Snap Fitness includes New Zealand in latest expansion

New Zealand is among the markets included in Snap Fitness’s recent club expansion, according to a profile published by Athletech News on 9 November. The update places local growth within a wider international programme that delivered 58 new clubs globally between September 2025 and September 2026.

New Zealand joins wider opening programme

Athletech News identifies New Zealand alongside Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia as markets where Snap Fitness has recently opened clubs. For New Zealand’s franchise community, that provides a fresh indication of activity by an established international fitness brand.

The network’s headline expansion figures are global, rather than New Zealand totals. Across the September-to-September reporting period, Snap Fitness opened 58 clubs and sold 164 franchises. Those measures describe different stages of development: a franchise sale should not be read as an operating gym.

That distinction matters when assessing the pace of expansion. The opening figure measures additions to the operating network, while the sales figure relates to franchise commitments. Neither figure should be presented as the number of new clubs or franchise agreements in New Zealand.

The local relevance is therefore specific: New Zealand forms part of the brand’s recent opening activity, within a much larger international network.

Existing owners account for most franchise sales

One of the most notable figures in the update concerns who is buying. According to Athletech News, 70% of Snap Fitness’s franchise sales during the reporting period came from existing franchisees expanding their portfolios.

That gives repeat ownership a prominent role in the brand’s current development. Rather than relying solely on people joining the network for the first time, Snap Fitness is also selling additional franchises to operators already familiar with its model.

For prospective owners, this is a useful point to investigate, rather than a substitute for financial due diligence. An existing franchisee’s decision to expand does not establish what another operator will earn, or whether a particular New Zealand location will be suitable.

Useful questions include how owners manage more than one club, which responsibilities remain with each local team, and what additional support accompanies expansion. Conversations with both single-club and multi-club franchisees can help candidates test whether the ownership role matches their experience and expectations.

A global network with Asia-Pacific support

Founded in 2003, Snap Fitness is part of the Lift Brands portfolio and operates a 24/7 fitness concept. Athletech News reports that the brand has more than 1,000 clubs across 18 countries and works with more than 600 franchisees globally.

Its international footprint spans North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The profile also reports that Snap Fitness was recognised as Best Fitness Franchise at the 2026 Global Franchise Awards.

Regional support arrangements are particularly relevant for candidates considering an international brand. Snap Fitness provides Asia-Pacific support from Brisbane, Australia, while its Europe, Middle East and Africa support is based in London.

For a New Zealand applicant, the practical next step is to establish how that regional structure translates into assistance for an individual club. Candidates should ask who handles their application, what help is available before opening, and how ongoing operational questions are addressed. A global footprint and a regional office are useful context, but the detail of the local working relationship deserves separate scrutiny.

What prospective New Zealand owners should check

Prospective franchisees can register their interest through the Snap Fitness website to connect with the relevant development team, according to Athletech News.

Before committing, applicants should seek information specific to their proposed New Zealand location and ownership structure. That includes confirming availability, obtaining a full explanation of the investment and ongoing fees, and understanding the obligations attached to the franchise agreement.

The practical takeaway: treat Snap Fitness’s international growth as a starting point for enquiries, not a forecast for a local gym. Verify the New Zealand opportunity, speak with existing owners and assess the proposed club on its own merits.