Gone are the days of doing yoga in the local church hall with the only lady in town who has done some extra-curricular teaching classes. Yoga is a full-blown obsession now. Classes are extremely high quality; Yoga is everywhere!s my guide to the best Yoga studios in Wellington.
Wellington has an abundance of brilliant Yoga studios, and more are popping up all the time. But, which one is the right one for you?
With so many options for studios to practise yoga, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, I have created this guide, to show simply, which studios provide what and a little about what their vibe is like. (This has also been great research for myself as I am keen to branch out to try lots more studios.)
Do you like slower, more introspective classes with essential oils, or do you love power pumping power classes? There is something for everyone throughout Wellington so have a lil read below to find out which ones sound good to you. Lots of them have introduction specials, so I have included this too, in case you want to go and give a few a whirl before committing to a membership.
A Simple Guide to the Best Yoga Studios in Wellington
Space Yoga
This new yoga studio up on Mount Vic Look Out is something out of your wildest dreams. With a panoramic view of the Wellington Harbour, a modern pine fit-out and the most welcoming teachers, a trip to Space will not be forgotten. Those lucky enough to make this their everyday studio can enjoy regular classes and weekend workshops. Those looking to visit as a destination can enjoy more powerful weekend classes or try one of their beautiful Restore classes, it’s like Yin but even more relaxing! Don’t miss Space!
Contact: 8 Lookout Rd, Mt Victoria Wellington 6021| info@spaceyoga.nz | www.spaceyoga.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: Two Weeks Unlimited Taster – $42 or try an introductory class for $18
Yoga on Thorndon
Yoga on Thorndon (was The Hot Yoga Lounge) offers a wide range of classes such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. The brand new studio has sweeping wooden floors and situated on the edge of the CBD and therefore with ample parking, this studio has a lot to offer city workers as well as those driving. The heat is described as ‘reasonable’, so this is great if you want that hot studio practice without it being too full on.
Contact: 202 Thorndon Quay, Level 2 | info@theyogalounge.co.nz | www.theyogalounge.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: One week unlimited — $ 20 (only for first-timer)
Awhi Yoga
“The flagship New Zealand yoga studio based in the heart of Wellington’s CBD is all about Whanau (family) and community”
Awhi Yoga (was Power Living) is housed in a beautiful historic character building with rustic charm and original Matai timber flooring on Johnston street. With some heated and some not heated classes, this studio has a super packed schedule offering classes for all levels. They also hold a wealth of workshops and special events too.
Awhi Yoga also offers a teacher training course, towel hire, storage and a yoga boutique, so they pretty much have it all!.
Contact: 15 Johnston St, Wellington, 6011 | 04 4995006 | www.awhiyoga.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: $49 Introductory unlimited 30-day pass
Empower
Empower is also in the CBD and offers classes to suit working people. They describe themselves as “a studio about functional movement, intelligent nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, inspiring you to live in optimal health.”
The overall practice at Empower is about improving movement patterns as a whole and they and offer classes in Yoga, Pilates and other forms of whole-body movement to promote this. You will find interesting classes like Animal Flow, Trigger Point Yin and TRX suspension training, giving you a studio that is about more than just classical Yoga.
The studio is warm and carpeted above Pravada on Customhouse Quay. It is run by couple Andy and Kim Munro with real knowledge and dedication. At Empower it is clear there is a real method behind every single movement. They also run workshops and retreats so look out for those too.
Contact: 107 Customhouse Quay (Above Pravda), Wellington Central |www.empowerstudio.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: Two Weeks Unlimted $40 + with private consultation $90
Beginner Yogi
Located in Marsden Village, Karori, this little studio is often described by students as calming, peaceful and cosy. A nice retreat outside of the city in leafy Karori. Run by Yogi, Tash, the Beginner Yogi style is varied with a focus on feeling good and moving with ease. There are a range of classes to suit all levels and ages with a limit of 12 people per class to keep it intimate.
And, if heading to Karori is not suitable for you. You can also do online yoga through an online membership with Beginner Yogi. This is perfect if you want to do quality classes at home.
Not forgetting, they also run regular workshops and retreats.
Contact: 6/149 Karori Road, Karori 6012, Wellington | 021 08143371 | www.beginneryogi.com
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: One month unlimited $55
Iyengar Yoga Centre
The Iyengar Yoga studio on Swan Lane in Te Aro offers a range of classes suitable for beginners through to experienced practitioners. They teach traditional yoga with a strong emphasis on learning through practice. Iyengar is a form of hatha yoga with a focus on detail and precision. This is a high-quality studio for those wanting to perfect their yoga to a high standard.
Classes are held throughout the week in a large studio with wooden floors.
Contact: “The Bakehouse”6 Swan Lane Te Aro | www.wellingtonyoga.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: No starter deal but $22 for a casual class
Hot Yoga Wellington
Now with 3 studios, one on Featherstone Street, one on Wakefield Street and one in Upper Hut, the Hot Yoga Studio is a force to be reckoned with! There are five different class styles offered at each studio Hot, Yin-Yang, Power Vinyasa, Yin, and Hot Sampler. With sweeping wooden floors, they pride themselves on a consistent and holistic approach to yoga where everyone is welcome.
