Top 5 Gyms in New Zealand

Introduction: Choosing the Right Gym in New Zealand

New Zealand’s fitness scene offers diverse options for every type of exerciser, from budget-conscious gym-goers to those seeking premium group fitness experiences. With major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch hosting multiple gym chains, and regional centers providing quality facilities, finding the right fit can be overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the top 5 gym chains in New Zealand based on 2025 pricing, facility quality, membership flexibility, and real user experiences. Whether you’re a student, professional, or fitness enthusiast, we’ll help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison Table: New Zealand Gyms at a Glance

Gym Chain	Starting Price (Weekly)	Key Features	Best For	Locations
Les Mills	NZ$18-25	Premium group classes, modern facilities	Group fitness enthusiasts, those wanting variety	12+ locations
Jetts Fitness	NZ$11.95-15	24/7 access, no contracts	Budget-conscious, flexible schedules	50+ locations
CityFitness	NZ$6.99-19.99	Affordable, good equipment	Beginners, value seekers	40+ locations
Snap Fitness	NZ$14.95-19.95	24/7 access, global network	Travelers, night owls	60+ locations
F45 Training	NZ$55-80	HIIT group training, community vibe	High-intensity workout lovers	70+ locations

Prices are approximate and may vary by location and membership type. Check official websites for current rates.

Detailed Gym Reviews: What You Need to Know

1. Les Mills New Zealand

Overview: Founded in 1968 by former Olympian Les Mills, this Auckland-based chain has grown into a global fitness powerhouse. Known for its signature group fitness classes like BodyPump, RPM, and BodyCombat, Les Mills offers a premium gym experience with state-of-the-art facilities.

2025 Membership Pricing:

Standard Membership: NZ$18-25 per week (varies by location)
Student/Concession: Discounts available (varies by location)
Joining Fee: Typically NZ$50-100 (often waived during promotions)
Contract: Usually 12-month minimum, some flexible options

What You Get:

Unlimited access to all group fitness classes
Modern cardio and strength equipment
Swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms at select locations
Personal training available (extra cost)
Nationwide access to all Les Mills clubs

Pros:

✅ World-class group fitness: Over 30 different class types
✅ High-quality facilities: Well-maintained equipment and clean spaces
✅ Multiple locations: Convenient access in major cities
✅ Community atmosphere: Motivating group environment

Cons:

❌ Higher cost: Among the most expensive gym chains
❌ Peak hour crowds: Classes and equipment can get busy
❌ Contract commitments: Less flexibility than some competitors

Locations: Auckland (5+), Wellington (2), Christchurch (2), Hamilton, Dunedin, and other major centers. Total 12+ locations nationwide.

Who It’s For: If you love group fitness classes, want premium facilities, and don’t mind paying more for quality, Les Mills is worth the investment. Ideal for those who want variety and motivation from instructors.

2. Jetts Fitness New Zealand

Overview: Launched in Australia in 2007 and expanding to New Zealand shortly after, Jetts has become one of the country’s most popular 24/7 gym chains. Their no-contract, affordable model appeals to those wanting flexibility without long-term commitments.

2025 Membership Pricing:

Standard Membership: NZ$11.95-15 per week
No joining fee (most locations)
No lock-in contracts: Cancel anytime
Multi-club access: Included in standard membership

What You Get:

24/7 access to all Jetts locations
Basic cardio and strength equipment
Free weights and functional training areas
Some locations offer group classes (check local club)
Mobile app for access and membership management

Pros:

✅ 24/7 access: Train anytime, day or night
✅ No contracts: Cancel or pause anytime
✅ Affordable pricing: Among the cheapest options
✅ Nationwide access: Use any Jetts location

Cons:

❌ Limited amenities: No pools, saunas, or extensive class schedules
❌ Smaller facilities: Can feel crowded during peak times
❌ Equipment quality varies: Some locations have older equipment

Locations: 50+ locations across New Zealand, with strong presence in Auckland (20+), Wellington (8), Christchurch (6), Tauranga, Hamilton, and regional centers.

Who It’s For: Perfect for budget-conscious gym-goers who want flexibility and 24/7 access. Great for students, shift workers, or anyone who doesn’t want to be locked into a contract.

