How to watch The Block 2023 in NZ for free

The Block makes its resounding return in the 2023 season. In this latest installment, The Blockheads take on the challenge of transforming houses built and designed in the 1950s. They will preserve the original furnishings and structures while infusing modern touches to create stunning makeovers. Here, we’ve everything you need to know about how to watch The Block 2023 in NZ for free.

Quick steps: How to watch The Block 2023 in New Zealand for free using a VPN

Why is 9Now not available in NZ?

9Now is restricted to Australia due to licensing agreements, and if you want to watch its content from New Zealand, you can use a VPN with Australian servers to bypass the limitations. 

The Block 2023 release date

The Block Australia 2023 premiered on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 7 pm local time. The show is available for streaming on 9Now.

• Coming up next: Season 19 Episode 47∙ Front Yard and Facade (Whole House) Week – Tue, Oct 24, 2023: With just five days remaining, teams are encountering challenges in every aspect as they strive to finish their grand front yards, garages, and the remaining sections of their homes.

Where to watch The Block 2023 in New Zealand for free?

The Block 2023 will be available for streaming only on 9Now in Australia, and viewers in NZ might face geo-restrictions preventing access to the content. However, using a reliable VPN service will allow viewers to bypass these limitations and access the show in New Zealand.

The Block 2023 plot

The Block Season 19 pits five couples against each other, representing their home states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, in a competition filled with intense state rivalry. In addition to their main renovation projects, all teams are given the challenging task of creating secondary accommodation on their properties, adding both value and complexity to their projects. The contestants will face a journey full of trials and challenges as they strive to excel in this demanding season.

The Block 2023 – what is the show based on?

In the 2023 edition of The Block, hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft are back with big promises as Season 19 takes on the challenge of renovating 1950s brick houses in Melbourne’s Hampton East. The Blockheads will face tight timelines, late-night work sessions, and innovative design tasks, all while aiming for inspiring transformations that breathe new life into these historic properties.

This season brings exciting changes to The Block, including the 48-hour House Decider Challenge, where contestants must finalize their house designs on Day 1 and receive their entire budgets upfront. 

Renovating original 1950s homes poses unique challenges, such as potential structural issues, dealing with extreme weather events, and the task of extensive demolition. The Blockheads can expect unexpected twists and turns, testing their creativity and problem-solving skills throughout the renovation process. 

Will there be a theme?

This season of The Block will have a 1950s theme as the contestants renovate five authentic ’50s dream homes from a time when the suburbs were seen as perfect. While there were rumors of an All-Stars season due to the presence of previous competitors Tom Calleja and Duncan Miller during filming, the cast has been released, confirming it is not an All-Stars season. Instead, Tom Calleja will appear as the official plumber for the series, and both he and Duncan will be part of the show as a ‘hipages‘ lever, providing extra support to the teams.

The Block 2023 teaser

EXCLUSIVE: We've got your first look at The Block 2023! 👀#TheBlock | Starts Sunday 7o'BLOCK on @Channel9 and @9Now pic.twitter.com/tqtcXvIXl4

— The Block (@TheBlock) August 5, 2023

Who is going to judge The Block 2023?

Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Neale Whitaker will reunite as judges on the show, joined by a new addition, real estate tycoon Marty Fox. In July 2023, Neale shared on his Instagram that he would be taking a step back from judging to prioritize spending more time with his family. 

Apart from the judges’ familiar faces, Shelley Craft and Scotty Cam will also be returning as co-hosts of the show. The audience can anticipate an exciting season with a mix of experienced judges and the addition of Marty Fox, along with the continued presence of the beloved hosts, Shelley and Scotty, bringing their charm and expertise to The Block once again.

The Block 2023 Contestants

In The Block 2023, five couples step into the spotlight, poised to take on the challenge for Block glory. Are these fresh faces ready to conquer the task ahead? Let’s meet the contenders and see how they fare.

Eliza and Liberty

Sisters Liberty and Eliza Paschke form the purple team and come from Victoria. Liberty works as an integration producer, while Eliza is known for her role as a radio producer and assistant to on-air duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee. She also co-hosts the dating-centered podcast “Finding A Unicorn” with Married At First Sight alum Carly Bowyer.

Gianpietro and Steph

Husband and wife duo Gianpietro and Steph Ottavio comprise the blue team. Originally from New South Wales, Steph is an architect with expertise in the renovating field. Gianpietro, on the other hand, is a start-up worker who prefers avoiding conflicts.

