (古装剧, 现代剧), variety shows, and film. Free tier with ads plus paid VIP subscription (USD-based). Accessible from NZ — some content may be region-restricted.
WeTV / Tencent Video (wetv.vip): The international version of Tencent Video, China’s largest streaming platform by subscriber count. WeTV is available in over 50 countries with free and VIP tiers. Carries Chinese drama, variety, and original productions. Subtitles in multiple languages. Accessible from NZ — content catalogue varies by region.
Youku (youku.com): Alibaba-owned streaming platform. Carries Chinese drama, variety, and documentary content. International access is available, though some content is geolocked to Mainland China. Free tier with ads.
Bilibili (bilibili.com): Originally an anime and user-generated content platform, Bilibili has expanded into Chinese drama, documentary, and variety. Particularly popular with younger Chinese audiences. Accessible from NZ with some content region-restricted.
The practical reality: Most NZ Chinese drama viewers use a combination of iQIYI (for premium drama) and WeTV or Bilibili (for variety and community content). YouTube also carries significant Chinese drama content through official channel uploads — search for specific series titles in Chinese characters for the best results.
Chinese Channels IPTV NZ — What Licensed Providers Carry
IPTV services with appropriate Chinese content licensing offer a broader range of live channels than any streaming platform, providing the closest equivalent to the channel-surfing experience of watching television in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
What Chinese-licensed IPTV typically carries (subject to provider licensing):
- CCTV-1 through CCTV-13 (Mainland Chinese channels — news, drama, sport, documentary, children’s)
- Phoenix Chinese News Channel and Phoenix InfoNews (Mandarin — Hong Kong-based, international perspective)
- Dragon Television / 东方卫视 (Shanghai)
- Hunan TV / 湖南卫视 (Chinese variety and entertainment — home of major variety shows)
- Zhejiang TV / 浙江卫视 (Running Man China, other variety)
- TVB Jade and TVB Pearl (Hong Kong Cantonese)
- TVBS and SET-TV (Taiwan — Mandarin with Taiwanese perspective)
Channel availability varies by provider and licensing agreements. The list above represents channels commonly found in Chinese IPTV packages — not all providers carry all channels listed.
The community divide — Mainland vs Hong Kong vs Taiwan: Chinese content carries political and cultural significance that IPTV providers navigate differently. Mainland Chinese channels (CCTV, Phoenix) present the Beijing perspective. Hong Kong channels (TVB) present the Hong Kong perspective. Taiwanese channels (TVBS, SET-TV) present the ROC perspective. Households choose content that aligns with their cultural and political identity — these are not interchangeable.
Before subscribing: Verify that the specific Chinese channels you want are included, currently active, and consistently available. Ask for a trial period where possible.
For IPTV setup: IPTV Setup Guide NZ. For device recommendations: Best IPTV Devices NZ | IPTV on Fire TV Stick NZ.
Cost of Chinese IPTV in NZ
IPTV subscription costs vary by provider, package tier, and billing cycle (monthly vs annual). Annual plans typically offer significant discounts over monthly billing. Pricing should be verified directly with the provider before subscribing — costs change frequently.
For a broader NZ streaming cost comparison: IPTV vs Sky NZ.
Mandarin vs Cantonese vs Taiwanese — Content Guide
The Chinese community in NZ is not monolithic. Understanding the language and content divisions is essential for choosing the right platform.
| Community | Primary Language | Typical Content Sources | NZ Free Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland Chinese | Mandarin (Putonghua) | CCTV, iQIYI, WeTV, Dragon TV, Hunan TV, Phoenix | CCTV-4 YouTube, CGTN YouTube, BNE AM 936 |
| Hong Kong Chinese | Cantonese | TVB (TVBAnywhere+), Phoenix HK, RTHK | BNE FM 99.4 |
| Taiwanese | Mandarin + Taiwanese Hokkien | TVBS, SET-TV, CTS, CTV | Limited — via IPTV |
| Malaysian/Singaporean Chinese | Mandarin + Cantonese + English | Cross-platform — TVB, iQIYI, Mainland + HK mix | CCTV-4 YouTube, BNE radio |
Mainland Chinese (Mandarin): The largest and fastest-growing segment of the NZ Chinese community. Primarily Mandarin speakers. Many arrived as international students, skilled migrants, or through family reunification. Content preferences centre on CCTV, iQIYI dramas, and Mainland Chinese variety and entertainment.
