BestStart Queenstown

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BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Queenstown on Hamilton Road provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Beststart Queenstown, is Growing World Class Global Citizens!

We challenge our children to become adaptive, creative, resilient, and confident so that they can be adventurous and explorative just like their hometown of Queenstown!

Long ago, before the promise of gold brought Pakeha to Otago, the Maori roamed Kawarau, hunting for moa and greenstone and eels.  One night, a cruel taniwha (giant) called Matau kidnapped Manata; the daughter of the local chief, carrying her away to his lair in the hills. Her father declared that any warrior who was brave enough to rescue her, could have her hand in marriage. The young men in the village were afraid, but Matakauri, bravely accepted this challenge, setting off into the hills to rescue Manata and slay the giant.

Here at BestStart Queenstown, the legend lives on, sharing its values and strengths with our brave little explorers as they journey through our classrooms. 

Our Team

Our team are from all around the world! We have teachers from England, Ireland, Argentina, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Czech Republic. Our HT in the Overs is extremely passionate about biculturalism and Te Reo Maori and sharing her knowledge with the wider team. We have a kaiako who is passionate about sustainability and fostering childrens independence. We pride ourselves on being a supportive environment for teachers to grow.

What We Offer

  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
  • Frequent excursions in our local community, including a ski day, and library visits
  • Healthy Heart Award - nutrition and health is important to us
  • Fresh, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks provided throughout the day 

Our Spaces

Our centre is welcoming, with friendly faces greeting you at the door on arrival. We are a busy centre, with children playing independently inside and outside. We have a large outdoor area, and in typical Queenstown fashion, our children love to be outside on the bikes, swings, climbing equipment and in the sandpit. Our centre philosophy focuses on the priorities of Respect, Relationships and Communication, and these are visible and felt throughout the centre in all of the classrooms.

Tahuna / Manata

(Under 2's)

Matau

(2-3 years old)

Matakauri

(Over 3's)

Video Gallery

Sustainable learning
Our Frontline Team
From Small Beginnings
Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

I just want to say a huge thank you and well done to you, Nicole and the whole team. You have all put masses of effort in during this challenging time and the plans are just fantastic. I felt really moved by the depth with which the profile teachers have taken in individualizing the plans and how much care as well as education is inherent in their planning. Well done on your leadership, Nicole as you motivate your fantastic team of educators and staff.

Parent

Well done team, you have all done such a terrific job throughout these unchartered waters and you’re all very much appreciated!! Look forward to seeing you all when we can finally leave our bubbles. Stay safe and well.

Parent

Thanks for the individual learning plan, it looks amazing and its awesome to be able to read back over all the comments from the different teachers over time. Thanks for everything you do :-)

Parent

After being part of this school family for nearly 8 years we will definitely miss everyone. She is very excited to start school but I am sure she will miss her friends and teachers. We will pop in every now and again to say hi. Thank you for everything.

Parent

The singing and dancing you guys do with the children is fantastic, our daughter is always teaching me new songs.  She takes a lot from school, she loves telling her teddys, "everybody mat time, sit on the mat please" lol it's so funny.  Thanks so much, the work you do is amazing. 

Parent

Thank you for making our child feel at home, he is settling in well, this is a big change, but he already loves his new teachers! So happy that he is doing so well🤗

Parent

Thank you so much for all the time and effort your put into this first year at kindy. You made dropping him off at such a young age that much easier for me. He adores you and at least he can still visit you. You have done such a great job and we really appreciate it. Thank you!

Grandparent

As grandparents on the opposite side of the world it is wonderful to be able to see our grandchild grow not just through communication with her at home but also at day-care. This makes us feel we are part of her growing and development, for that thank you. xx

Grandparent

Thank you for all of your stories and wonderful work and insight into our granddaughters early education. You give so much pleasure and information to us on the other side of the world, and it’s obvious to us that both she and her wee family hold a special place in your heart. Bless you! Grandma ×

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