19-Day Yoga Teacher Training Retreat on Lake Taupo, New Zealand

The Asia Pacific Yoga 200-hour teacher training is a residential program set in a spacious house on a quiet private driveway above Lake Taupo. The training runs six days a week, with a typical day starting around 7:00 am with meditation and asana practice, followed by lectures on philosophy and anatomy, workshops on alignment and adjustments, and time dedicated to actually teaching each other. You're not just learning sequences—you start teaching your peers from the very first week.

What makes this training different is the group size. With no more than ten participants, you get to know everyone, and your instructors get to know you. They learn your body's quirks, your strengths, and your goals, and they tailor their feedback accordingly. The atmosphere remains relaxed and supportive, even when the material gets challenging.

The house itself sits among native trees with sweeping views over the lake and the geothermal landscape. You'll live together, cook together, and share meals on the deck while the sun sets over the water. Taupo town is a short drive away, giving you easy access to supermarkets, cafes, and some of the best natural hot springs in New Zealand.

By the end of the 19 days, you'll have a solid foundation in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, an understanding of anatomy and alignment, and the practical skills to lead a safe and engaging class. You'll also complete a one-hour teaching practicum, receiving a detailed assessment from Steve and Joleen. Graduation is a genuinely emotional moment for many students—a fitting end to a transformative three weeks.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 18 nights accommodation in a shared room at a luxury lakefront holiday home - 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification - Daily asana, pranayama, meditation, and kriya classes - Lectures on yoga philosophy, anatomy, and chakras - Hands-on workshops on arm balances, inversions, adjustments, and more - One-on-one feedback and assessments - Free Wi-Fi - Sunset beach and bush walks (time permitting) - Graduation ceremony

What's not included

- Meals (self-catering, students purchase their own food) - Flights - Travel insurance - Optional activities and excursions