By Anders Wilson
Practising yoga is safer and more fun if you have the right yoga mat. If you’re looking for one, you’ve got perfect timing as we’ve listed the best yoga mats in New Zealand here for you!
You can find a plethora of yoga mats in the market, differing in features, sizes, thickness and designs. Then add to that the style of yoga you will do and which mats are best for it.
That’s why it can be hard to figure out which mat you should actually purchase. As such, we’ll tackle the essentials of buying a yoga mat first. Hopefully, this will make it easy to select one from our roundup of the best yoga mats in New Zealand later on!
If you’re game, let’s begin!
What to Look for in a Yoga Mat
Though buying a yoga mat might seem simple, it has a lot of complexity. It involves a lot of personal factors and testing if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It helps to know the features you need to look for in a yoga mat: material, thickness, texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, price and design. Let’s take a closer look at them:
1) Material
A mat can be of natural rubber, recycled rubber, cotton, jute, TPE, foam, vinyl, microsuede or a blend of any two or more of these.
If you want your yoga mat to be slip-proof, you should select one that’s made of vinyl. Cotton provides neatness, softness, and comfort for the yoga mat.
Natural rubber or Latex is great for a non-slip yoga mat too, though it can cause allergic reactions. Note that it’s different from earth-friendly natural tree rubber or recycled rubber.
2) Thickness
Since you will be using your yoga mat while you’re training, you should find one that is comfortable for you. This means it doesn’t feel painful to use.
This will depend on the thickness of the yoga mat. There are 5mm mats that are cushiony and thick, great for supporting the knees in various poses or HIIT training.
2mm mats are obviously on the thin end of the scale and are preferred by some yogis. Others, however, use them as overlays to their mats for added comfort.
3) Texture
A yoga mat shouldn’t slip or slide while you’re doing yoga poses. The reason is that it’s unsafe and distracting: it will undermine your efforts in performing balancing poses.
There are raised surfaces on yoga mats that make them stable for you to practise on. These surfaces come in a variety of designs and patterns you can choose from.
Word of caution: avoid mat surfaces that are bumpy, because this can be uncomfortable to use, especially when you lie down or press your hands on it to do a yoga pose.
4) Stickiness
Like the raised texture, stickiness prevents the mat from sliding or slipping. This allows you to move from one pose to another in a smooth and coordinated manner.
You should look for PVC or vinyl yoga mats as they have the best stickiness. They’re stickier compared to cotton, latex, or natural and recycled wood.
5) Eco-Friendliness
You can look out for the environment by opting for an eco-friendly mat. This means your mat can be recycled and reused again and won’t add to the garbage in landfills.
These are popular choices today and you can find a great many of them. Look for those made with natural/organic materials or recycled materials that are environment-friendly.
Most of them are non-toxic and safe to use with minimal to no trace of artificial chemicals. Therefore, these are definitely excellent mats to have!
6) Price
Eco-friendly yoga mats tend to be more expensive than mats made from vinyl, cotton, natural wood and microsuede. Thicker mats have a higher price point as well.
From there, you can expect to pay more for wonderful designs, logos, tactile surfaces, etc. You can usually get a high-quality yoga mat from $40 above.
7) Design
After weighing the thickness, texture, material, stickiness and price, design is easy. Choose something that you like with regard to the design, colour and pattern.
This will make your yoga more enjoyable and exciting to do. And it’s a bonus if that mat includes a shoulder strap, so you don’t have to buy a bag for your mat!
The Best Yoga Mats in New Zealand
Now that you know what to look for in a yoga mat, here are the best yoga mats in New Zealand! Note that we tried to provide as varied a range as we could get without dipping in terms of quality.
1) Adidas 4MM Yoga Mat (Raw Green)
Best for Tall Yogis
Price: $49.99
If you’re a passionate yogi who practices more than a few times in the week, you’ll need a reliable mat that can take the hot sweat and endless series of poses and stretches.
The Adidas 4mm Yoga Mat fits the bill perfectly. This yoga mat has thickness, traction, comfort and style — just what you need no matter how vigorous the training gets!
Measuring 173 cm long and 61 cm wide, the yoga mat also makes it suitable for taller yoga practitioners. This way, their hands and feet stay within the mat and not outside.
The 4mm thickness and cushion provides you with the right amount of comfort for the joints and body, while letting you stay connected and grounded to the floor.
A textured surface adds style and stability to the mat, as well as keeps your poses in greater alignment. Whether you do a tree pose or low lunge, this mat will stick to the ground!
And when you’ve just finished your yoga, the mat can be cleaned with a soft towel. Then you can roll it up conveniently to place inside a bag or in the holder.
Pros
- Perfect balance of thickness and cushion
- Textured, non-slip surface
- Also suitable for taller yogis
- Easy to clean using a soft towel
- Stylish colour
Cons
- Can shed rubber bits if not taken care of
Customer Reviews
On Amazon, customers have been satisfied with the Adidas 4mm Yoga Mat owing to its excellent non-slip properties, comfortable cushioning, and quality as well as value for money.