Hong Kong Chinese (Cantonese): A long-established NZ community, significantly augmented by post-2019 emigration following the political changes in Hong Kong. Cantonese speakers who value TVB dramas, Hong Kong news, and Cantonese entertainment. BNE’s FM 99.4 is Auckland’s only Cantonese-language radio station.
Taiwanese (Mandarin/Taiwanese Hokkien): Smaller community, primarily Mandarin-speaking. Content preferences include Taiwanese drama, TVBS, and SET-TV — distinct from Mainland Chinese content despite the shared Mandarin language.
Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese: Mix of Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and English. Content preferences cross multiple traditions — often following both Hong Kong and Taiwanese content alongside Mainland Chinese platforms.
How to Get Chinese Channels in NZ
The setup depends on which category of Chinese content you want.
For free content (no setup required): Open YouTube on any device and search for CCTV-4, CGTN, or BNE TV. For BNE radio, visit nz936.com or search “Chinese Voice” on iHeartRadio.
For TVBAnywhere+: Download the TVBAnywhere+ app (iOS App Store or Google Play Store) or visit tvbanywhere.com. Create an account, choose a subscription plan, and stream on your device.
For iQIYI/WeTV: Download the respective app or visit the website. Both offer free tiers — create an account and start watching. VIP subscriptions unlock additional content and remove ads.
For IPTV with Chinese channels: Choose a provider that carries Chinese channels with appropriate licensing, install a compatible IPTV player app (TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, or similar), enter your subscription credentials, and navigate to the Chinese channel category. For the complete step-by-step process: IPTV Setup Guide NZ.
NZT and China Standard Time — Timezone Guide
China Standard Time (CST) is UTC+8. New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) is UTC+12. The difference is 4 hours — or 5 hours during NZ daylight saving (NZDT, UTC+13).
| Chinese Broadcast (CST) | NZT Standard | NZT Daylight Saving | NZ Viewing Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00pm CST (prime-time) | 11:00pm NZT | Midnight NZDT | Late evening |
| 8:00pm CST | Midnight NZT | 1:00am NZDT | On-demand recommended |
| 9:00pm CST | 1:00am NZT | 2:00am NZDT | On-demand recommended |
| CCTV-4 (24hr YouTube) | Rolling | Rolling | Anytime – free |
| BNE Radio (NZ-based) | NZST broadcast | NZDT broadcast | No timezone issue |
The practical approach: Chinese prime time (7–9pm CST) lands at 11pm–1am NZT — late evening to overnight. Most NZ Chinese households use on-demand and catch-up viewing for drama and entertainment, watching the previous night’s content through iQIYI, TVBAnywhere+, or IPTV catch-up the following evening.
The 4-hour gap between China and NZ is significantly smaller than the 11-hour UK-NZ gap—making live Chinese TV via IPTV more practical than live UK TV for time-sensitive content like news.
Common Misconceptions — Chinese Channels NZ 2026
“BNE still broadcasts on Freeview Channels 28 and 29.” As of July 2026, BNE’s television channels are no longer listed on the Freeview platform. BNE previously operated on Channel 28 (later TV32 on Channel 32) and Channel 29 (Panda Channel). BNE continues to operate AM 936, FM 99.4, and FM 104.2 (radio) and an active YouTube channel — but the Freeview TV channels appear to have ceased.
