Amelia WilliamsSo, you’ve decided to run away and join the circus, or at least, that’s what you want your Tuesday evenings to feel like.
You might be looking to build insane core strength, find a creative outlet that doesn’t involve a paintbrush, or simply hang upside down to decompress your spine.
Aerial fitness offers a fantastic way to do it. But walking into a room full of dangling silks and hoops can be intimidating.
I’ve dug around to find the best aerial fitness studios in Auckland where you can safely learn to fly. Newbies might struggle to identify a carabiner, while experienced aerialists hunt for high ceilings.
Regardless of your level, the right spot is out there.
How much does aerial fitness cost in Auckland?
Prices vary based on whether you want a quick giggle or a full term of training. Generally, your fee covers the class plus the specialised rigging and safety equipment that keeps you from plummeting.
If you want to test your stomach for heights, expect to pay between $30 and $40 for a casual drop-in session, though costs fluctuate based on the specific class style. For those ready to commit, most studios operate on a term basis or offer concession cards. Many studios offer packages such as a 10-class pass usually sits around the $250 mark, while 6-week intro courses often run between $140 and $160. Finally, for unlimited memberships where you basically live at the studio, expect roughly $40 to $80 per week, with premium studios sitting at the higher end of that scale.
1. Dust Palace
Website: https://www.thedustpalace.co.nz/
Address: 134/138 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Contact: +6421822236
Schedule:
- From 3:15 pm Monday – Thursday
- 9:00 – 5:00 pm Saturdays
The Dust Palace is one of Auckland’s most recognised circus and aerial arts studios, offering a unique blend of fitness, performance training, and creative movement. Based in Penrose, the studio is known for transforming traditional exercise into a circus-inspired experience that includes aerial silks, trapeze, hoop, rope, and acrobatic disciplines.
As an aerial fitness studio, it stands out for its strong focus on circus-style training rather than conventional gym workouts. Classes are designed to build strength, coordination, flexibility, and confidence through aerial and ground-based movement practice.
One of the biggest strengths of The Dust Palace is its wide range of aerial fitness classes suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Students can explore multiple apparatus types such as silks, lyra (hoop), straps, and trapeze, making it one of the more versatile studios in Auckland.
The studio also emphasizes a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where beginners are encouraged to progress at their own pace. Instructors provide structured guidance and modifications, which helps make aerial fitness more accessible even for those with no prior experience.
Another major advantage is the creative and fun approach to fitness, which blends physical training with performance-style movement. This makes workouts feel less repetitive and more engaging compared to traditional gym or studio-based fitness programs.
The Dust Palace is also well-known for its strong community atmosphere, where students often train in a collaborative and encouraging environment. Many participants are drawn not just to the fitness aspect, but also to the expressive and artistic side of aerial movement.
Overall, The Dust Palace stands out as one of Auckland’s best aerial fitness studios for those seeking a fun, creative, and full-body workout experience. While it may not suit people looking for traditional gym training, it is ideal for those who want fitness combined with performance, artistry, and skill development.
Customer Reviews
I have been going to this space for ecstatic dance events run by Manawa. Spacious, warm and good vibes ✨💃🏼 …
- Megan Passell | Google Review
Highly recommend this place. I signed up as a beginner and have had really supportive teachers like Jess who continue to make each and every aerial silk experience memorable. The prices of the classes are very affordable, and the venue is well equipped with plenty of silks, hoops, trapeze swings, nets and all sorts of fun things to practice on. They also have great flexibility with their term contracts, which other places in Auckland offering these classes cannot even begin to compare to, as they allow you to cancel classes up to 10 minutes before the class, and you can sign up to make up classes if you have to miss a class for any reason. This was a big seller for me as I work long hours in a hospital and finishing work is always very unpredictable. Really happy with this place 🙂
Miles | Google Review
2. Limitless Studio
Website: https://limitlessstudio.co.nz/
Address: 4/159 Marua Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Contact: 021 024 69692
Schedule: Mon-Wed 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Thurs 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Fri 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If the “gym bro” energy or ultra-serious dancer vibes of other places intimidate you, Limitless offers a refreshing change of pace.
This genuinely inclusive atmosphere mixes aerials with other modalities like Barre and Sculpt. It feels less like a scary training facility and more like a community hub where you just happen to hang from the ceiling.
The staff work hard to make you feel comfortable, ensuring you never feel silly for trying something new.
They offer a “Launch Membership” for about $70 a month (4 classes), which serves as a great entry point if you aren’t ready to sign your life away.
However, because it’s such a welcoming spot, classes like aerial hoop fill up incredibly fast. You have to be quick on the booking app, or you’ll be stuck on the waitlist.
This can be a hassle if you manage a tight schedule.
Customer Reviews
I have been doing aerial hoop at Limitless for a while now and love the inclusive, positive energy in every part of the studio! Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and the teachers are amazing 🤩 if you’ve ever considered trying pole, aerials or dance or you’re just looking for a new studio, Limitless is the place for you!
- Ellora Virtue | Google Review
I’ve been attending the Limitless Studio Pole Fit classes for almost a year now and absolutely love it! The studio itself is fantastic and the class schedule offers a great range of options, levels and class times. I come out of every class feeling a great sense of achievement.
The team of instructors are incredible and are always there to help, encourage, challenge and support you while you learn. They create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and motivated to give things a go. Their passion, skills, and dedication make every class such a great and fun experience.
I highly recommend Limitless Studios to anyone looking to take pole fit or aerial classes.
- Maria C | Google Review
3. The Flying Studio
Website: https://flyingstudio.co.nz /
Address: 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Contact: 09 2000 232 and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Sun (Class times vary, check website for morning/evening splits)
This spot in Takapuna leans heavily into the “wellness” side of aerials.
