EXCURSIONS
Learning beyond the walls of Mountainside
Excursions are a natural extension of life at Mountainside Educare. They give tamariki the opportunity to take their learning beyond the centre and into the beautiful community, whenua and natural environment that surrounds us.
Through real experiences in and around Wānaka, children can explore, notice, ask questions and build meaningful connections with the people and places that make our community special.
Our centre van
Our Mountainside Educare centre van is a 2017 Nissan NV350 Caravan, giving us the flexibility to safely explore more of our local area.
It is fitted with eight forward-facing Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness booster car seats for excursion travel.
Small groups, close support
Excursions are intentionally kept small, with a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio.
A typical outing includes one teacher, one parent helper and eight children, supporting calm, responsive supervision and meaningful shared experiences.
Our philosophy in action
Excursions fit naturally with the Mountainside philosophy, our values and our connection with nature.
They provide rich, authentic learning experiences that connect tamariki with their community, whenua, people and natural environment — extending curiosity and learning through real places, relationships and experiences.
Wānaka is our classroom
Wānaka provides an extraordinary outdoor learning environment — with its lake, mountains, rivers, native bush, farms and walking tracks all offering opportunities to discover something new.
Local experiences can support children’s understanding of seasonal change, plants, insects, birds, weather, water and caring for Papatūānuku.
COME AND SEE MOUNTAINSIDE
See how learning extends beyond our centre
Visit Mountainside Educare and discover how nature, community and real experiences shape our approach to early learning.
Centre van
2017 Nissan NV350 Caravan for local excursions.
8 children
Small-group outings designed for close support.
1:4 ratio
One adult for every four children on excursions.
Real-world learning
Community, whenua and nature become part of the curriculum.