3. CityFitness New Zealand

Overview: Founded in 2000, CityFitness has positioned itself as the value leader in the New Zealand gym market. Offering a balance of affordability and quality facilities, it’s a popular choice for those wanting more than basic equipment without premium pricing.

2025 Membership Pricing:

Basic Membership: NZ$6.99-9.99 per week (12-month contract)
Flexible Membership: NZ$14.99-19.99 per week (no contract)
Joining Fee: NZ$49 (often waived during promotions)
Multi-club access: Included in most memberships

What You Get:

Full range of cardio and strength equipment
Group fitness classes included (varies by location)
Functional training areas
Clean, modern facilities
Some locations have pools and additional amenities

Pros:

✅ Excellent value: More amenities than budget chains
✅ Good equipment selection: Well-maintained machines
✅ Class variety: Multiple group fitness options
✅ Multiple membership tiers: Options for different budgets

Cons:

❌ Peak hour crowding: Can be very busy after work hours
❌ Contract requirements: Cheaper plans require 12-month commitment
❌ Amenities vary: Not all locations have pools or premium features

Locations: 40+ locations nationwide, with strong presence in Auckland (15+), Wellington (6), Christchurch (5), Hamilton, Dunedin, and other urban centers.

Who It’s For: If you want a full-service gym experience without the premium price tag, CityFitness offers the best balance. Good for those who want classes and quality equipment on a budget.

4. Snap Fitness New Zealand

Overview: An American import that launched in New Zealand, Snap Fitness offers a similar 24/7 model to Jetts but with slightly more amenities and a global network. Part of a worldwide chain with over 2,000 locations, it appeals to travelers and those wanting consistency across locations.

2025 Membership Pricing:

Standard Membership: NZ$14.95-19.95 per week
Joining Fee: NZ$49-99 (varies by location)
Contract options: Month-to-month and annual plans
Global access: Use any Snap Fitness worldwide

What You Get:

24/7 access to all locations
Modern cardio and strength equipment
Functional training zones
Some locations offer group classes (extra cost at some)
Mobile app for access and booking

Pros:

✅ Global network: Access gyms in NZ, Australia, and worldwide
✅ 24/7 flexibility: Train anytime
✅ Modern equipment: Generally well-maintained
✅ Multiple membership options: Various tiers available

Cons:

❌ Price varies: Some locations charge more for same amenities
❌ Limited classes: Not all locations offer group fitness
❌ Franchise inconsistency: Quality can vary between locations

Locations: 60+ locations across New Zealand, with strong presence in Auckland (25+), Wellington (8), Christchurch (6), Tauranga, Palmerston North, and regional areas.

Who It’s For: Travelers, expats, or anyone who wants the flexibility to train at multiple locations worldwide. Good for those who want 24/7 access with slightly more amenities than budget chains.

5. F45 Training New Zealand

Overview: Unlike traditional gyms, F45 focuses exclusively on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group classes. Founded in Sydney in 2013, it has rapidly expanded globally with its unique 45-minute functional training format.

2025 Membership Pricing:

Unlimited Membership: NZ$55-80 per week
Class packs: Available (e.g., 8 classes for NZ$160-200)
Drop-in class: NZ$20-40 per session
No joining fee (most locations)
No contracts (most locations)

What You Get:

Unlimited 45-minute HIIT classes
Certified trainers leading every session
Heart rate monitoring (some locations)
Community atmosphere
No equipment maintenance required

Pros:

✅ Time-efficient: 45-minute full-body workouts
✅ Motivating environment: Group training keeps you accountable
✅ No thinking required: Trainers plan everything
✅ Results-focused: HIIT is proven effective for fat loss

Cons:

❌ High cost: Significantly more expensive than traditional gyms
❌ Limited to HIIT: No traditional gym equipment access
❌ Class schedule dependent: Must book classes in advance
❌ Intensity may not suit everyone: Not ideal for beginners or those with injuries

Locations: 70+ studios across New Zealand, with strong presence in Auckland (30+), Wellington (10), Christchurch (8), Hamilton, Queenstown, and other urban centers.

