Health + Wellness

New Zealand's adventure capital is about to score a seriously luxurious wellness upgrade with The Bathhouse Queenstown.

We’re all for gyms levelling up their recovery game with the introduction of saunas and ice baths but a wellness space that’s completely free from the unrelenting beeps of tabata training just hits different. 

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

From Charles and Patrick Williams—the good folks who brought us Williams, one of Tāmaki's most frothed cafes (by restaurant royalty and hungry punters alike)—comes Bowler, a bangin' salad and açaí bowl pitstop tucked inside Les Mills on Victoria Street. 

Neon-lit workout spaces appear to be on the rise and, as a Personal Trainer who self-identifies as a Disco Moth, I couldn't be happier.

If you’re a pilates addict or a cardio junkie, you’ll know that while both kinds of workouts are body sculpting in their own way, both are missing something. Pilates gets you that beast-level core and perky glutes, but it doesn’t really get the heart racing, while a good HIIT or cardio session will burn calories and have you out of breath—but won’t help you achieve long lean muscles and serious core stability. 

Formally a mezzanine micro-studio perched above a hairdressers in Auckland CBD, So Fitness has got some brand new digs and we’re here for it. 

Have you heard about the boxing gym that is taking Auckland by storm? Well, let us introduce you to Studio Box. With a Newmarket location already under its wing, a brand new studio has opened up in the city that has evolved the studio's signature workout into a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength class.

Let’s be honest, who has time to work out these days? Yep, we understand the struggle. But what if we told you, you can get fit in just 20 minutes a week?! It sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! Due to high demand, Auckland's first and only boutique EMS studio fu/nis has just opened a second outpost in Takapuna, bringing their fun and efficient training methods to the grateful citizens of the shore.

Goodness Bistro is aptly named – as soon as you walk into the elegant eatery in the newly refurbished Britomart precinct, you won't stop saying ‘Oh My Goodness’. Not least, because everything they make is gluten-free, vegan, organic, paleo and free from refined sugar.

Prepare to get your endorphins fired up in a blood pumping and strengthening sweat session that will get you hooked after the first try. 

If you're looking for bliss in a chic modern setting, you ought to hit Wyld. 

Let’s be honest, who has time to workout these days? Yep, we understand the struggle. But what if we told you, you can get fit in just 20 minutes a week?! It sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong!

The perfect antidote to the cold, windy and rainy weather, stepping into HANA's gorgeous space is like immersing yourself in a heavenly oasis of calm on a balmy day. 

When it comes to pilates, Reform Fitness do things a little differently. Forget that holistic, soul searching stuff. Reform Fitness are all about body enhancing, muscle trembling dynamic reformer pilates. Their full-bod workouts promise to provide a euphoric experience and enhance your body. They have a range of classes catering to all skill levels as well as—our favourite—a cardiolates class that combines high intensity interval training with pilates.

Want to work out but don’t want to slave away in the gym for hours? Then you’re in the right place—check out SALA, a gym with a difference. With the belief that movement and mindfulness are two sides of the same coin, SALA offers a variety of immersive classes that will have you sweating away your troubles in no time.

Just when you thought the fitness scene in Auckland couldn’t get any better, new kid on the block Playground Fitness is taking it up a notch by putting the fun back into fitness. Think nightclub-inspired lighting, state-of-the-art cardio and weights equipment, immersive music, and short 'n' snappy sets that'll get your heart rate up in no time.

Tucked away in the centre of Newmarket lies a little powerhouse with a big heart. Studio Box is quickly gaining a cult following amongst those who want the benefits of a high energy boxing session without the ‘bouts and the brawn’. The brainchild of former Black Sticks Star Dwayne Rowsell, the purpose-built space has been designed to help you get the most out of your work out without distractions. Guided through 10 rounds one-on-one with your water-filled bag by an impossibly fit boxing coach with dim lighting, a pumping sound system and choreographed moves, you’ll be motivated to keep on your toes for the 45-minute session.

North Shore residents, listen up—there's a new kid on the café block, and we'd like to introduce you. She's charming, isn't afraid to have fun and most importantly, knows her way around food. Her name is Patch.

Boutique brews, bites and an onsite barber—Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen has you covered for all your foodie and furry needs. 

Attention North Shore fitness fiends, you can finally get your Reformer Pilates fix close to home. Having recently opened in Smales Farm (near famed foodie joint Goodside Eatery), Kcöre truly levels-up the typical Pilates experience with modern, premium amenities, top-of-the-line equipment and highly-trained instructors. 

Look no further than the team at Boar & Blade for a tight fade, beard trim or suave new ‘do. Found on Tīramarama Way in Wynyard Central, the space has an industrial fit-out. Packed with top-quality banter from the friendly team rehashing the latest All Blacks match over a beer or sharing the dos and don’ts of travelling—we guarantee you’ll leave the chair having learned something new. Sit back and relax as the team works their magic. Bookings are essential, so be sure to get in quick as spots are filling fast. 

Located in Howick, Mooi Skin is all about the latest in beauty and skincare. Relax in their state-of-the-art studio as the experts work their magic, leaving your skin fresh and glowing. Not only do Mooi specialise in skin treatments but they also host make-up tutorials and are a one stop shop for all your product essentials! And, all you animal lovers and environmentalists will be happy to know, Mooi are big on the vegan thing with vegan treatments on offer as well as a line of vegan-friendly products from Rawceuticals.

Bloom Barre & Pilates is a boutique studio which specialises in a lifestyle approach to exercise. With a strong focus on increasing strength, flexibility, calming the mind, body and soul, Bloom Studios offers more than just a sweat session. There's a class for everyone to get amongst at this studio from beginners to advanced with classic barre sessions and reformer Pilates so don't be shy to give this modern workout a go.

Do you geek out over video games, comics, anime and cartoons? Wish to eternalize your love for a work or character in tattoo form? Look no further than Shop Nine And Three Quarters. With an extensive portfolio tattooing at international pop culture conventions, the guys behind the tattoo guns are well experienced in inking all things pop culture. What’s more, they’re absolute nerds when it comes to the subject matter, sure to provide a decent chat over common interests while painstakingly carving into your skin.

Just a short distance from the shores of Takapuna Beach is Studio Pilates. This seaside studio is vibrant, fresh and full of energy with innovative video technology. Their top quality instructors encourage and motivate you to go beyond your limits and connect with yourself and others. You can choose your pick from 40 classes per week on offer. And, if you're up for something more, try their 30 Day Challenges or grab yourself a class pack. Choose from the Starter, 10, 25 or 50. 

Life is busy and complicated. We totally get it. But take a step away from the chaos of your bustling life and partake in a unique experience of warmth, tranquility and luxury. Invive creator, Hayley Nithi is re-energising and modernising the New Zealand spa industry, bringing the luxuries of the world to New Zealand. Invive Spa in Silverdale centres around balance, keeping us grounded, happy and connected to the things which matter. Hop on over to the destination suburb of Millwater where Invive delivers a modern and sophisticated spa experience waiting to rekindle your inner beauty. So, if you're in need of a little self-care, this is an experience waiting for you.

Choosing a place to get your mane tame is a pretty big deal—ain’t nobody got time for hair disasters! Thankfully, the friendly folk at Marcelo & Co have no trouble tackling your hair wants and needs.

Located in Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s very own branches of Spring Spas—the global frontrunners in the day spa industry. Combining beauty treatments with relaxation, Spring Spa offers pampering from head to toe with an emphasis on nails, skincare, waxing, threading and multi-treatment packages. With an open plan design and concrete floors set against natural wooden fittings and pops of modern colour, this is your very own urban beauty retreat where you can beautify in style. Book a private room for some ‘me’ time or take advantage of the spa lounge to visit with your girlfriends and do some bonding. Sitting on the Ponsonby ‘strip’, this is a perfect pre/post activity to a shopping spree or a meal out.

Oh, how the beauty scene has changed. Rewind a decade and you would only dare whisper “bikini wax” on the phone and getting your brows tidied involved a bit of a pluck while you lay on a treatment bed. But now… both the brow and the Brazilian are an actual thing. No, more than an actual thing… they are the hierarchy of beauty needs. 

For a strong brow game, make a beeline for Takapuna’s OFF & ON. The trendy beauty destination specialises in all things brow and lash—shaping, colouring and lash lifts. But the pampering doesn’t end there! OFF & ON will hook you up with incredibly smooth skin, thanks to their extensive wax and laser services. If you live on the other side of the bridge, visit them in Newmarket, Britomart or check out their Quay Street branch for microblading.

So maybe you’ve cycled before. And maybe you’ve hit a dance floor in da club (or should we say your mate’s house party?). But have you experienced both at the same time? If you were a Westward-goer or have hit the likes of Soul Cycle, Psycle or Euphoria overseas, that’ll be a Hell Yes. If not, let me catch you up to speed. 

For perfect brows and silky smooth skin, look no further than OFF & ON in Britomart. The friendly folk are pros at all things hair removal, offering both waxing and laser services. As for your brows, they’ll shape and colour them to perfection—and they can do your lashes while you’re at it. Neither a beauty spa nor salon OFF & ON puts the funk in funky with their quirky art, black-clad staff and great music. Can’t get to Britomart? Visit ‘em in Newmarket, Takapuna or get amongst microblading at their Quay Street branch. 

Flash City is a walk-in only double-whammy. A barber shop and tattoo parlour located on Ponsonby Road.

One of Aucklands best barbers is Brotherhood Urban Stylist. Based  in Takapuna, this barber shop strives to make you feel welcome and part of a “brotherhood” of sharing creativity. Specialising in both scissors and clippers, this barbershop has a service to suit every man. From a “classic brother” full-style cut with a hot towel finish, a “silver brother” colour to blend those pesky greys for a more natural look and an “executive brother” which includes a full scalp massage and a bevvy of your choice into the service. All while broadcasting the latest sports on the box…. Naturally. This barbershop is for sure a top contender on the list.

Mall hair salons are changing for the better thanks to THE CUT in Sylvia Park. As the brainchild of Auckland-renown hairdressers Hamilton Brooks and Frana Evans, THE CUT is drop-in studio slash blow-dry bar like no other. It’s a happy-medium between a high-end boutique salon and drop-in mall salon, catering to your “I-need-to-get-my-hair-did-but-I-suck-at-making-appointments” dilemma. The services menu includes haircuts, fringe trims, hair treatment and a luxurious wash and blow-dry.

Let’s be honest, Auckland ladies are spoilt for choice with places to be preened and polished. Until now, the guys haven’t been as lucky—introducing Auckland’s first men's only skin clinic: About Man.

Feeling stressed and looking to bring a little Zen into your life? Then look no further than Chuan Spa. Situated in the heart of Auckland City at the upmarket Langham Hotel, Chuan Spa is a modern, oriental style retreat that offers an array of tranquil massages, skincare and beauty packages that will be sure to restore your Chi in no time.

Part of the Castaways Resort, the luxurious Bersanti Day Spa is Auckland's only cliff-top spa. Boasting breathtaking panoraic views of Karitahi Beach and beyond, things don't get much more spectacular than this!

Looking to head out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a day of decadent pampering? Then Spa Di Vine is your go-to haven. Nestled in wine country out in Auckland’s North West suburb of Kumeu, Spa Di Vine is one of the world’s luxury wine spas.

Just a hop, skip and jump away from the city, Spa Ayurda is your go-to destination for a pamper sesh. This Ponsonby gem has allsorts of treatments on hand that will leave you feeling ultra zen and rejuvenated. Recently crowned as the best Ayurvedic spa in the whole of Oceania, their signature Ayurvedic Body Rituals are not to be missed. Want to get the whole family in on the pampering? Just your luck men's kids' and and pregancy wellness packages here too!

