Three unique centres with the same standard of care
Our three centres are conveniently located just off the state highway between Queenstown and Arrowtown. Having these all in close proximity enables us to offer an option to suit everyone’s needs and budget.
Our offerings
Natural environment
From our resources to our learning philosophy – everything is about giving every child the gift of natural learning.
Our indoor spaces encourage interaction with a range of set-up activities as well as spaces for self-guided play and discovery.
Our resources are based around the use of natural, real, open ended items that encourage play and connect the children to nature. There are so many wonderful resources that include items like shells, cones, natural wooden blocks, rocks for building, seasonally collected materials and real pots and pans in the sand pit.
Our outdoor area feels more like home too. Each centre has been carefully designed to provide safe, age-appropriate spaces where children play, interact and thrive. We go far beyond required standards, providing kitchen gardens, fruit trees and plenty of natural outdoor space for play and discovery.
Natural goodness
Sharing a meal is an integral part of family life. And so of course we make it a crucial part of your child’s day at Gem’s too. Whether your child brings their own food, or has our home cooked meals, the same emphasis is given to the experience of eating together.
By sharing a meal around a table, children tend to eat a greater variety of food, learn about healthy eating, have social interaction and give thanks to those who prepare their food. They learn to become independent through serving their own food, setting up for meal times and clearing the table at the end. Fantastic life skills that our families appreciate!
Much of our home cooked food comes from our own kitchen garden containing fresh organic vegetables which are often planted and picked by the children themselves. Another example of our commitment to bringing nature and its wonders into the children’s world.
See our sample menu!
Natural play
We believe that being connected to nature is the basic right of every preschooler (and indeed, every human being). Each of our centres has a nature-based excursion programme for the older children to attend for one day every two weeks.
GEM’S NATURE PLAY is a day of exploration for our 4 year old’s, discovery and play and we go whatever the weather – gumboots and raincoats, or sun hats and sunblock. Experiencing the seasons is experiencing nature at her best!
We utilise locations close to the centres for nature exploration and play. This might be the river or local parks where children have the opportunity to learn practical skills in the outdoors. Building children’s self confidence through problem solving, innovation, risk taking, teamwork and creativity. There are times during the season where our four year olds get to enjoy visits to Mike and Gemma’s farm which is close by to the centres.
Our centres side by side
KŌWHAI
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
The Hive & The Nest
8:00am – 4:30pm
Ages
3 months – 6 years
Food
All meals provided
Additional Excursions
Gem’s Nature Play
Minimum Enrolment
6.25 hours/day for 2 days a week
MIRO
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
The Hive & The Nest
8:00am – 4:30pm
Ages
3 months – 6 years
Food
Bring your own meals
Additional Excursions
Gem’s Nature Play
Minimum Enrolment
6.25 hours/day for 2 days a week
RĀTĀ
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
The Hive & The Nest
8:00am – 5:30pm
Ages
3 months – 6 years
Food
All meals provided
Additional Excursions
Gem’s Nature Play
Minimum Enrolment
6.25 hours/day for 2 days a week