How to Cancel Gym Memberships in New Zealand - Complete Guide
Gym memberships are among the most common subscription services that Kiwis struggle to cancel. Whether you're switching gyms, moving locations, or simply changing your fitness routine, here's everything you need to know about cancelling gym memberships in New Zealand.
Your Rights Under New Zealand Law
Consumer Guarantees Act Protection
- Right to cancel within a reasonable timeframe
- Clear cancellation process must be provided
- Unfair contract terms may not be enforceable
- Reasonable notice periods (typically 2-4 weeks)
Fair Trading Act Protection
- Misleading cancellation terms are not allowed
- Hidden fees must be clearly disclosed
- Automatic renewals must be clearly stated
- Cooling-off periods for some contracts
General Steps to Cancel Any Gym Membership
1. Check Your Contract
- Read the cancellation clause carefully
- Note the required notice period (usually 2-4 weeks)
- Identify any cancellation fees
- Check for minimum term requirements
2. Give Written Notice
- Email or letter to gym management
- Include your membership number and personal details
- State your cancellation date clearly
- Request written confirmation
3. Return Equipment
- Gym cards or fobs
- Locker keys
- Any borrowed equipment
- Towels or other items
Major Gym Chains in New Zealand
CityFitness Cancellation
- 14 days written notice required
- Email: info@cityfitness.co.nz
- In-person: Visit your home gym
- Cancellation form: Available online
- Fees: Usually none for monthly memberships
Jetts Cancellation
- 14 days written notice required
- Online: Through member portal
- Email: Contact your local gym
- Phone: Call your home gym directly
- Fees: May apply for fixed-term contracts
Anytime Fitness Cancellation
- 30 days written notice required
- In-person: Visit your home gym (required)
- Form: Complete cancellation form
- Fees: $25 cancellation fee (typical)
- Contract: Check minimum term requirements
F45 Cancellation
- 14 days written notice required
- In-person: Visit your home studio
- Email: Contact studio directly
- Fees: Varies by location and contract type
- Class packages: Different rules may apply
Les Mills Cancellation
- 14 days written notice required
- Online: Through member portal
- Phone: Call your home gym
- Email: Contact gym directly
- Fees: Usually none for monthly memberships
Common Cancellation Fees
Typical Fee Structure
- Monthly memberships: Usually no cancellation fee
- Annual contracts: $50-$150 cancellation fee
- Fixed-term contracts: Early termination may require full payment
- Administration fees: $10-$25 processing fee
When Fees May Be Waived
- Moving overseas (proof required)
- Medical reasons (medical certificate required)
- Unemployment (proof may be required)
- Gym closure or significant changes
Alternative Gym Options in New Zealand
Budget-Friendly Options
- Snap Fitness: $15-$25/week
- Planet Fitness: $12-$20/week
- Genesis Fitness: $18-$30/week
- Council gyms: $10-$15/week
Boutique Fitness Options
- ClassPass: $39-$89/month for multiple studios
- Barry's Bootcamp: $45-$60/class
- Pure Barre: $200-$300/month unlimited
Home Fitness Alternatives
- Peloton: $59/month (equipment separate)
- Apple Fitness+: $8.99/month
- Nike Training Club: Free
- YouTube fitness: Free
When You Can Cancel Without Fees
Valid Reasons for Fee Waiver
- Moving more than 25km from nearest gym
- Medical inability to exercise (doctor's certificate)
- Unemployment lasting more than 2 months
- Gym reducing hours significantly
- Major facility changes that affect your usage
Documentation Required
- Medical certificate from registered doctor
- Proof of address change (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Unemployment benefit documentation
- Statutory declaration if required
Protecting Yourself When Joining
Before Signing Up
- Read all terms carefully
- Ask about cancellation policy upfront
- Understand minimum terms
- Check for cooling-off periods
Contract Red Flags
- Automatic renewals without notice
- Excessive cancellation fees
- Unclear cancellation processes
- No cooling-off period
Sample Cancellation Letter
[Date]
[Gym Name]
[Address]
Dear Manager,
I am writing to formally cancel my gym membership, effective [Date - minimum notice period from today].
Membership Details:
- Name: [Your Name]
- Membership Number: [Number]
- Address: [Your Address]
- Phone: [Your Phone]
I understand that my membership will remain active until [End Date] as per the required notice period. Please confirm receipt of this cancellation notice and provide written confirmation of my membership termination.
I will return all gym equipment and cards by [Date].
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
[Your Name]
What to Do If Your Gym Won't Let You Cancel
Steps to Take
- Document everything - emails, letters, calls
- Contact Consumer NZ for advice
- Dispute with your bank if charges continue
- Commerce Commission for serious breaches
- Disputes Tribunal for unresolved issues
Getting Help
- Consumer NZ: 0800 266 786
- Commerce Commission: 0800 943 600
- Citizens Advice Bureau: Free local advice
- Community Law Centres: Free legal advice
Track Your Gym Spending
Gym memberships can cost $800-$2,000+ per year. Use Subcircle to:
- Track your actual gym visits vs. cost per visit
- Monitor multiple fitness subscriptions
- Get insights on your fitness spending patterns
- Set alerts for renewal dates
- Compare costs of different fitness options
Next Steps After Cancellation
- Get written confirmation of cancellation
- Monitor your bank account for unexpected charges
- Return all equipment promptly
- Consider alternative fitness options
- Track your savings with Subcircle
Ready to optimize your fitness spending? Sign up for Subcircle and discover how much you could save by tracking and managing all your subscriptions, including gym memberships.
