BestStart Waikanae

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

At BestStart Waikanae we learn through fun!

Discover BestStart Waikanae, where learning meets adventure in the heart of sunny Suburban Waikanae. Nestled beside the Hemi Matenga track, our centre boasts expansive outdoor learning spaces that inspire curiosity and exploration. Children thrive in our natural playground, where they can climb trees, run freely, and ride bikes in a safe, nurturing environment. We're privileged to back onto the grounds of Waikanae School, allowing us to extend our play areas and explore their playgrounds during school holidays, rolling down hills and discovering new adventures.

At BestStart Waikanae, we believe in the power of play and self-discovery. Our passionate teachers are committed to nurturing each child's unique journey by providing enriching experiences and resources that encourage growth at their own pace. From regular bush walk excursions exploring the wonders of nature to heartwarming visits to the local Bupa rest home, every day is filled with opportunities for children to learn, laugh, and love. Our approach to early childhood education ensures that learning is not just a classroom activity but a lifelong adventure, where every moment is a chance to flourish and every experience is a building block for future success.

Our Team

We have a diverse teaching team, each member bringing their unique passion and energy to enrich the children's experiences every day. With kaiako hailing from various corners of the globe, we celebrate cultural diversity and cherish the opportunity to share traditions and perspectives from around the world. Our team thrives on creativity and collaboration, ensuring that every child benefits from a rich tapestry of teaching styles and cultural insights.

We believe wholeheartedly that teaching should be joyful and engaging. Laughter is a common sound in our centre, as we embrace the belief that a happy child is a child who learns best. At BestStart Waikanae, we create an environment where love, laughter, and learning go hand in hand. From imaginative play sessions to meaningful conversations about the world, our team is committed to nurturing each child's growth and development with warmth and dedication. Join us in creating a vibrant community where every child feels valued, inspired, and eager to explore the wonders of learning.

What We Offer

• Lunch box meal times where you control what they eat at the centre
• 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
• Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers
• Get Set for School programme

Our Spaces

We are lucky to have a large, natural environment, with trees to climb, bugs to hunt and mud to make pies with, which supports the children to learn about their physical world.  We also make good use of the Hemi Matenga Nature Reserve that is on our doorstep, visiting each week with a group of children.