The Eight Best Yoga Studios in Auckland

With the rising health and fitness trend sweeping the world and flexible Instagram accounts gaining traction for their western yoga styles, it's no surprise that the plethora of yoga hot spots in the city is continuing to grow. So as a self-proclaimed yogi in the making, I took it upon myself to stretch (literally) far and wide to find the best yoga spots in Auckland.

With everyone wanting something different from their practice, not everyone is going to get the same satisfaction from the same studio. Navigating the multiple styles can also be difficult in itself - Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Iyengar, Bikram - where do you begin? So here is the breakdown of the best spots to get bendy and zen in Auckland.

STUDIO RED

This is the ultimate studio for the yogis who wish for the finer things in life. Situated in the very trendy City Works Depot, a variety of class styles are taken in an architecturally beautiful room. Most classes being of the hot variety, it literally is a giant, high-spec sauna, with beautiful wooden walls and a springy floor to make your tree pose just that little bit more challenging.

The changing rooms are not something I would usually comment on, but with waterfall showers and tiles ceiling high, this studio really gives you that 'spa' feeling while your getting bendy and breaking a sweat.

City Works Depot 15.5/90 Wellesley Street, CBD

OM YOGA STUDIO

This little studio tucked away in the newly created suburb of Stonefields is the cousin of Hot Yoga in Newmarket. A hidden gem out of the city means for less over crowded classes but a modern style of teaching and a brightly lit studio. With an a large variety of classes, that can be taken either hot or not, this studio is the perfect place for the fickle yogi.

Modern adaptations and fusion yoga makes for an interesting yoga environment, where your body can most definitely get the week's workouts in, without also needing to head to the gym.

Shop 16, 40 Stonefields Ave, Stonefields

BIKES AND BENDS

This little place is not exactly a studio but in my opinion a hidden gem in Auckland. Situated outside and overlooking the water makes for a fantastic place to get some fresh air and a stretch session. These classes are the epitome of laid back and unpretentious, making yoga and the beautiful surroundings the key focus of your practice.

Bikes and Bends feels a lot like where the cool kids come to do yoga, it's simple and practical and is the perfect spot to unwind after a days work; bracing the elements and getting your bend on.

Deck of ANZ Events Centre, Wynyard Quarter

THE CENTRE

This is a prime spot for the health and wellness junkies. Located on top of Little Bird Unbakery in Kingsland, The Centre is renowned not only for yoga, but overall healthy living practices. With a long list of offerings from massage, meditation, naturopathy and facials, this is the perfect inner city oasis.

They have a multitude of yoga classes, with candlelight yoga being one of the favourites to wind down at the end of a busy day. It's the kind of place you walk into and know that whatever you do, it's going to be good for you.

Level 1, 385 New North Road, Kingsland

EASTWEST YOGA

EastWest is one studio that has been tried and true for a while. With two handy central city locations and modern clean studios, it's a pretty great place to get your sweat on. Specialising in hot yoga and more specifically Bikram, this studio is the place to come if you want an intense session from your yoga.

Other great classes are offered in the hot yoga variety and these may take some getting used to if your not accustomed to breathing, let alone stretching, in a 40-degree room, but the detox effect is second to none.

26 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby / 8 Alma Street, Newmarket

YOGA GROUND

This beautiful little studio is located in the heart of Grey Lynn. With wooden floors, windows lining the room and light filtering in, it is the perfect minimalist space to get a really focused practice. Slow movements and a peaceful state of mind is what this studio specialises in. Breathing ultimately takes priority as you adjust yourself carefully through the class, with the teacher hovering around to help if need be.

A class at Yoga Ground ends up becoming quite the meditative experience, as long as you don't fall asleep in your Savasana I feel like that's pretty okay. It's the perfect intro into yoga, even with specific beginner classes for the future yogis to be.

56 Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn

YOGA SANCTUARY

Yoga Sanctuary is for all the yogis out there ready to take it to the next level. Offering teacher training courses and stages for yoga classes to develop your skills and focus, it really has it all. Even hosting specialist classes for pregnancy or post natal to keep body and mind safe during your practice.

Known for its popular retreats, you can even take these classes out of town for a full yoga experience, no phones allowed unfortunately, so a gram of you finally nailing that crow pose will have to wait.

First Floor, Suite 5, 1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay

FOUR WINDS YOGA

This little spot is a humble, no fuss kind of a space. Practicing Iyengar Yoga means all the props you could dream of to help you make the most out of your practice. Chairs, blocks, bolsters, straps, you name it and it can be used in this yoga class. This style of yoga really tests the muscles but is good for keeping your body in line and not over extending yourself.

Perfect for injuries, one can use the props to ease themselves into the more complicated poses, all the while building the strength they need to hold them.

20 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby