“Ancient Wisdom for Modern Lives.”
Chapter 01 — The teacher
Marcia Leite opened Birkenhead’s first yoga school — and never really stopped teaching.
Marcia Leite · Founder
Yoga Essence is a boutique yoga school in Northcote, Auckland, founded by Marcia Leite. Before Northcote, Marcia opened Birkenhead’s first yoga school; she has taught Iyengar yoga on Auckland’s North Shore for over two decades. Some of her students have practised with her since 2004, and many have stayed for five years or more — the kind of loyalty that cannot be advertised, only earned.
Since 2018 the school has made its home at 2/2 Howard Road, Northcote: a quiet, personal studio where classes stay small, instruction stays precise, and nobody is hurried through a pose they have not yet understood.
Iyengar yoga — the Hatha tradition developed by B.K.S. Iyengar — is known for precision, sequencing, and the intelligent use of props. Belts, blocks, and blankets let every body, stiff or supple, find the correct action in a pose. Postures are held, not hurried; alignment is adjusted; understanding deepens week by week. It welcomes the complete beginner and rewards decades of study in equal measure.
Yoga Essence, in the studio’s own words, is a way of living your yoga — not a workout to complete, but a discipline of attention carried off the mat into ordinary days.
Chapter 02 — The practice
Seven offerings, one method, taught in the Iyengar tradition.
Weekly group classes for beginners, general, and experienced students, following a sequenced syllabus — standing poses, seated poses, twists, forward extensions, backbends, restorative work — with precise instruction and props wherever they serve the pose.
All levels · Northcote studio
A structured introduction for complete newcomers: the foundational standing poses, how to use props, how to breathe, how to practise safely. No flexibility and no experience required.
New students start here
Longer-format weekend sessions on a single theme — a family of poses, pranayama, or fully supported restorative practice. For students with some class experience; dates announced through the studio.
Weekends
Multi-day immersions away from the city: extended practice morning and evening, quiet, simple food, study. A chance to live the practice for a few days rather than visit it for an hour.
Residential · limited places
One-to-one guidance in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of health — daily routine, diet, rest, and habits considered against your constitution and stage of life.
By appointment
Counselling grounded in the Ayurvedic understanding of mind and temperament — a reflective, confidential space for patterns of stress, habit, low mood, and sleeplessness.
Confidential · by appointment
Traditional oil massage (abhyanga) to settle the nervous system between classes. Separately, dedicated practitioners may apply for systematic Iyengar teacher training under Marcia’s mentorship.
Massage by appointment · training by application
“Yoga Essence, way of living your yoga!”— the studio’s guiding line
Chapter 03 — Two rooms
New to yoga
You do not need to be flexible, fit, or young. Flexibility is a result of practice, never a prerequisite. You will learn the foundational standing poses — the alphabet of Iyengar yoga — how to use a belt, a block, and a blanket, and how to breathe without forcing.
Wear comfortable clothing. If you own a mat, bring it; otherwise ask when you enquire. Arrive a few minutes early, and tell Marcia about any injury or condition before class — poses are adapted, never pushed through pain.
One-to-one & groups
Private tuition: a one-to-one session shaped around your body, your injuries, and your aims — ideal when returning after a break or working around a condition. At the Northcote studio, by appointment.
Corporate and small groups: a regular class for your workplace or your own group, at the studio or your venue. Enquire with group size and preferred time; pricing confirmed per arrangement.
Chapter 04 — Rates
Illustrative rates — confirmed on enquiry.
| Offering | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual class Sample | $XX |
| 10-class pass Sample | $XXX |
| Beginners course (4 weeks) Sample | $XX |
| Private session, 60 min Sample | $XXX |
| Weekend workshop Sample | $XX |
Retreat, consultation, and massage pricing quoted individually.
Chapter 05 — The way in
Call (555) 010-2030 or send the enquiry form. Tell us about your experience and anything we should know about your body.
Marcia recommends the right class for your level — most newcomers begin with the beginners’ course.
Foundations, slowly: standing poses, props, breath. Nothing rushed; questions welcome.
Build week by week. Workshops, retreats, and deeper study open up as you progress.
Chapter 06 — Voices
Placeholder — real words will replace these.
“Xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx.”
— Customer Name
“Xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx.”
— Customer Name
“Xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx.”
— Customer Name
Serving Auckland and surrounding areas — Northcote · Birkenhead · Takapuna · Devonport · Glenfield · Milford · Chatswood · Beach Haven
2/2 Howard Road, Northcote, Auckland 0627 — a short trip from anywhere on the North Shore.
Chapter 07 — Questions
No. Flexibility is a result of practice, not a requirement. Props — belts, blocks, blankets — adapt every pose to your body as it is today. Stiff beginners are our most common students.
Comfortable clothing and a few minutes to spare. Bring your mat if you own one; otherwise ask when you enquire. Bring water, and arrive a little early.
Often yes, with guidance — but tell us first. Poses will be adapted or substituted; nothing is pushed through pain. When in doubt, check with your doctor first.
2/2 Howard Road, Northcote, Auckland 0627. In Northcote since 2018, serving the North Shore. Call (555) 010-2030 for directions and parking details.
Call or send the form — new students enquire first. We ask newcomers to get in touch before their first visit so Marcia can place you in the right class.
Enquire. Prefer to talk? Call (555) 010-2030. Or send the form — tell us about your experience, your aims, and anything we should know about your body.
The practice is waiting
Yoga Essence · 2/2 Howard Road, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand · Iyengar yoga, workshops, retreats & Ayurveda.