Who It’s For: If you want structured, high-intensity workouts with group motivation and don’t mind the premium price, F45 delivers results. Not suitable for those who prefer solo training or need access to traditional gym equipment.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Budget vs. Value

Under NZ$15/week: Jetts and CityFitness basic plans offer the best value
NZ$15-25/week: CityFitness flexible, Snap Fitness, and some Les Mills options
Over NZ$25/week: Les Mills premium, F45, and specialty studios

Tip: Calculate the annual cost, not just weekly rates. A NZ$10/week difference adds up to NZ$520/year.

2. Training Style & Goals

Group classes: Les Mills (variety), F45 (HIIT)
Solo training: Jetts, CityFitness, Snap Fitness
24/7 access: Jetts, Snap Fitness
Premium amenities: Les Mills (pools, saunas)

3. Location & Convenience

Check how many locations are near your home, work, or commute route. A cheaper gym that’s inconvenient may not get used.

4. Contract Flexibility

No contracts: Jetts, F45 (most locations)
Flexible options: Snap Fitness, CityFitness
Long-term commitments: Les Mills, CityFitness basic plans

5. Free Trials & Promotions

Most gyms offer free trials or discounted first months. Always try before you commit.

How to Get the Best Deal

Compare multiple locations: Prices can vary within the same chain
Ask about promotions: Many gyms waive joining fees or offer discounts
Negotiate: Some chains have flexibility, especially if you’re joining with others
Check corporate/student discounts: Many offer 10-20% off
Consider off-peak memberships: Some gyms offer cheaper rates for non-peak hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which gym is cheapest in New Zealand?

A: CityFitness offers the lowest starting price at NZ$6.99/week (with 12-month contract), while Jetts is the cheapest no-contract option at NZ$11.95/week.

Q: Can I use my membership at different locations?

A: Most chains offer multi-club access (Les Mills, Jetts, CityFitness, Snap Fitness), but check specific membership tiers. F45 memberships are studio-specific.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?

A: Always ask about annual fees, cancellation fees, or additional charges for classes/amenities. Most reputable chains are transparent about costs.

Q: What if I want to cancel?

A: No-contract gyms (Jetts, some F45 locations) allow cancellation anytime. Others may require notice periods or charge cancellation fees.

Q: Which gym has the best equipment?

A: Les Mills generally has the newest and most extensive equipment, followed by CityFitness. Budget chains have functional but basic equipment.

Final Recommendation

For most people: CityFitness offers the best balance of price, facilities, and flexibility. The NZ$6.99/week basic plan (with contract) provides excellent value.

If you want 24/7 access: Jetts Fitness is the most affordable no-contract option, while Snap Fitness offers more amenities and global access for slightly more.

If you love group classes: Les Mills is worth the premium for class variety and quality, while F45 is ideal if you specifically want HIIT training.

Before joining: Always visit the specific location you’ll use, try a free trial, and read the contract terms carefully. The best gym is the one you’ll actually use consistently.

Disclaimer: Prices and information are based on 2025 market research and may vary by location and time. Always check official gym websites or visit in person for current rates and promotions. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or fitness advice.

Ready to start? Most gyms offer online sign-up or free trials. Visit their official websites to get started:

Les Mills: www.lesmills.co.nz
Jetts Fitness: www.jetts.co.nz
CityFitness: www.cityfitness.co.nz
Snap Fitness: www.snapfitness.com/nz
F45 Training: www.f45training.co.nz

Last updated: January 2025

About Author

VOLTRX was founded in 2017 with a vision to revolutionize the way we mix protein/supplements. VOLTRX engineers and designers have worked tirelessly to create an electric shaker bottle that not only eliminates clumping and hand shaking, but also inspires you to become the best version of yourself. With a powerful motor and sleek design, our product makes mixing a breeze, allowing you to focus on achieving your fitness goals. Join the VOLTRX family and experience a product that’s more than just a convenience – it’s a symbol of your commitment to your health and fitness journey.

Chillmix

Gallium

Merger

VortexBoost

Top 5 Gyms in New Zealand

Introduction: Choosing the Right Gym in New Zealand

Quick Comparison Table: New Zealand Gyms at a Glance