Riverside is a community for families, of families, where tamariki come first.

Riverside Early Childcare Three young children enjoying early childcare in Wanaka, playing outdoors at a playground, two of them wearing blue jackets and one in a purple plaid jacket with yellow boots, with toy trucks and wooden blocks

Discover joy-filled learning at our Riverside: where giggles, splashes, painting, and messy play create memories, while storytime, naptime, cuddles, and pretend play nurture young minds with loving care.

Riverside Early Childcare A simple black and white graphic of a stylized flower symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka, with five rounded petals and a circular center, depicted against a transparent background.
Riverside Early Childcare Three horizontal rows of line wave patterns, each varying in amplitude and frequency, displayed in black on a white background, symbolizing the dynamic rhythms of early childcare in Wanaka.
Riverside Early Childcare Logo with three abstract black brush strokes creating a dynamic, flowing motion on a white background, symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka.

Our Early Childhood Centre in Wānaka is a place where small steps become leaps and bounds for tamariki. Encouraged to explore the world around them, children are empowered to discover a unique sense of self through bundles of aroha, free play, and curiosity.

Our role is to nurture their hauora, their wellbeing, and empower them to grow and learn through discovery. From reading books and playing on the playground to exciting excursions, no two days at Riverside are the same—and they’re designed that way to engage tamariki.

Our rooms—

Riverside Early Childcare A simple black and white graphic of a stylized flower symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka, with five rounded petals and a circular center, depicted against a transparent background.
Riverside Early Childcare A toddler in a striped red and white shirt and khaki pants sits on the ground at an early childcare in Wanaka and plays with sticks, wearing a white floppy hat, with a wooden fence and

Weka Room

Infants

In the Weka Room, our primary mission is to build strong, trusting relationships with infants and their whānau, offering a calm and respectful environment, engaging in exciting learning experiences, and providing a world of discovery and joy for your precious ones.

Riverside Early Childcare A simple black and white graphic of a stylized flower symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka, with five rounded petals and a circular center, depicted against a transparent background.

Kea Room

Toddlers

Where a team of caring, experienced kaiako (teachers) inspire independence and fun-filled learning, nurturing strong bonds with children and their whānau, offering exciting adventures in a safe environment, and transforming routines into heartwarming rituals.

Riverside Early Childcare A group of young children sitting on the floor in an early childcare Wanaka classroom, attentively listening to an adult who is reading a book and showing them a toy dinosaur. The room is colorful with
Riverside Early Childcare A simple black and white graphic of a stylized flower symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka, with five rounded petals and a circular center, depicted against a transparent background.
Riverside Early Childcare A group of young children in reflective vests, accompanied by an early childcare wanaka adult, explore nature, examining a large tree stump in a wooded area.

Kahu Room

Pre-school

Where our enthusiastic, caring, and highly experienced kaiako are ready to embark on a journey of boundless discovery with your child.
Our mission is to cultivate strong, reciprocal relationships with both tamariki and their whānau, creating an environment where independence blossoms and children are empowered to explore safely.

Riverside Early Childcare A simple black and white graphic of a stylized flower symbolizing early childcare in Wanaka, with five rounded petals and a circular center, depicted against a transparent background.
Riverside Early Childcare Three simple white leaf shapes arranged in a cluster on a black background, forming an abstract, minimalist design inspired by early childcare in Wanaka.

Discover—

Riverside Early Childcare A simple, black and white abstract spiral design inspired by early childcare themes in Wanaka.
Riverside Early Childcare White silhouette of a human figure on a transparent background, depicted in a neutral stance with no discernible details or features, represents early childcare in Wanaka.

We’ve gathered an array of enjoyable activities for you and your tamariki, a wealth of valuable resources for our parents, and we’ll ensure you stay informed about our latest adventures and ethos at Riverside.

The role of primary caregiving
The crucial role of primary caregiving in early childhood development.

View resource

Crafty creations
Get inspired with these crafty creations.

View activity

Reserve wander
Reserve wanderings of the kea room.

View adventure

Ready to enrol?

Riverside Early Childcare A young child in a navy jumpsuit jumps off a blue play structure onto a mat, while another child watches from beneath the structure in an early childcare Wanaka backyard playground.

We’re always happy to offer guided tours of our centre, allowing you to see precisely why our children are always eager to come here!

Alternatively, if you’re ready to take the next step, head over to our contact/enrol page to download more information or complete online enrolment.

Riverside Early Childcare A simple, black and white abstract spiral design inspired by early childcare themes in Wanaka.
Riverside Early Childcare White silhouette of a human figure on a transparent background, depicted in a neutral stance with no discernible details or features, represents early childcare in Wanaka.