What Makes Mountainside Special
More time, space and care for every tamaiti
Thoughtful group sizes, nurturing spaces and daily connection with nature give tamariki room to feel secure, build strong relationships and learn through play.
10
children maximum each day in our infant room
1:3
kaiako-to-tamariki ratio in our infant room
1:7
kaiako-to-tamariki ration in our over two room
TE AWA RUMA · UNDER TWOS
A calm, dedicated world for our youngest tamariki
Our infant room is purposefully designed and resourced for children under two, with dedicated spaces that support responsive care, unhurried routines and strong relationships.
- Their own indoor learning environment
- A dedicated outdoor area created for infants
- A louvre-covered space for fresh-air play in changing weather
Comfort in every season.
The outdoor louvre helps make nature part of the infant day while keeping the space calm and sheltered.
The outdoor louvre helps make nature part of the infant day while keeping the space calm and sheltered.
OUTDOORS, EVERY DAY
Real nature, real play
Our outdoor environments give tamariki room to move, create and get wonderfully messy. Natural textures and open-ended spaces invite sensory play, curiosity, confidence and connection with the world around them.
- Real grass underfoot
- A large mud pit for hands-on discovery
- A generous sandpit for building and imaginative play
Adventures beyond the gate.
Our centre van makes local excursions and new experiences in the wider Wānaka community part of learning.
Our centre van makes local excursions and new experiences in the wider Wānaka community part of learning.
Room to explore at their own pace
Excursions & Trips
Learning beyond the walls of Mountainside
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.
REST AND WELLBEING
Peaceful spaces made for rest
Both our under-two and over-two rooms have dedicated sleep spaces, so each tamaiti can settle away from the energy of the main play environment.
In our infant room, individual cots create a cosy, intimate and familiar space. This supports each child’s own rhythm and helps make rest feel safe, calm and consistent.
Rest is part of the day, not apart from it.
Cosy surroundings and familiar routines help tamariki recharge in comfort.
Cosy surroundings and familiar routines help tamariki recharge in comfort.
Family owned
Visible, hands-on, local owners who are part of daily centre life.
Low ratios
More time, attention and responsive relationships for each tamaiti.
Kai included
Nut free and refined sugar free, healthy and delicious meals are prepared on site and included in fees.
Nature every day
Outdoor play, curiosity and unhurried exploration are prioritised.
COME AND EXPERIENCE MOUNTAINSIDE
See where your tamaiti could learn, play and belong
We would love to show you around, introduce you to our kaiako and help you find the right space for your child.