Contact: Level 2, 139 Featherstone St & 250 Wakefield Street | | www.hotyogawellington.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: Two Weeks Unlimited – $35
Yoga for the People
Yoga for the People has a studio in town as well as in Upper Hutt. The studio is purpose-built with antimicrobial flooring and the temperature is controlled at 40 degrees. There is a range of different classes but the main focus is traditional Bikram: the original healing hot yoga. 26 core postures and 2 breathing exercises done in a heated room to systematically stretch, tone and realign your body and mind.
Yoga for the People also have a little store, run beginners courses and you can arrange massage and acupuncture at the studio too.
Contact:133-139 Tory Street | (04) 384 6825 | www.bikramyoga.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: $20 for 10 Day Unlimited Yoga
Te Aro Astanga Yoga
Running predominantly 2 classes a day before and after work, Te Aro Astanga is best suited to those wishing to practise an authentic Ashtanga tradition. Most of the classes are in the traditional Mysore style which focuses on breath, eye gaze and energy locks. This can be a demanding physical flow style of yoga assisting with core strength and toning.
Te Aro Asthanga has a variation of teachers and the ‘Mysore style’ at Te Aro Astanga means you will be directly and personally assisted by the teacher during the class. This is great for those really wishing to perfect their style and begin to practice alone.
Contact: Level 1 of Left Bank, Cuba Mall, Wellington | 021 0272 2362 | www.astanga.co.nz/
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: A beginners course pass is $80 for 6 weeks.
Healium
Situated on Lambton Quay, this is a great studio for a well-rounded and holistic approach to your yoga practice and great for beginners. They even have Brand-New Beginners’ Workshops as part of the timetable!
Contact: Level 2 Malcolm Pacific House, 276 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 | 04 499 0334 | www.healium.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: Koha class on Friday evenings. Drop-in classes are $18.
Yoga Centre for Higher Self
A gorgeous studio with large windows and sweeping wooden floors, Centre for Higher self offers a range of different styles of Yoga as well as meditation, dance meditation and Pilates. Centre for Higher Self also run some pregnancy yoga and postnatal yoga classes for those looking for that sort of practice.
Located close to Cuba Street with lots of beautiful, natural light, check out their varied timetable of classes and retreats.
Contact: 1 Marion Street, Wellington | 027 831 7063 | www.higherself.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: $35 for 2 weeks unlimited
Urban Yoga
Urban Yoga is a great little studio close on Willis Street. Their belief is that Yoga can offer something to everyone to improve an area of their physicality or life that they may be struggling with. Urban Yoga offers classes for specific levels of practice as well as yin and restorative classes too. They hold events and offer one-to-one classes too for those wanting a more intimate look at their practice.
This is a great little studio, quiet and tranquil with plush carpet. Lunchtime express classes are popular here, so its well worth checking this out if you work in the area.
Contact: Level 3 Fraser House, 160 Willis Street, Wellington | +64 272047317 | urbanyoga.co.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: 1 Week of classes for $20 / 1 month of express lunchtime classes for $80
Pause Yoga, Days Bay
Now Pause Yoga in Days Bay is not technically in Wellington, being over the water in Eastbourne, but I am including it because it is a lovely studio and worth a trip out of Wellington. The studio is situated in a leafy green garden with a huge window and views out across the water. Along side their yoga schedule, which includes a variety of different styles of yoga, they run regular magical Yoga Spa Days. A Yoga Spa Day is a whole day event including food, yoga, meditation and therapies.
They describe themselves as “making Yoga modern, athletic and therapeutic” and in such a setting I anticipate that this is achieved!
Contact: 28 Moana Road , Days Bay , 5013 Eastbourne | 021410890 | http://www.pauseyoga.co.nz/
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: TBA
So there you have it! There is no excuse not to get some yoga in during your time in Wellington, whatever the length.
If there is a Yoga studio that you think is great and really recommend and I haven’t included it, please comment below to let us know all about it!
Yoga in Daily Life
If you’re looking for a more traditional style of yoga, Yoga in Daily Life could be for you. They focus on the hatha yoga style from traditional teachings. Yoga in Daily life offers functional yoga classes like Back and Neck Care and Gentle Yoga. But they also offer classes of advancing levels depending on your practice. This could be a great place to take a beginners course for those who have not yet tried any form of yoga or hatha yoga.
Contact: 23 Jessie Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 | (04) 801 7012 | www.yogaindailylife.org.nz
Timetable: HERE
Starter Deal: TBA
NAMASTE.
Thanks for reading, I hope you found some inspiration.
If you likes this post, you might like to check out the following Wellington posts too:
19 Easy Ways to be more environmentally friendly in Wellington
Where to live in Wellington, which area is for you?
Lost in Silver Fern – Wellington Monthly By Month
Thanks for reading and come back soon!
You can follow me for updates on Instagram @lostinsilverfern Twitter @lostsilverfern and Facebook @lostinsilverfern and subscribe using the form below.
Josie x