200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Wellness Retreat in Taupo, New Zealand

The Asia Pacific Yoga 200-hour teacher training in Taupo is a residential course that combines traditional yoga study with practical anatomy, movement, and teaching methodology. It is registered with Yoga Alliance, so on completion you can teach internationally, but the training is deliberately small – capped at nine students – so every person gets regular one-on-one feedback from the trainers rather than being one of a large group following a scripted syllabus.

A typical day begins with morning asana and pranayama, then moves into lectures on anatomy, yoga philosophy, and the chakras. Afternoons are given to workshops on arm balances, inversions, backbends, adjustments, partner yoga, and restorative yoga, plus practical teaching practice. You'll start teaching your peers on the second day, which the hosts say removes the fear early. Sundays are free for rest, exploring the local area, or catching up on study.

The location itself is part of the experience. The house sits above Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, set among native trees at the end of a private driveway. You can see the lake, geothermal steam rising from the landscape, farmland, and mountains from the decks and large windows. The town of Taupo is a short drive away, known for its trout fishing, kayaking, and natural hot springs, and the region offers hiking, rafting, and skydiving for your time off.

Steve is the lead trainer and co-founder of Asia Pacific Yoga, with over 20 years of practice and more than 12,000 teaching hours to his name. He holds E-RYT 500 and has taught in Bali for 17 years before returning to New Zealand. Joleen, the co-trainer, has practiced for over 20 years, trained in Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga, and holds E-RYT 200 and RYT 500. Together they create a relaxed, supportive environment that graduates consistently describe as warm, fun, and confidence-building.

What's included

- 18 nights accommodation in a luxury holiday home overlooking Lake Taupo - Airport pickup and drop-off (Taupo airport or bus stop) - Accredited RYT 200 Hatha Vinyasa Yoga Alliance certification - Daily yoga asana, kriyas, meditation, and pranayama - Daily lectures on yoga philosophy, anatomy, and chakras - Hands-on workshops on arm balances, inversions, backbends, adjustments, partner yoga, and restorative yoga - Individual assessments during one-hour practicum - Course and asana manuals - Free unlimited Wi-Fi - Sunset beach and bush walks (time permitting) - Graduation ceremony

What's not included

- Meals (self-catering, vegetarian; budget about USD 00-30 for the 3 weeks) - Flights - Travel insurance