Iyengar Yoga — Northcote, Auckland
“Ancient Wisdom for Modern Lives.”
A boutique yoga school in Northcote, founded by Marcia Leite — the teacher who opened Birkenhead’s first yoga school, and whose students have stayed with her for five years, ten years, some since 2004. Iyengar yoga: precise, prop-supported, unhurried. A way of living your yoga, not a workout to complete.
“Yoga Essence, way of living your yoga!”— the studio’s guiding line
Seven offerings, one method.
Weekly group classes for beginners, general, and experienced students. A sequenced syllabus — standing poses, seated poses, twists, forward extensions, backbends, restorative work — taught with precise instruction and props wherever they serve the pose.
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 — only willingness.
Longer-format weekend sessions on a single theme — a family of poses, pranayama (breath regulation), or fully supported restorative practice. For students with some experience; dates announced through the studio.
Multi-day immersions away from the city: extended morning and evening practice, quiet, simple food, and study. A chance to live the practice for a few days rather than visit it for an hour.
One-to-one guidance in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of health: daily routine, diet, rest, and habits considered against your constitution and your stage of life. Practical, unhurried, personal.
Counselling grounded in the Ayurvedic understanding of mind and temperament — a reflective, confidential space to work through patterns of stress, habit, low mood, and sleeplessness, alongside your yoga practice.
Traditional oil massage (abhyanga) to settle the nervous system and support the body between classes. Separately, dedicated practitioners may apply for systematic Iyengar teacher training under Marcia’s mentorship — a long, serious undertaking.
Where you start, and where you go next.
New to yoga
You do not need to be flexible, fit, or young to begin. 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 you can move in. If you own a mat, bring it; otherwise ask when you enquire. Arrive a few minutes early. Tell Marcia about any injury, condition, or pregnancy before class begins — poses will be adapted or substituted, never pushed through pain. Within weeks, most students are surprised by how much steadier they feel — standing, sitting, sleeping.
Sample pricing — confirmed on enquiry.
Drop in
For regular weekly practice.
Concession and student arrangements on request.
Dedicated
For focused work and deep dives.
Retreat and massage pricing quoted individually.
Placeholder — real words will replace these.
Four steps to your first class.
Call (555) 010-2030 or send the form. Tell us about your experience and 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.
Where we teach
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, and worth the drive from across the bridge.
First the answer, then the detail.
No. Flexibility is a result of practice, not a requirement. Iyengar yoga uses props — belts, blocks, blankets — so every pose is adapted to your body as it is today.
Comfortable clothing you can move in, and a few minutes to spare. Bring your mat if you own one; otherwise ask when you enquire. Bring water; 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.
We reply personally.
Prefer to talk? Call (555) 010-2030.
Yoga Essence · 2/2 Howard Road, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand.
Tell us about your experience, your aims, and anything we should know about your body — we’ll suggest where to begin.