Kristy and Brett

The red team consists of married couple Kristy and Brett Beams from Adelaide. Kristy works as a project manager, and Brett is a safety officer. They will be renovating house number three, which is the smallest property this year.

Leah and Ash

Queenslanders Leah and Ash Milton form the yellow team. Leah is a safety officer, and Ash is a builder. They are well-equipped for the challenge, being parents to three kids and owners of a family-run building company called The Milton Project.

Leslie and Kyle

The green team is represented by Leslie and Kyle Cottone from Western Australia. This young couple, who are parents to two sons, have Leslie working as a teacher’s aide and Kyle as a firefighter.

Where is The Block 2023 being filmed? 

The Block 2023 is being filmed in Hampton East, Melbourne, where the network acquired five classic 50s-style brick homes on Charming Street for a total sum of $14.3 million in 2022. The properties at numbers 14 through 22 Charming Street are situated on blocks ranging from 575sqm to 703sqm. The previous season of The Block was filmed in the neighboring suburb of Bayside in 2021.

The Block 2023 episode release schedule 

• Season 19 Episode 1: House Decider Challenge (August 6, 2023) 

At The Block’s HQ, five enthusiastic teams meet Scotty Cam to take on the challenge of transforming charming little blonde brick post-war houses into two-story mansions within a tight 12-week timeline.

• Season 19 Episode 2: Studio Bathroom Week 1 (August 7, 2023) 

After the house decider challenge, the contestants select their new houses. Scotty shocks the teams with significant changes to The Block this season, leaving them in surprise.

• Season 19 Episode 3: Studio Bathroom Week 2 (August 8, 2023) 

In their houses, the Blockheads begin building the first rooms, which are the bathrooms. Despite it being only the second day on The Block, secrets and lies start to create tension among the contestants.

• Season 19 Episode 4: Studio Bathroom Week 3 (August 9, 2023) 

The Blockheads find themselves under stress as they work on their bathrooms. Shelley pays them a visit, providing much-needed encouragement during this challenging phase of the competition.

• Season 19 Episode 5: Studio Bathroom Reveal – (August 13, 2023)

Determine whether the teams can set aside their variances for a noble purpose. As they work on crafting the ultimate kids’ bedrooms, unconventional concepts are starting to materialize.

• Season 19 Episode 6: Studio Week 1 – (August 14, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 7: Studio Week 2 – (August 15, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 8: Studio Week 3 – (August 16, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 9: Studio Reveal – (August 20, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 10: Work from Home Space Week 1 – (August 21, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 11: Work from Home Space Week 2 – (August 22, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 12: Work from Home Space Week 3 – (August 23, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 13: Work from Home Space Reveal – (August 27, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 14: Bathroom/Powder Room Week 1 – (August 28, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 15: Bathroom/Powder Room Week 2 – (August 29, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 16: Bathroom/Powder Room Week 3 – (August 30, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 17: Bathroom/Powder Room Reveal – (September 3, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 18: Living and Dining Room Week 1 – (September 4, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 19: Living and Dining Room Week 2 – (September 5, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 20: Living and Dining Room Week 3 – (September 6, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 21: Living and Dining Room Reveal – (September 10, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 22: Master Bedroom and WIR Week 1 – (September 11, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 23: Master Bedroom and WIR Week 2 – (September 12, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 24: Master Bedroom and WIR Week 3 – (September 13, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 25: Master Bedroom and WIR Reveal – (September 17, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 26: Kitchen and Laundry Week 1 – (September 18, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 27: Kitchen and Laundry Week 2 – (September 19, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 28: Kitchen and Laundry Week 3 – (September 20, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 29: Kitchen and Laundry Reveal – (September 24, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 30: Master Ensuite Week 1 – (September 25, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 31: Master Ensuite Week 2 – (September 26, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 32: Master Ensuite Week 3 – (September 27, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 33: Master Ensuite Reveal – (October 2, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 34: Double Kids’ Bedroom Week 1 – (October 3, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 35: Double Kids’ Bedroom Week 2 – (October 4, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 36: Double Kids’ Bedroom Week 3 – (October 5, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 37: Double Kids’ Bedroom Reveal – (October 9, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 38: Upstairs Bathroom and Re-Do Room Week 1 – (October 10, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 39: Upstairs Bathroom and Re-Do Room Week 2 – (October 11, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 40: Upstairs Bathroom and Re-Do Room Week 3 – (October 12, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 41: Backyard and Pool Week 1 – (October 15, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 42: Backyard and Pool Week 2 – (October 16, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 43: Backyard and Pool Week 3 – (October 17, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 44: Backyard and Pool Week 4 – (October 18, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 45: Backyard and Pool Reveal – (October 22, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 46: Front Yard and Facade (Whole House) Week 1 – (October 23, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 47: Front Yard and Facade (Whole House) Week 2 – (October 24, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 48: Front Yard and Facade (Whole House) Week 3 – (October 25, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 49: Front Yard and Facade (Whole House) Reveal – (October 29, 2023)
• Season 19 Episode 50: Open for Inspections – (October 30, 2023)

