With a range of health benefits, the ancient practice of yoga has become an essential part of our exercise routine of late. Whether it’s a sweat session you’re seeking, or a moment of soulful solitude, our city offers an abundance of studios that cater to a range of needs. And as we enter a winter free from lockdowns, there has never been a better time to trial Auckland’s best yoga studios.
Sweat Yoga, Newmarket
Encouraging mindful movement even as the heart rate soars, Sweat Yoga’s offering has become its most popular, with both yoga and pilates working in tandem to give its dedicated disciples a varied schedule. Founded by teacher and Bikram-convert Bruce Simons, this studio has been built on the belief that yoga can change your life. Sweat’s outdoor classes, including vinyasa and HIIT pilates, promise to bring the heat this season.
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Basecamp Power Yoga, Grey Lynn
The Scrap Yard’s beloved Basecamp has built itself a dedicated following, not just because of it’s architecturally-designed fit-out or close proximity to Ozone Coffee Roasters (for a post-session brunch), but because of its unique approach to hot yoga. We particularly love the Saturday morning opportunity to move and groove with Jess, where her background in the music industry lends itself to a perfectly curated playlist for a surprisingly relaxing (but still very sweaty) session.
Eastwest Yoga, Grey Lynn
Connecting body to breath, and beyond, Eastwest Yoga celebrates a variety of modern and traditional yoga, from vinyasa and ashtanga to kirtan and meditation. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, the goal of every welcoming, well-balanced class is to find inner calm. They also currently offer a range of online courses.
Studio Red, City Works Depot
Having operated for six years, last year was Studio Red’s busiest yet, according to founder Vicky Cullinane. More than just a yoga studio, it is a bona fide wellness destination, organising retreats and workshops and focusing on the popularity of its restorative practices and classes. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, practising yoga in Studio Red’s gently-warmed, beautifully appointed room is transformative and memorable.
Sala, Ponsonby
While Ponsonby’s Sala prides itself on being more than simply a yoga studio — and it truly is — the yoga offering forms the core of its offering, and it truly is second to none. Monica’s dynamic yoga classes are some of our favourite in the city, while Sarah’s highly-sought-after teaching combines challenging poses with profound mindfulness to push you to better your body and soul.
Flourish Yoga, Takapuna
For those seeking solace on the North Shore, Takapuna’s Flourish Yoga is an uplifting destination with the intention to work out mind, body and spirit. Each teacher has been carefully selected for their contribution to Flourish’s ethos, where an intimate space for connection is held in the highest regard. What we love about this space is the short walk to nearby Slöwe Studio, where you can continue your wellbeing with a restorative sauna.
Kanuka Yoga Space, Hobsonville
Those wanting yoga out west should do well to try Hobsonville’s Kanuka Yoga Space, with a light-filled room that offers classes influenced by vinyasa, hatha and yin. Here, alongside all of the regular classes, teachers offer a unique fusion of yogalates, bringing together both the strength of pilates and the relaxation of yoga — a fitting marriage for fitness enthusiasts.
Yoga Ground, Grey Lynn
This suburban studio offers all the makings of a blissful yoga experience. Here, classes draw from traditional hatha and vinyasa practices — offering a moment of reprieve from many of the sweat-styled classes found around the city. What we truly adore, however, is the kundalini yoga sessions, that bring together elements of mantra, breath and meditation alongside movement.
Contemporary Yoga Centre, Remuera
This yoga space in Remuera offers a refined schedule that considers all the needs of its students. Contemporary Yoga classes merge the Eastern and Western schools of thought, to offer a highly individualised approach to the practice that meets our modern needs.
The Space, Matakana
While The Space may be a little further afield, this Matakana studio is the perfect place to drop into for a class over the weekend or while you’re away at the bach. Bringing together the foundations of yoga, meditation and pilates, the approach to movement is unique, but one that has garnered a dedicated following.
