BestStart Huntsbury

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Gardening
Hammer
Bubs painting
Circle
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Mum teacher
Group garden
Monkey bars
Water play
BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Huntsbury in Saint Martins, Christchurch provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

At BestStart Huntsbury, we learn through love and adventure!

Inspiring passion and love for different interests or through the excitement of an adventure is the best way to inspire learning! In the early years, this is the foundation to the growing of knowledge! By having children interested they become proactive in seeking out knowledge and can both concentrate and retain information better. 

We are a purpose-built early learning centre located at the foot of Huntsbury Hill, near the Ōpāwaho river. It was built on the site that used to belong to St. Anne’s Church which served the local community for almost 100 years. We are conveniently located down the road from St. Martins School and within a 10 minute walk to Hillview Christian School and a 5 minute drive to Opawa School.

We love our community and a bit of an adventure so we regularly go on excursions to our surrounding schools as well as the parks, cafes and retirement village nearby.

We are inspired by the RIE and Pikler philosophies and view our children as individuals with their own identities, abilities and interest which we extend through the experiences with provide each day. 

Our Team

Our centre opened in January 2021 and some of the team have been with us since opening. However, we have grown so much and now have a large centre whānau including teachers, a cook, and administrator and a Centre Manager. We all have a shared love for animals and pets and love being outdoors - something we share with our tamariki! We have various amounts of experience but are a passionate team who all learn from one another. 

What We Offer

  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
  • Fresh, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks provided throughout the day 
  • Get Set for School Programme

Our Spaces

We have purposefully designed, age specific learning spaces to best suit your child's needs including large outdoor playgrounds where children can watch the cars and trucks go by and the exciting bike tracks and indoor spaces with resources set up to encourage children's curiosity.

The Riverlaw Learning Space

(3 months - 1.5 years old)

The Ōpāwaho Learning Space

(1 - 2 years old)

The Rāpaki Learning Space

(2 - 3.5 years old)

The Huntsbury Learning Space

(3 - 4.5 years old)

The Centaurus Learning Space

(4 - 6 years old)

Video Gallery

Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

Friendly, caring staff. Lovely calm environment with enriching toys. Couldn't ask for more.

Parent

Amazing facility and team

Parent

Our son has had the best start at his new school, and his lead teacher has been amazing.

Parent

I’ve seen such a change in our son when it comes to dropping him off (he actually wants to be there) and the teachers/staff are all amazing.

Parent

Great staff at our centre. Great resources.

Parent

Staff are super friendly, facilities are clean and tidy, great atmosphere. Love the pictures of the children displayed around the centre. Great sense of well-being and belonging. They have created a great place for children to learn and thrive. Can definitely see a difference in my daughter and I know she is fitting in nicely.

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