“Sky NZ carries Chinese channels.” Sky NZ has never carried a Mandarin or Cantonese television channel at any subscription tier. For 279,039 Chinese New Zealanders, Sky has never been a Chinese content option.
“You need IPTV to watch any Chinese content in NZ.” Incorrect. CCTV-4 and CGTN stream free on YouTube. BNE broadcasts free on three Auckland radio stations and YouTube. iQIYI and WeTV offer free tiers. TVBAnywhere+ is a legitimate paid streaming service. IPTV is one option — not the only one.
“Mandarin and Cantonese content is interchangeable.” For the NZ Chinese community, Mandarin (Mainland China) and Cantonese (Hong Kong) content serve different communities with different language preferences, cultural references, and political perspectives. A Mainland Chinese household wanting CCTV and a Hong Kong household wanting TVB have fundamentally different needs.
“All Chinese IPTV channels are the same.” CCTV channels present the Beijing perspective. Phoenix channels present an international Chinese perspective from Hong Kong. TVB is Cantonese-language Hong Kong content. Taiwanese channels (TVBS, SET-TV) present the ROC perspective. These are distinct editorial voices.
NZ Chinese Community Snapshot
New Zealand’s Chinese community numbers 279,039 people (2023 Census) — the largest Asian ethnic group in the country. Auckland alone has 171,309 Chinese residents, concentrated in East Auckland, the North Shore, and the CBD. Significant communities also exist in Wellington, Canterbury, and Waikato.
The Chinese community spans diverse origins: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regions — representing Mandarin, Cantonese, and regional Chinese language speakers. The community first established a significant presence in NZ during the gold rush era of the 1860s — among the oldest non-British communities in Aotearoa.
The post-2019 Hong Kong emigration wave has added a distinct dimension. New Zealand received Hong Kong residents following the political changes – a community that values Cantonese-language content, closely follows Hong Kong news, and often distinguishes strongly between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong content.
Source: stats.govt.nz — 2023 Census
FAQ — Chinese Channels IPTV NZ
How to watch Chinese TV in NZ?
Free options include CCTV-4 and CGTN on YouTube (Mandarin news and programming, available from any NZ IP address) and BNE Radio (AM 936 Mandarin, FM 99.4 Cantonese – online at nz936.com). For Hong Kong Cantonese content, TVBAnywhere+ is the official TVB streaming platform (tvbanywhere.com). For Chinese drama, iQIYI and WeTV offer free tiers. IPTV services with appropriate Chinese content licensing carry broader live channel lineups. Note: BNE’s Freeview television channels are no longer on the Freeview platform as of July 2026.
What streaming service has Chinese channels?
TVBAnywhere+ carries Hong Kong TVB channels (Cantonese). iQIYI and WeTV carry Chinese drama and variety on demand (Mandarin). YouTube carries CCTV-4 and CGTN for free. Netflix NZ also carries a rotating selection of Chinese drama titles. IPTV services with appropriate Chinese content licensing carry broader live channel lineups, including CCTV, Phoenix, and TVB.
Does Netflix have Chinese TV shows?
Netflix NZ carries a rotating selection of Chinese drama titles — availability changes monthly based on Netflix’s regional licensing agreements. For a dedicated Chinese drama library, iQIYI and WeTV offer significantly larger catalogues of Mainland Chinese content.
Is CGTN free to watch?
Yes. CGTN (China Global Television Network) streams free on YouTube and at cgtn.com. CGTN is the international English-language service of CCTV – available from any NZ IP address without an account. CCTV-4 (the international Mandarin-language channel) is also free on YouTube.
What do Chinese use instead of Netflix?
Mainland China’s major streaming platforms are iQIYI (often called “China’s Netflix”), Tencent Video (international version: WeTV at wetv.vip), Youku (Alibaba-owned), and Bilibili (popular with younger audiences). All have varying levels of international accessibility from NZ. For Hong Kong Cantonese content, TVBAnywhere+ is the primary platform.
