BestStart Queenstown

BestStart has won the Most Trusted Brand four times and the Quality Services Award for 7 years in a row! We’re so proud to have the trusted care and quality of our service recognised by NZ parents voting for us.

BestStart’s Set for School programme assists with a smooth transition to get children ready for primary school. We partner with families, encouraging pre-literacy and numeracy along with developing children’s independence and self-help skills.

We provide a healthy and nutritious meals at our centre, with all meals provided. Our centre is proud to hold a Gold Tohu Manawa Ora Healthy Heart Award for supporting healthy eating and physical activity for children and families.

Our philosophy follows the RIE/Pickler model of respectful, responsive caregiving to nurture infants' autonomy and confidence. We value unhurried routines, free movement and uninterrupted play in a safe environment. This attachment based approach ensures a strong foundation for healthy development and lifelong learning.

Our Reggio Emilia approach celebrates children's natural curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. It emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning in a supportive dynamic environment guided by teachers. Children explore their interests through art, play, and discovery, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.