Forget the saying “you’re pretty strong…for a girl”, it’s all about being strong LIKE a girl! Allow us to introduce you to Auckland’s hottest new workout: Strong Like A Girl, a women-only group training session like no other.

It's 2017 and we all want to reduce our waste and keep our globe clean and green. GoodFor is New Zealand's first zero plastic and zero packaging bulk wholefoods store. Say goodbye to plastics bags and hello to mason jars! GoodFor makes sustainable shopping a whole lot easier—browse their aisles for kombucha and peanut butter on tap!!! All plastic-free and eco-friendly, this new Ponsonby opening is not to be missed. And, if you're not convinced just yet, one tree will be planted for every purchase made in store. We're in!

Benebabes of Auckland, Ponsonby Road is where you'll find your sanctuary. Benefit, the iconic San Francisco cosmetics brand, smiled upon our little nation of beauty fanatics and gave us New Zealand’s very first Benefit Boutique! Treat your brows to some shaping, your legs to some waxing, your skin to some spray-tanning and, to sum up their array of services—your body to some beautifying. Benefit Boutique’s beauty experts will make you feel like the gorgeous, glowing babe you are. 

For all your make up needs, look no further than Smashbox in Ponsonby. At this welcoming beauty store, you'll find all sorts of quality products to add to your make up bag or, book in with the talented ladies and they'll make you look fabulous in no time. Whether you've got a special occasion in the works or need to get glammed up for your wedding day, Smashbox Ponsonby has got your face covered—literally. 

Rosenthal® Facials is taking the skincare scene by storm with a natural approach to wellness & beauty. Michelle and her magic touch are located on top of Annie Boyd’s on Jervois Road. This product-free approach makes the radiant and anti-aging facials perfect for all those sensitive skinned beauties. Indulge in a deep, relaxing and rejuvenating facial releasing all that built up tension. Rosenthal is inspired by a natural approach to wellness and beauty using a facial massage tecnique that encourages blood flow and produces collegan, leaving you with that radiant glow we are all after. Michelle is available by appointment only. 

Skin Boutique in Browns Bay is your go-to for specialist beauty therapy and skin rejuvenation treatments. The caring therapists are dedicated to providing the best in service and individual care. In fact, if you can't seem to find a treatment that suits your needs,  your Master Therapist will create the perfect treatment just for you. All areas of beauty are covered—from personalised facials to the usual grooming admin—and are provided by highly trained therapists who are dedicated to delivering the uttermost in care.

Located in the heart of Mairangi Bay, you’ll find FaceTime Skin Clinic. The oh-so modern salon specalises in all things skin, offering treatments to reverse premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. They have a range of facials and skin treatments (think corrective peels, dermal skin needling and light therapy) as well as classic beauty services.

Show your nails a bit of love with a visit to Verdo Nails in Parnell. Book in for a quick shape and polish or treat yourself to a 60-minute deluxe spa manicure—go on, you deserve it! The boutique salon also offers eyebrow waxing and tinting, eyelash tinting and spray tanning. We’re particularly fond of their four-week make-up courses that teach you the basics of getting your make-up looking amazing. 

If you need to up your lash game, call on the friendly team at Lash Noir. Located in City Works Depot, this salon is dedicated to all things lashes—perming, tinting and lash extensions—as well as brow services. One of their popular treatments is ‘feather touch brows’ that involves tattooing small hair flicks to transform your brows from drab to fab—it’s perfect for those with over-plucked brows.

In the heart of Mt Eden Village is a little brick building that is home to luxurious beauty therapy and skincare treatments. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, owner and founder Lisa Morris is committed to providing the best in beauty. Loft Beauty Boutique has a wide array of treatments on offer including customised facials, waxing services, microdermabrasion, eye treatments, massage, spray tans, skin peels, manicures and pedicures. You can expect Individualised service, superior technologies and forever-evolving treatments, all in a warm and friendly environment. Loft Beauty Boutique has got all your beauty needs down pat.

