[Updated] How to get a New Zealand iTunes account in the UK or US

Updated on October 25th 2017: A lot has changed since we first wrote this guide, so it's a little out of date. If you want to know the new way to go, click here.

New Zealand is best known for Flight of the Conchords, Lord of the Rings, and meringue-based dessert pavlova.

For mobile gamers, however, this down-under Down Under App Store locale is also a fertile beta testing ground for upcoming iOS games like Crytek's The Collectables and the intriguing Supernauts.

Luckily, it's as easy as anything to get yourself a free New Zealand iTunes account and download these games several months before they are released worldwide.

Just follow these simple steps and you'll be an honorary Kiwi in no time.

First things first, you need to open iTunes up on your computer. Choose 'iTunes Store' from the sidebar on the left and then scroll down to the bottom-right-hand corner of the screen.

You'll see a your country's flag. Click on it to open the 'Choose your country or region' page and then pick 'New Zealand' from the list.

(You could obviously use this guide to get access to any store around the world. iOS game devs also soft-launch titles in Canada. Plus, there are games on the Japanese App Store that aren't available elsewhere).

Once you're in the store, find a free app (this bit is important) and try to download it. You'll see the iTunes login pop-up.

Hit the 'Create Apple ID' button. On the next screen, choose 'Continue', then tick 'I read and agree to these terms and conditions' and click on 'Agree'.

Enter an email address. It can't be the same one you use for your primary account. If you don't have any other email addresses, though, you can make one for free on Gmail in a matter of minutes.

Set a password, choose some security answers, enter your primary email as a rescue email, and choose a suitable date of birth.

Choose 'Continue'.

Because you tried to get a free app, you can now choose 'None' as your payment type.

On this screen, choose a title, enter a fake name, and then use Google to find an appropriate street address (you might want to try finding a bakery or cafe in Wellington and using its address as your own).

Once you're done, you simply need to activate the account by following the link in Apple's automated security email.

On your iOS device, open the App Store, choose the 'Featured' tab, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Tap on your Apple ID and choose 'Sign Out' from the options menu.

Then, tap the new 'Sign In' button, and enter the email address and password we picked earlier.

You'll now see a message that reads: "This Apple ID is only valid for purchases in the New Zealand iTunes Store. You will be switched to that Store." The New Zealand App Store will open, and you can download any game you like.

Also, all the apps you purchased or downloaded on your primary account will still work. And your Kiwi games will continue to work when you log back in to your UK or US account.