Active Explorers

Blockhouse Bay

250 Blockhouse Bay Road, Avondale, Auckland
Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.30pm
09 828 1525

Centre Benefits

Lunches/Food
2 Rooms
Nursery
Excursions
School Transitions
Storypark
Large Outdoor Area
Van
ECE Hours
Extended Hours

Blockhouse Bay's favourite local daycare

Welcome to Active Explorers Blockhouse Bay, a warm and welcoming childcare centre located between Avondale and Blockhouse Bay in Auckland. We offer quality early childhood education for infants, toddlers and young learners in a multicultural family-focused environment where every child feels safe, celebrated and supported.

Meet our Centre Manager

Kiaora

My name is Paula-Mae!

I’m excited to be Centre Manager at Active Explorers Blockhouse Bay. I’ve been in Early Childhood leadership for 20 years and am passionate about respectful practice, professional leadership, and creating an inclusive, safe environment.

I live locally and value strong, respectful partnerships with parents, whānau, and our community to support our tamariki.

Although based in Auckland, I often visit my whānau in Northland and love the beaches. I’m a proud Mum to a beautiful daughter and NanNan to three awesome moko.

What makes us special

Our Centre

About Active Explorers Blockhouse Bay

At Active Explorers Blockhouse Bay, we focus on building strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, celebrating cultural diversity and fostering confidence, curiosity and resilience in every child. We believe a child's wellbeing and sense of belonging are the foundation for lifelong learning.

Our centre features bright open plan indoor spaces and a dynamic outdoor environment designed to encourage exploration and physical development. With nature at our doorstep including a jungle like area filled with native birds we bring the outdoors into every learning opportunity.

We care for children from 0 to 5 years across age specific rooms. From our nurturing infant space to our energetic preschool group, each day is filled with music, storytelling, cultural celebrations, nature play and garden time. StoryPark keeps whānau connected to their child's learning journey.

Our People

Our Team

We have a dedicated multicultural teaching team who create a warm inclusive environment for tamariki and their families. Many of our kaiako have been with us for over a decade and all proudly share their cultures and languages including Te Reo Māori, Tongan, Mandarin, Hindi and English.

Our Rooms

Our Team

Our centre offers a seamless indoor and outdoor flow with age appropriate playgrounds that support adventure, movement and imagination. Rain or shine tamariki enjoy safe engaging spaces that encourage hands on learning and a love of nature. Our open-plan outdoor environments provide endless opportunities for both our teina and tuakana tamariki to interact, observe, and learn through play together. This natural setup strengthens tuakana–teina relationships and allows siblings to stay connected throughout the day.

0–2 years

Teina (Little Buddies

Our nurturing infant space supports our youngest learners with calm sensory rich environments and strong routines. Kaiako work closely with whānau to ensure each baby's needs are met with love, care and consistency. We value primary care and following our infant’s cues to ensure we are listening to their voice and meeting their individual wants and needs.

2-5 years

Tuakana (Big Buddies)

Our Tuakana room offers a fun vibrant environment where older tamariki enjoy group activities, storytelling, swings, twin slides and garden care. Tamariki are encouraged to explore their interests and independence while building strong friendships and enjoying tuakana/teina relationships.

Our Gallery

Our Fees

Under 3 years of age

Fees Payable

Morning/Afternoon Session

$9 per hour

6 Hour Session

$9 per hour

Full Day

$9 per hour

Full Week

$360 per week, capped

Over 3 years of age

Fee payable after 20 Hours ECE*

Morning/Afternoon Session

$9 per hour*

6 Hour Session

$9 per hour*

Full Day

$9 per hour*

Full Week

$230 per week, capped*

Fees Information

*20 Hours ECE

Our Centre offers 20 Hours ECE for all children 3-5 years, meaning the cost of childcare can be fully subsidised for a maximum of 6 hours per day and up to 20 hours per week, when you complete an Attestation Form allocating you full entitlement of 20 Hours to our Centre. After 20 Hours ECE the above Over 3 years of age hourly fee is payable.

The above Fee Schedule is to be read in conjunction with our Full Schedule terms and conditions.

Book a time to visit us and we will be happy to talk further about how we can meet your childcare needs.

Chat to our team

Send us a message today. We can't wait to talk to you

My godson attends Active Explorers. He started so quiet and timid now continues to blossom into a confident, active little explorer. Thank you Whaea Bea and team for your amazing mahi.

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