Kaikōura Early Learning Centre
Enrolment offer
Receive 30 hours FREE for 3 months for 0-3 year olds. T&C's apply
Kia ora!
Kia ora!
About this centre
Kaikōura Early Learning Centre is a warm and welcoming space nestled beneath the stunning Ka Whata Tū o Rakihouia Clarence ranges. With breathtaking mountain views right on our doorstep, our tamariki are surrounded by a natural landscape that inspires curiosity, exploration and a deep connection to the world around them.
Our spacious, purpose built centre offers endless opportunities for play and discovery. Tamariki can be found swinging across monkey bars and hanging ropes, digging moats in the sandpit, splashing through water play, and making the most of our expansive outdoor environment. Nature is a big part of who we are here in Kaikōura, and we embrace it every day through outdoor play and hands on experiences.
Tamariki learn through rich, play‑based experiences that reflect who they are, where they come from, and the world around them. They learn by exploring the outdoors, engaging with natural materials, and participating in everyday activities that connect them to Kaikōura’s land and sea.
As part of a close knit and vibrant Kaikōura community, we celebrate each child’s unique identity and create a space where they feel a true sense of belonging.
0–6 years
Individualised support, guidance and resources
Enrolment offer
Receive 30 hours FREE for 3 months for 0-3 year olds. T&C's apply
Flexible hours
8:30am-4:00pm with part or full day options
Large outdoors
Spacious, secure and fun environment
Home packed kai
Parents provide lunch boxes for their tamariki
Expertise and knowledge
Experienced in early learning for over 55 years
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More about us
Convenience
Our aim is to create the best conditions for your child's learning, wellbeing and care. We also know how important it is to give you the convenience you need and reassurance that your child is in safe hands. Our beautiful location, near the beach, loving team and tailored environment are all waiting to be discovered by your family/whānau.
Full and part day hours, and Storypark - our online parent communication tool, are just some of the ways we try to make things a little easier for parents. Local excursions and fun activities are just the beginning when it comes to being the best we can be for your child.
Staff who nurture and inspire
Our qualified and experienced teachers are committed to caring for and nurturing your child. They build a strong connection with each child throughout their early learning journey and go out of their way to ensure every child feels supported and their unique needs are met.
Our teachers create positive opportunities for your child to develop physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. They help guide your child as they navigate new friendships, master new skills and build independence and resilience to get ready for school and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.
Engaging environment
Our happy and nurturing environment will inspire, stimulate and empower your child to learn in their own unique way. The outdoor spaces challenge and excite the imagination. We have our own vegetable patches and orchard where the children grow and harvest their own food.
Our spacious and light filled indoor areas offer room for reading, rest, and engaging indoor learning experiences. Our children love painting, waiata and the many natural play areas they have to discover.
Connecting with the outdoors
We only know who we are, by knowing where we come from. That's why building a strong connection with nature and our local community is so important. We believe it helps your child develop a sense of belonging and identity and positively influences their learning experiences.
We take every opportunity to contribute to the local community by doing meals on wheels, regular visits to the local hospital spending time with the residents there and sharing produce with families and community members.
Visits to local schools offer transition to school assistance and we take part in the community.
We're so lucky to have so many wonderful options on our doorstep here in Kaikoura. We go on community excursions to the local library and visit the high school playground on school holidays.
Care that grows with your child
We recognise that tamariki at different ages and stages have very different needs. That’s why our approach early learning evolves as your child grows, ensuring they feel safe, supported and confident every step of the way.
We also take the time to get to know each child and their whānau from the very beginning. During the onboarding process, our kaiako work closely with parents and caregivers to understand each child’s individual needs, routines and preferences, helping us create a smooth, familiar transition into care.
For our pēpi and toddlers (0–2 year olds)
Our youngest tamariki are nurtured in calm, secure and responsive environments, with dedicated kaiako who specialise in caring for this age group. We focus on building strong, trusting relationships, as this is the foundation for all future learning and wellbeing.
Pēpi have their own thoughtfully designed spaces, with cosy areas for rest, bespoke cots, and age appropriate resources that support early movement, sensory exploration and discovery. Barnardos Early Learning services offer safe outdoor areas, so they can begin to explore the natural world in a gentle and supported way.
Our routines are flexible and guided by each child’s individual rhythms, ensuring their needs for sleep, nourishment and comfort are always prioritised.
For our older tamariki (3–6 year olds)
Our older tamariki are supported to become more independent, confident and socially connected learners.
They enjoy access to larger indoor and outdoor environments, including adventurous playgrounds that encourage physical activity, creativity and problem solving. Kaiako continue to guide and extend their learning, while also allowing space for child led play, friendships and exploration.
At this stage, there is a strong focus on building skills that support school readiness, such as communication, self regulation, resilience and curiosity, all within a fun and engaging environment.
We’re always happy to talk through how we support each age group, and what this looks like in our centre.
Feel free to get in touch or come in for a visit, we’d love to show you around and chat about how we can support your child’s learning journey.
Supporting the transition to school
We support tamariki to feel confident and ready for school by gradually building their independence, self regulation skills, social competence and love of learning. This includes everyday skills like caring for themselves, making choices, problem solving and working alongside others. As children get closer to starting school, our kaiako work closely with parents, whānau and, where possible, local schools to ensure a smooth and positive transition. We share information, encourage school visits, and tailor support to each child so their move to school feels familiar and well supported.
We’d be happy to talk more about how we support your child’s transition to school, feel free to get in touch or chat with our team.
Fees and subsidies
We want to make your child's early learning and care experience as affordable as possible. We are a not for profit organisation, so everything we do goes back into supporting your child, the centre and our community.
Our fees include:
- Quality education, care and activities provided by our team of teachers
- Local outings
Did you know you may eligible for fee and ECE subsidies? Talk to our Centre Manager for further information.
Current offer:
Receive 30 hours FREE for 3 months for 0-3 year olds.
T&C's:
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For new enrolments only
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Minimum of 6 hours per day
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Valid for 3 months form enrolment day
- Must complete a WINZ Childcare Assistance Application Form as part of enrolment forms.
What's happening
Learning through play
Our team of teachers are guided by Te Whariki – NZ’s Early Childhood Curriculum. They work closely with your child and respond to their unique curiosities by creating an environment that is reflective of each child's needs.
Connecting with whānau
Our whole community benefits from families and whanau being involved in our centre and their children's learning. Connecting with you via Storypark and celebrating community events and festivals are just some of the ways we include families and whānau.
Community Connection
From growing their own veggies and herbs in our veggie patch to local excursions in the community, we constantly look for ways for your child to explore the connection between their community, their environment and themselves.
Stay in touch with Storypark
We use Storypark to record and communicate learning as it happens via photos, video, audio and observations within a secure online environment. Parents and whānau can receive instant feedback and plan new ways to extend their child’s unique interests and abilities.
Read what parents say about us!
Great childcare centre! Awesome staff my daughter loves it! Thanks team
Gina McHerronAlicia Lonergan
