BestStart Queenstown

BestStart Queenstown is nestled in the centre of Tahuna (Queenstown), close to the “pulsing heart” of Lake Wakatipu. We are the place that locals trust to look after their brave little explorers.

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. 

Tahuna - Where our youngest Bravehearts explore. Tahuna Room feels like a cosy nest where tamariki (children) develop a sense of belonging through daily rhythms and rituals being aligned to home. Learning is nurtured by noticing and responding to individual physical and emotional needs. The room is designed to engage and interest tamariki in learning, particularly through sensory exploration.

Manata –Where our brave adventurers play. Manata Room provides a warm, welcoming space where whanaungatanga is at the forefront. Our indoor and outdoor learning environments provide tamariki with a rich opportunity to fearlessly explore as we offer learning experiences that engage, challenge, and spark their curiosity.

Matau – Where little giants journey. Matau Room is a stimulating environment where self-care skills, social competence, and independence skills (I can do it!) are nurtured. It is a room rich in language. Tamariki voice is valued and they bravely develop communication skills through conversations, stories and songs and express themselves creatively through art, music and dance. They grow emotionally as they learn to identify, express and manage their feelings and needs.

Matakauri – Where the Mighty Bravehearts have space to grow. Matakauri Room supports tamariki to be curious and confident, to be strong and courageous, to challenge, explore and ask questions. Holistic development and individual learning happen through play and creativity and help to build foundations of early literacy and numeracy. Positive and informative school transitions are facilitated through our relationship with local schools. School visits are organized, ensuring new entrant teachers know the needs and strengths of each of our tamariki.

What you can expect from BestStart Queenstown:

• To see happy, healthy, nurtured and confident tamariki bravely leading explorations, to confidently share their voice, to adventurously show off what they at great at.
• Stimulating, collaborative learning experiences reflecting adventure and discovery.
• To work together in partnership with experienced Kaiako, creating an individually developed learning plan to support meaningful learning for your brave explorer.
• Regular updates of your brave adventurers on Storypark.
• A diverse, bi-cultural environment where Kaiako uphold the unique heritage of our Maori culture.
• Eco-warriors roaming a path of sustainable thinking and choices.
• Healthy nutrition provided by a skilled on-site cook, ensuring healthy hearts and minds.
• Frequent excursions in our local community, including a ski day, supporting a sense of citizenship.

Do you have a brave adventurer waiting to roam, indoors or outdoors, sun, rain or snow?

If so please get in touch with us today.

BestStart Queenstown is where Wakatipu’s Bravest come to Explore!

Ko te manu e kai ana I te miro, nona te ngahere | The bird that partakes of the miro berry owns the forest 

Ko te manu e kai ana I te matauranga, nona te ao | The bird that partakes of education owns the world

For more information about the specific fees for your centre, please contact us directly (03) 442 6822 /  queenstown@best-start.org. You might be eligible for support paying their childcare fees. For more information click here.