Their low Hammock and Aerial Yoga classes allow you to decompress your spine without the terror of hanging 4 meters in the air.
I actually popped in here to ask about their Bungee Fitness. The space felt incredibly serene, smelling faintly of lemongrass rather than sweaty gym mats.
It’s an elegant studio that makes you feel graceful even if you’re just flopping around.
The downside? It is Takapuna, so parking can be a nightmare.
Unless you get lucky with a street spot, you might end up paying for parking, which adds to the cost of your workout. Also, if you want to learn dynamic drops or high-flying trapeze, this might be too “zen” for you.
Customer Reviews
I absolutely love the Flying Studio! The atmosphere is welcoming, calm and beautifully set up 💕 The instructors are also incredibly skilled, warm and encouraging 💕 Every class feels like the perfect balance of strength, flexibility and relaxation and I always leave feeling recharged. It’s such a supportive community and I can’t recommend this studio enough for anyone curious about aerial yoga. It’s become one of the highlights of my week 😊
- Nina Kim | Google Review
Been doing aerial yoga for roughly 6 months now. I can see my body strength and my level of energy evolved. A combination between stretching, building strength, and mastering beautiful poses, it might look easy, but it is actually hard work. Always feel energised and buzzed with good vibes after each class I went to. Loving everything about it. The studio is clean, tidy, and chic. The instructors are all very friendly, patient and accommodating. If I can give more than 5 stars I definitely would!
- Erika Achmadi | Google Review
4. Cirque It Aerial Arts
Website: https://www.cirqueitaerialarts.nz/
Address: Unit 1/24 Bishop Dunn Place, Flat Bush, Auckland
Contact: 021 206 9900 and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cirque It successfully connects fitness classes with performance art. The studio is kitted out with cool LED lighting that sets a “stage” mood, helping you get into character rather than just counting reps.
You feel like a performer here without the pressure of an actual audience.
They are very transparent with pricing, offering casual classes around $35 and intro courses for just under $100.
Instructors introduce “new moves” constantly, so you rarely get bored repeating the same routine.
The main drawback is the location in Flat Bush. If you live centrally or on the North Shore, the commute during rush hour traffic to make a 5:30 PM class might be the most stressful part of your day.
Customer Reviews
If you’re looking for an elegant and welcoming studio this is it!! I’ve done pole and aerial here as a newbie and the teachers are so friendly and helpful it’s like having fun with a group of friends. The studio is lovely with colourful LED lights that the teachers use to set the mood. There are classes for all levels of learning and a wide range of aerial arts. Love it here.
- Rebecca Speir | Google Review
I’ve been doing Lyra (aerial hoop) at Cirque It since it opened and have recently started silks classes too. It’s way more fun than going to the gym, the instructors are supportive and always have new moves for us to learn. I’m looking forward to flex classes that are being added to the timetable and can’t wait to see what else is in store for the year ahead 🙂
- Claire R | Google Review
5. Aracnation
Website: https://www.aracnation.co.nz/
Address: Empire Studios, 2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Contact: 021 157 0925 (Text Only) and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Performers and serious hobbyists flock to Aracnation to focus on the “Arts” in Aerial Arts. Located in Grey Lynn with lovely high ceilings, this hub prioritises technical skill.
Instructors are honest about the reality of aerials (silk burn is real!) and focus heavily on conditioning your body to handle it safely.
I have a friend who trains here who swears by their “Open Training” sessions. These are incredibly cheap (around $13) if you just want to practice what you’ve learned.
However, because they share space at Empire Studios, the schedule can sometimes feel a bit fragmented compared to a dedicated full-time venue.
It’s also very technique-heavy, which might feel a bit strict if you just want to mess around and take photos for Instagram.
Customer Reviews
I would highly recommend to others as it’s a perfect activity for friend’s, families and to try something new! My 6 year old child and I had a great time with friend’s at an aerial family trial class. Shout out to the teaching instructor Gaby who was amazing, patient, fun and super clear with her instructions. With every step of the way she worked with us and made sure everyone felt confident and safe.
- Alice Kaino | Google Review
I love the team here, the community vibe and the fun! An excellent place to learn aerial arts!!!
- Tess Munro Pedreros | Google Review
6. React Studio
Website: https://www.reactstudio.co.nz/
Address: 4 Currys Lane, Wairau Valley, Auckland
Contact: 027 531 3260 (WhatsApp) and [email protected]
Schedule: Mon 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Tues and Thurs 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Wed 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Fri 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Sat 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
React Studio doubles as the home of a contemporary circus company, and you can feel that professionalism the moment you walk in.
Mentorships and performance pathways help you express yourself artistically, rather than just giving you abs (though you will get those too).
The instructors are actual performers, so you learn from people who live and breathe this stuff. The environment is often described as a “happy place” where self-expression is king.
A downside to consider is that because they run professional mentorships and term-based structures, it can be harder to just “drop in” casually without committing to a full term or program.
This requires a bit more dedication than other studios.
Customer Reviews
React is more than an aerial studio. It’s a collection of incredible people, hosted by super talented trainers. It’s a place where we can be ourselves, express ourselves, and be in our “happy place”.
- Kate M | Google Review
59 year old me and a 67 year old friend tried out the one-off classes at React Studios outside of term. Tried the Aerial Hoop and Aerial Silks. Really comfortable environment with students of all ages, shapes and sizes. Cel and Rani were both great teachers!
Loved both so much but had to make a choice and signed up for a term of Silks. Completed the term and hoping to be back for more, if my calendar allows!
- Alex Chan | Google Review
