Grand Theft Auto 6 is almost here, and the first people to play it will be those lovely folks in New Zealand. Developer Rockstar Games has announced that GTA 6 will officially be ready to play at midnight local time on November 19, 2026, so it looks like the Kiwis are getting a significant head start. What’s an eager GTA fan with a PlayStation 5 console in a later time zone supposed to do? Be patient? Hell no–not when you can grab a quick flight and start playing hours ahead of the rest of the world.
Why can’t I just change my PS5 region?
Xbox Series X|S owners won’t need to brave the horrors of coach on an international flight because they can easily change their region, but PS5 owners don’t have that luxury. Sony hard-locks every PlayStation Network account to the region where it was originally created, so if you set up your account in a country other than New Zealand, you’re out of luck, even if you have flown to New Zealand.
That means you’ll have to set up a new PSN account with New Zealand as your region and buy GTA 6 with New Zealand Dollar-denominated PlayStation Network gift cards from an online key retailer. This isn’t exactly safe, but if you’re seriously considering flying to New Zealand just to play the game a day early, I’m guessing you’re willing to take a chance.
When should I aim to fly?
I’m going to assume you want to download GTA 6 at home, since hotel Wi-Fi networks in Auckland rarely provide the bandwidth to smoothly download a huge 200GB file without throttling or dropping connections. Ideally, fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland, and book a flight that departs on November 10 at night after you’re done preloading (if your internet is fast enough). That means you’ll land on November 12, and the flight will take roughly 13 hours. You’re also gaining 21 hours relative to LAX time, so you’ll have a few days to shake off any jet lag.
What am I supposed to do for the next week?
Dude, you’re in New Zealand, one of the coolest countries on the planet. Take a guided tour of Weta Workshop in Auckland, visit the Sky Tower, get some culture in, and go for a scenic hike up Mount Eden. Visit Hobbiton for some Lord of the Rings fun, and book a ride to places like Coromandel, Rotorua, and Lake Taupo. You’ll probably be in your hotel for a week, so you might as well touch as much grass as you can while you’re there.
Can I take my PS5 aboard a plane as carry-on luggage?
According to the support page for Air New Zealand, yes you can. They also recommend it, as having your PS5 in checked luggage is a recipe for disaster. It could get damaged in transit, stolen, or confiscated along the way, so it’s better to keep it close by. If you are flying Economy on Air New Zealand, there’s a 15.4 lbs / 7kg carry-on weight limit, and your PS5 will take up roughly half that allowance. In terms of dimensions, all PS5 models are svelte enough to fit inside of a carry-on suitcase or backpack.
For extra peace of mind–and because you know someone is going to ram your case in the overhead bin, consider purchasing a specialized PS5 carrying case for your trip. Amazon offers a wide variety of these from multiple manufacturers, and they typically include anti-static foam to protect the console, as well as space for accessories. As a reminder, if you’re flying out of the US, the TSA will require you to place the PS5 in a bin so that it can be scanned while a surly agent yells at you to remove a certain item of clothing. You’ll also need to check your DualSense controller in your cabbage luggage, due to its internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
And now for an obligatory plug
A proper plug that can fit a New Zealand socket, that is. New Zealand uses Type I electrical sockets set to 230V / 50Hz, so don’t forget to pick up a simple three-prong plug adapter before you fly. These are relatively cheap online, and stupidly expensive inside the airport if you forget to buy one.
I hope my hotel has a decent TV
Look, unless you’re willing to shell out for a five-star experience in Auckland, don’t expect to be blown away by the TV you’ll be connecting your PS5 up to. Hotels around the world typically have 32-inch 1080p TVs, and if you’re lucky, you might find something larger in your room. Upscale hotels don’t skimp on TVs, and depending on your budget, you’ll usually find 55-inch TVs here. Alternatively, the Viture XR Beast glasses are pretty rad, and you can hook that up to your PS5 to play right from your hotel bed.
Or maybe just wait a few hours and play GTA 6 at home
As much as I’m enjoying this wad of cash from the New Zealand tourism board weighing down my pocket, I’d also suggest just waiting a few hours for GTA 6 to unlock in your region. You’ve been patient for so many years already; what’s a few extra hours when you can play at home and in an environment you’re used to? Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the journey there and back again.