While most of us shudder at the thought of waxing, the promise of pain-free, quality waxing at Bare Waxing & Skin Centre in Belmont has us thinking otherwise. Using the best waxes available, Bare is dedicated to providing clients not only with great results but also a relaxing waxing experience from start to finish.

Relive the joys of your trampoline days at Avondale’s Uptown Bounce. This supersized trampoline park has more than 50 interconnected trampolines—some of which are angled so you can literally bounce off the walls. You’ll also find a trampoline dodgeball area, Olympic trampolines, rock climbing wall and a battle beam where the loser falls into a foam pit. Book in for a one-hour session or sign up for one of their trampoline exercise classes (yes, it’s a thing).  

The colour white symbolises new beginnings and that’s what White Spa + Float Lounge in Herne Bay strives for. With a focus of facials, waxing, massage, organic tans, tints and nails, this spa believes in mindful, holistic therapy solutions including their insanely relaxing flotation pods—you’ll get hooked on them! There’s tailored treatments for fellas, combination therapies and of course, the opportunity to float away your woes. White Spa + Float Lounge even do late nights (9.30pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday) so you can get your fix after work hours.

One of Parnell’s heritage buildings is now home to ASC, an innovative hair salon specialising in expert colouring (taking place upstairs in the airy, tranquil loft) and sleek cutting and styling. ASC is run by husband and wife duo Stephen and Andrew Cockle who have over 40 years of local and international experience. Sip on craft beer or boutique tea and coffee as you let them work their hairdressing magic on your locks. 

If your beauty bag is looking a little empty, it’s time to pay the team at Mecca Cosmetica in Ponsonby a visit. Here you’ll find more than 40 of the world’s best beauty brands such as Nars, Stila, bareMinerals and Chantecaille (swoon!). Aside from make-up, they’ve also got skin and hair care as well as fragrances. If you need some expert advice, their resident make-up artists and skincare specialists will point you in the right direction. Warning: there’s a high chance you’re gonna want to buy ALL the things!

It’s no secret the ladies in this city are spoilt for choice with places to be preened and polished. However the guys aren’t quite so lucky—enter The Grooming Lounge. Tucked away in the CBD, The Grooming Lounge is an exclusive men’s grooming lounge with a wide range of services more luxurious than most. With massages and premium styling products only being part of the line up, this is the place to go for guys who want the best grooming experience in town.

Situated in Britomart, Ryder Salon is one of the best hair salons in Auckland. The beautiful designer interior, which includes art from sculptor Michael Parekowhai, sets the perfect scene for when you want to get your locks chopped, curled or coloured. The staff are super-friendly and extremely talented, so you can be assured that you’ll leave looking and feeling like a million dollars. It’s is also committed to sustainability and every product they sell in their retail zone is Paraben and Sulphate free. Ryder Salon is a true luxury hair salon experience.

Nothing feels as good as a sweet yoga sesh. Lucky for us, Yoga West has set up shop in Titirangi and is spreading peace and good vibes all around town. Let’s start by talking about their impressive selection of yoga classes: they’ve got Vinyasa for an energising kick, Yin for a chill stretch and Slow Flow for something calming. Not to mention pregnancy yoga for those mumma-to-bes out there! Staying in theme with helping people keep healthy, zen and happy, Yoga West also offers meditation sessions, health and wellness consultations as well as massage therapy. Yoga West is the ultimate destination if you’re wanting to bring bliss and balance into your life.

Epic Training Studios is, err, truly epic and unlike any gym you’ve experienced before. There’s no such thing as one size fits all here. Instead, the friendly folk will assess your movement to identify any imbalances, weakness and strengths to create safe and effective training programmes suited to your needs and ability. They’ve got a range of options for you to try from strength and cardio training to heart rate training and recovery routines. Their signature workout is 30 minutes of high intensity interval training so brace yourself for some serious sweating. They also offer nutrition and lifestyle advice to help you achieve your #gymgoals.