GHP named Top performing centre by the ministry of education
reviews

Our boutique Early Learning Centre located on the stunning Hibiscus Coast

A place of excellence

What makes us special?

We are one of the top-performing early childhood centres in New Zealand.

Very High child-to-teacher ratio

Ensuring each child receives attentive, personalised support throughout their learning journey.

Community Focused

We have been part of the Gulf Harbour community for over 30 years, supporting small, close-knit families.

100% qualified teachers

Bringing expert care and education to every child in our centre.

Longstanding experienced teachers

Our team provides stability, deep knowledge, and a nurturing environment that supports every child's growth and development.

Primary trained teacher leading the transition to school programme

Helping to ensure each child is confidently prepared for the next step in their learning journey.

Dedicated Art Programme

We offer a dedicated art programme that inspires creativity and self-expression through rich, hands-on experiences with a variety of materials and techniques.

In-depth project exploration

Encourages curiosity and critical thinking, allowing children to investigate topics deeply through hands-on, child-led learning experiences.

Annual Celebration of Learning Concert

A joyful event where children showcase their growth, talents, and learning through music, dance, and performance, shared with whānau and friends.

Learning

Activities Showcase

From imaginative art projects and hands-on science experiments to joyful music sessions and collaborative play, our classroom is a vibrant space where curiosity thrives.

Currently studying

Trains

All aboard the Gulf Harbour Preschool Express!

Previously studied

Diggers & Excavators

Our preschool has quickly transformed into a hive of construction activity!

Education and care

First-class experiences, activities, and exciting provocations for your children.

Outdoor activities and experiences

Our outdoor space is a hub of adventure and discovery! With a playground, geo gym, sandpit caravan, kiwi bach garden, water play, and more, tamariki can have endless opportunities to explore, play, and grow in the fresh air.

Here, our wonderful outdoor teacher, Genna, is attending a delightful tea party.


ERO: The service’s philosophy is underpinned by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, which provides a bicultural framework for teaching and learning. The service also draws on aspects of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori play-based approaches. These include a focus on child-led and self-directed learning, the environment as a key teaching tool, strong relationships, and the use of structured, hands-on materials to support independence and exploration. Teachers are allocated to areas of responsibility accordingly.

Atelier / Art Room

Our dedicated Atelier is a vibrant, creative space where tamariki are free to express themselves through art. Guided by passionate teachers, children explore a wide range of materials and techniques, learning about colour, form, and art history as they create. It’s a space that celebrates imagination, individuality, and the joy of making.

One of our lovely art teachers, Kerryn, is having fun constructing playdough roads with the assistance of two enthusiastic road workers


ERO: The concept of the arts as another language within the service’ philosophy, effectively supports children’s creativity and meaningful connections to what matters most in their learning.

Transition to school programme

With a strong focus on building independence, social skills, and early literacy and numeracy, we ensure each child feels prepared and excited for school. Our experienced teachers work closely with families to support every step of the journey, making the transition smooth, positive, and empowering.

One of our transition-to-school teachers, Aimee, is working here with one of our little stars, practising her letter formation.


ERO: Leaders and teachers have embedded and sustained strong, collaborative relationships with local schools and the wider community, which significantly enrich children’s learning and development. A highly responsive and inclusive curriculum that consistently meets the diverse needs of all children is clearly evident.

Project exploration times

Project Exploration time is when curiosity takes the lead. Children dive into topics that spark their interest—whether it's nature, science, art, or storytelling—supported by teachers who guide and extend their learning. These sessions encourage deep thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, allowing children to explore ideas in meaningful and engaging ways.

We welcome parents' contributions too during this time. Here, one of our wonderful Dads is sharing his experiences about his role managing a construction site. Projects offer an opportunity to enhance children’s literacy skills by expanding their vocabulary, learning poems, and singing related songs.


ERO: Skilful and respectful teachers consistently use a range of intentional teaching strategies, including scaffolded interactions, to effectively support and extend children’s learning and thinking. Purposeful provocations within the environment promote sustained engagement and deepen their understanding over time in ways that are visible to and valued by whānau.

Music and movement

Music and movement are a joyful part of our daily routine, giving children the chance to express themselves through dance, rhythm, and exercise. Whether it’s a lively dance session, action songs, or fun group games, these activities help develop coordination, confidence, and a love for being active—all while having a great time together.

Our teacher, Paris, loves music and movement and here she is having fun with our exciting parachute games.

ERO: The concept of the arts as another language within the service’ philosophy, effectively supports children’s creativity and meaningful connections to what matters most in their learning.

Graduation Ceremony

At our preschool, we mark each child’s transition with a special Graduation Ceremony that celebrates their journey and achievements. With a strong sense of community, we invite family and friends to join us in honouring this milestone. Surrounded by loved ones, each child is proudly presented with their very own “First Degree” — a joyful recognition of their growth, learning, and time with us.

We are just so proud of our graduates and many of them have gone on to become future head prefects at our local secondary schools.

Annual Celebration of Learning Concert

Each year, we highlight the awesome projects that we have explored together through the presentation of our special concert. We invite all our families to join us as we sing our favourite songs, recite poems, and showcase our cool dance moves!!

testimonials

What our parents say about us

"It's all incredible"

The learning environment is outstanding, with incredible, high quality resources both indoors and outdoors. A quick glimpse inside and you'll be blown away the colourful, fun and creative spaces provided - absolutely above and beyond any minimum requirement as an early childhood centre. It is so clear to see how invested and passionate the team are in providing rich learning experiences for the children, this is also reflected in the love our boys have had for their teachers!

- Sarah
Mum

"Thank you all so much for the love care and kindness you have given Harper over her time with you at Gulf Harbour Preschool, we are incredibly grateful!

From the amazing art projects wonderful concerts beautiful end of your photos and more we will always cherish the years Harper spent with you and the lovely keepsakes. You have all given half of the absolute best start possible to her education! Lots of love and gratitude.

Nikki and Dan
Parents

A huge thank you to you all for the hard work, love and care that you have shown our granddaughter this year we can’t believe she’s coming to the end of a Preschool years you have played such a large role in her development, it has been lovely to witness her growth in such a loving environment.

Christine and Dan McCabe
Grandparents

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