How to get Chinese TV channels in NZ?
For free content: YouTube (CCTV-4, CGTN, and BNE TV) and BNE radio (nz936.com). For Cantonese: TVBAnywhere+ app or website. For mainland drama: iQIYI or WeTV apps. For live Chinese channel feeds: IPTV with appropriate Chinese content licensing — see the IPTV Setup Guide NZ for the full setup process.
Can I watch CCTV in New Zealand?
Yes. CCTV-4 (the international Mandarin channel) streams free on YouTube 24/7 from any NZ IP address. CGTN (the international English channel) is also free on YouTube. For additional CCTV channels (CCTV-1 through CCTV-13), IPTV services with appropriate Chinese content licensing typically carry the full lineup.
Can I watch TVB in New Zealand?
Yes. TVBAnywhere+ (tvbanywhere.com) is TVB’s official international streaming platform, available in New Zealand. It carries TVB Jade (Cantonese drama), TVB News, and an on-demand library of classic and current TVB series. USD-based subscription — check tvbanywhere.com for current pricing. BNE FM 99.4 (nz936.com) also provides free Cantonese-language radio content in Auckland.
Explore More
This guide is part of the International IPTV NZ section — updated July 2026.
In this section:
- International IPTV NZ Guide — full multicultural overview
- Indian Channels IPTV NZ — South Asian content
- Korean Channels IPTV NZ — Korean content
- Italian Channels IPTV NZ — European content
- Pakistani Channels IPTV NZ — Pakistani content
- Watch Australian TV in NZ — Trans-Tasman content
Related across the site:
- NZ IPTV Guide 2026 — complete NZ streaming overview
- IPTV vs Sky NZ — full cost comparison
- IPTV Setup Guide NZ — setup guide
- Best IPTV Devices NZ — device guide
- Is IPTV Legal in NZ? — legal guide
The Bottom Line
Chinese channels IPTV NZ in 2026 — the options are more diverse than most guides acknowledge, and the most important correction is this: BNE’s Freeview television channels, which many guides still reference, are no longer on the Freeview platform. The free options have shifted to YouTube and radio.
What is free right now: CCTV-4 on YouTube — Mainland Mandarin news and programming, 24/7, no account required. CGTN on YouTube — international English-language Chinese news. BNE radio — AM 936 (Mandarin), FM 99.4 (Cantonese), and FM 104.2 (bilingual) — is free, Auckland terrestrial, and online at nz936.com. BNE TV YouTube — NZ Chinese community content.
What requires a subscription: TVBAnywhere+ — the legitimate route to Hong Kong TVB for Cantonese speakers. iQIYI, WeTV — Chinese drama and variety (free tiers available, VIP for full access). IPTV with appropriate Chinese content licensing — live mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese channel feeds, subject to provider arrangements.
What Sky NZ offers: Zero Chinese-language channels. Never has.
The Chinese NZ community spans Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Malaysian, and Singaporean backgrounds – with different language traditions, content preferences, and political sensitivities. No single platform serves all of them. The combination of free options (YouTube CCTV + BNE radio) with subscription services (TVBAnywhere+, iQIYI, or IPTV) covers the full landscape.
Every New Zealander deserves to watch the content that matters to them. — Aroha Bennett
Sources
- NZ Chinese community data (279,039): stats.govt.nz — 2023 Census
- BNE (Best News Entertainment): bne.co.nz — NZ Chinese media company
- BNE Radio: nz936.com — AM 936 / FM 99.4 / FM 104.2
- BNE Freeview status — primary source: freeviewnz.tv/channels (no BNE/TV32 listed, July 2026) | secondary: Wikipedia — Best News Entertainment
- TVBAnywhere+: tvbanywhere.com — official TVB international
- iQIYI: iqiyi.com
- WeTV (Tencent Video): wetv.vip
- CCTV/CGTN: official YouTube channels
- NZ Copyright Act 1994: legislation.govt.nz