What is The Block’s IMDb rating?

The Block holds an IMDb rating of 6.3, based on over 630 votes.

Who Won The Block in 2022?

Omar and Oz, the best friends from Western Sydney, emerged victorious on The Block in 2022, setting a new record for the show with an astounding $1,686,666 in winnings—the highest amount ever awarded in the history of the series! Their triumph must have been an awe-inspiring moment for everyone involved.

How are the fans reacting to The Block 2023 on social media?

Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!! Where's everybody in Australia??

— pacific101 (@pacific101) August 5, 2023

How are the critics reviewing The Block?

In a review on The Guardian, Amanda Meade praises Nine’s renovation TV series, The Block, for being a lucrative venture. The show consistently garners high ratings and premium advertising prices for the network, while contestants are walking away with record-breaking sums. During one episode, four couples won a total of $3.165 million as their renovated and furnished apartments sold in Melbourne’s thriving property market. This amount surpasses the previous world record of $2.522 million given away on the US game show Jeopardy. The success of The Block is evident, with contestants like Darren and Deanne Jolly, Josh Terrett, Charlotte Ekas, Tim and Anastasia Ielasi, and Jess and Ayden Hogan earning significant amounts, making it a goldmine for all involved.

Where else can I watch this show?

The Block 2023 is exclusively available on 9Now. 

What else can I watch on 9Now?

• Rush
• Parental Guidance Season 2
• Medium

FAQs

Is The Block 2023 available on Netflix?

No, currently The Block 2023 is not available on Netflix. 

Is The Block 2023 the TV series worth watching?

If you have an interest in renovation and interior design, The Block 2023 might be worth watching to see the creative challenges and transformations the contestants undertake in the 1950s-style brick houses in Melbourne’s Hampton East.

The best VPN for streaming The Block 2023 in NZ

ExpressVPN

When it comes to streaming The Block 2023 in NZ, ExpressVPN emerges as the standout choice, offering exceptional VPN services. Its lightning-fast speeds guarantee a seamless movie streaming experience, free from any lag or delays. With Australian servers consistently delivering speeds exceeding 70 Mbps, viewers can indulge in high-definition streaming on 9Now effortlessly.

One of ExpressVPN’s most notable features is MediaStreamer, enabling content viewing on all WiFi-enabled devices, including those that typically don’t support VPN apps. The setup process for SmartTVs is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly instructions available on their website.

Though ExpressVPN may have a slightly higher price point compared to other VPN providers, they currently offer an enticing 49% discount, making it a more affordable and accessible option. In conclusion, for those seeking a reliable and efficient VPN service to stream The Block 2023, ExpressVPN proves to be the ideal choice.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a highly recommended VPN service for those in search of a seamless streaming experience while watching The Block 2023 in NZ. With speeds ranking closely behind ExpressVPN, NordVPN ensures smooth streaming without interruptions. Its built-in speed test feature identifies the fastest server among its five Australian locations, guaranteeing uninterrupted enjoyment of the series.

One of the standout qualities of NordVPN lies in its extensive network, boasting over 5000 VPN servers worldwide, including 5563 high-speed servers spread across 60 countries. This vast network enables users to connect from virtually anywhere, providing a hassle-free streaming experience for their favorite content. 

NordVPN’s support for up to six simultaneous connections makes it an excellent choice. For households with multiple users who wish to stream shows and movies simultaneously. In conclusion, NordVPN proves to be a reliable and efficient VPN service, catering to the streaming needs of users. While offering a trustworthy solution for a seamless streaming experience while enjoying The Block 2023.