For one yogi, it provided enough comfort and firmness to do more complex moves and positions.
Furthermore, Zoe Skivington, one customer, wrote a review:
“Absolutely LOVE these mats. I recently became a studio owner and wanted all my mats to match. I bought one to see what it was like and I am loving it so I have bought some more and will continue to buy these mats for as long as I can get my hands on them. Great quality.”
2) Yellow Willow Yoga Yoga Mat (Moroccan Fan)
Best Overall Yoga Mat
Price: $134.16
A slippery yoga mat significantly hinders your body from improving in strength and flexibility. But that won’t happen when you use Yellow Willow’s Yoga Yoga Mat!
With a high-performance, stable grip, you can ace sequential yoga positions one after another. And the comfy 3mm surface lets you stay balanced and rooted to the Earth.
Made from natural wood rubber and recycled materials, the chic mat is eco-friendly and contains no toxic chemicals. This makes it safe for your practice.
In addition to being safe to use, it can also be machine-washed to keep it clean at least once every week. Or if it’s not too dirty, you can just wipe it clean with a special cleaner.
Fabulously patterned, non-slip, and durable, the Yellow Willow Yoga Yoga Mat just had to be included amongst the best yoga mats in New Zealand!
Pros
- High-performance, non-slip mat surface
- Made from natural wood rubber and recycled bottles
- Super-absorbent
- Durable and chic mat
- Machine-washable
- 100% non-toxic
Cons
- Expensive price
Customer Reviews
Not only is the mat slip-proof, but it’s also sweat-absorbent ideal for doing hot yoga. Vinyasa or just about any yoga style.
Anyway, here’s a comment from one customer, Grace on yellowwillowyoga.com:
“Like most people, I’m staying at home during the pandemic and relying on workouts from my living room. An instructor recommended this, and I can’t tell you how much I love this mat. No more slipping or sliding, and I sweat A LOT! Can’t wait to order a second one!”
3) Rockwear Studio Fitness Yoga Mat
Best Yoga Mat for Thickness
Price: $44.99
Seeking to burn the calories through Yoga, HIIT, or Pilates? Well, the Rockwear Studio Fitness Yoga Mat is specially designed for those kinds of workouts and stretching!
Having a thickness of 5mm, it ensures your knees will be protected from the impact of hard and explosive workouts. An example is power-running in place or doing fast burpee jumps.
The yoga mat is made from 90% TPE, 6% polyester and 4% cotton, providing durability and soft, comfortable feel. Plus, it’s also reversible, i.e. it can be used on both sides!
The mat is also nicely adorned with the Rockwear logo and patterned surface. And there are 2 colours you can choose from: Aegean Gunmetal Blue and Garnet Gunmetal Red.
For a versatile exercise or training mat, you can’t go wrong with the Rockwear Studio Fitness Yoga Mat! And it’s available now at an affordable price that includes the strap!
Pros
- All-around training mat
- Thick and cushioned for hard and explosive workouts
- Affordable price
- Reversible mat
- Available in two designs/colours
Cons
- Colour can fade when left in sunlight
Customer Reviews
This yoga mat is highly recommended by customers at Rockwear Australia due to its amazing quality, thickness and size — no more back and knee pain when exercising!
Angela B. posted her feedback on the Rockwear Australia website:
“I love Rockwear studio mats!! Longer, thicker and wider than your average mat!! Not to mention super adorable! Will never buy another brand mat!”
4) Adidas Hot Yoga Mat (Black)
Best for Hot Yoga
Price: $89.99
Specially designed for Hot Yoga, the Adidas Hot Yoga Mat is a moisture-wicking mat you can carry and use under the most humid yoga sessions from 40℃ and up!
Adidas has constantly developed amazing sports products over the years, and we think this reversible mat is surely one of them! You can use the gripped or towelled side to get both comfort and traction.
Stylish and black, the Hot Yoga mat boasts an excellent design you’d be proud to have. Whether you have a slender, fit, chubby, or tall body, this 173 x 61 cm mat is suitable!
And since every true yogi keeps the environment in mind, it’s worth mentioning that this one’s also environmentally friendly! 43% of it is made from biodegradable synthetic material.
Of course, this super-cool mat is also easy and safe to wash after a hot yoga session! It can be rolled up and placed into the mat bag then, ready for another detoxing yoga experience!
Pros
- Designed for Hot Yoga
- Unique and reversible mat
- Moisture-wicking
- Stylish design
- Fits all body types
- Made from an eco-friendly material
- Easy and safe for washing
Cons
- Yoga mat is too thin
- Isn’t machine-washable
Customer Reviews
Despite what others have said, reviews have been epic for the Adidas Yoga Mat. These customers liked the non-slip surface, comfort and ease of cleaning after use.
Moreover, let’s see Liz’s comment on Amazon UK:
“I have previously found it impossible not to slip in room temperature yoga. The towels with little silicon dots are a waste of time. But this mat is fab. I put it on top of my regular mat which stays nice and clean. I use the microfibre side for most poses but then turn over to the real non slip side for wide standing poses. No slipping at all. Yoga is less tiring because of it. The microfibre side is nice and comfortable for the lying positions. Great value mat too. Very happy.”
5) Wild Coast Yoga Waiheke Island Yoga Mat
Best for Design
Price: $120.00
A little feel of summer, sand, and splashing cool waters in Waiheke Island. The Wild Coast Yoga Waiheke Island Yoga Mat can take you to that scene while you do your yoga!
Part of their latest Eco Grip range, these attractive yoga mats are sustainable and slip-proof. They are made from recyclable rubber topped by a soft microsuede fabric.
The Waiheke Island Yoga Mat is ideal for travelling and yoga. It comes with a shoulder strap for easy carry to a yoga studio or even… well, the sun-kissed beach.
Thickness is at 3mm, which we think provides ample cushioning while letting you feel grounded. And the size is 180 x 61 cm, which is the standard size, suitable for all yogis!
The Wild Coast Yoga mat features several design options based on original aerial photography of famous beaches and islands, by the way. We picked the Waiheke Island design as we liked it best!
Pros
- Classy, non-slip mat
- Soft and smooth fabric
- Features aerial photography of Waiheke Island
- Made from sustainable materials
- Ideal for travelling and yoga
Cons
- Expensive
Customer Reviews
Many yoga aficionados were excited when they received their Wild Coast yoga mats. They have nothing but high praise, saying they had fantastic design and quality.
Here’s a review coming from Emma Edgecombe on Facebook:
“Absolutely LOVE � my wild coast yoga mat! So nice to use and is really pretty as well. Would definitely recommend!!!!!”
6) Chakra Yoga Mat
Best for Hot Yoga
Price: $109.99
Purchase It Now On Valka Yoga NZ
The Chakra Yoga Mat is perfect for yogis who tend to work up a sweat during their yoga session. It’s made with Portuguese cork, a material with many beneficial properties.
Portuguese cork is naturally germ and odour resistant. It has incredible gripping power, even when wet.
You won’t need to worry about cleaning this yoga mat frequently. Best of all, it’s made with sustainable materials and built to last.
Pros
- Perfect for sweaty users
- Non-slip
- Antimicrobial
- Sustainably sourced
Cons
- Limited design options
7) Indigo Blossom Yoga Mat
Best for Sustainable Yoga
Price: $110
Purchase It Now On Manawa Eco Yoga
Do your yoga sessions in floral style with the Indigo Blossom Yoga Mat. It features a minimalist design, with the focal point being the petals of a blossom on the top portion of the mat.
Made with sustainable cork, this yoga mat is grippy and slip-proof. You won’t need to worry about smells either — it possesses antimicrobial properties.
It’s biodegradable and self-sustaining, making it friendly for the environment. You can count on this soft yoga mat to serve you for many yoga sessions.
Pros
- Built to last
- Wide range of designs and sizes on website
- Soft and grippy
- Biodegradable
- Anti-microbial
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Mostly brown-based designs
8) Metatron Pistachio Organic Jute 100% ECO YOGATRIBE® MAT
Best for Eco-Friendly
Price: $125
The Metatron Pistachio Organic Jute Yoga Mat is a premium yoga mat made with organic jute fibers and polymer environmental resin. It features a geometric design called the Metatron.
The Metatron is a figure that contains every form that is found in the universe. It’s design aims to empower its user to pursue their goals, no matter how difficult it may be.
It’s non-toxic, latex-free, and silicone-free. This yoga mat is perfect for eco-friendly yogis.
Pros
- Made from natural jute fibers
- Non-toxic
- Non-phlegmatic
- Latex-free and silicone-free
Cons
- Limited design options
9) Manduka PRO Extra Long 6mm – Sage
Best for Thick Yoga Mat
Price: $273.00
Purchase It Now On Yoga Arts NZ
The Manduka PRO yoga mat is perfect for workouts with high-performance routines. It is made using a dense material that is second to none when it comes to comfort and cushioning.
It features a simple and elegant design and comes in various colors. Their Manduka series also has various lengths available — perfect for accommodating your exercise space no matter what size it is.
The Manduka PRO yoga mat was developed with the customer’s interests in mind. You can rest assured that this product will be able to serve you for a long time.
Pros
- Simple and elegant design
- Dense and thick yoga mat
- Unparalleled comfort and cushioning
- Lightweight for its thickness
Cons
- Not great for travel
- Can’t use essential oils to clean
And that’s all for the best yoga mats in New Zealand! These yoga mats have exceptional quality and can help you achieve your fitness goals!
Have you got any questions to ask us about this topic? Feel free to drop us a line and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Oh, and after getting your yoga mat, you may want to do some Bikram yoga! To know more, you can read about the best yoga studios in Auckland for that.