Active Explorers

Central City

396 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Monday - Friday 7.30am - 6.00pm
03 366 4307

Centre Benefits

Lunches/Food
Healthy Heart
3 Rooms
Nursery
Excursions
School Transitions
Storypark
ECE Hours
Extended Hours

Christchurch City's favourite local daycare

Welcome to Active Explorers Central City, a childcare centre in the heart of Christchurch. We provide quality care and early learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a welcoming space full of culture, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Meet our Centre Manager

Kiaora

Meet Jan, our Centre Manager! You might be surprised to learn she’s actually 6'1"! In her spare time, you'll find her hiking, walking her dog Ziggy, spending time with her grandchildren, or relaxing at the beach her happy place. A cruise around the Greek Islands is high on her bucket list. Jan loves teaching for those magical “lightbulb moments” when everything clicks.

What makes us special

Our Centre

About Active Explorers Central City

At Active Explorers Central City, we follow a curiosity-led approach where children are encouraged to explore and lead their own learning. We use open-ended materials and recycled resources that inspire creativity and independence while supporting sustainability and care for our environment.

Our centre feels calm and homely, with inviting spaces where children feel safe and supported. Tamariki help grow vegetables, feed our guinea pigs, and take part in sensory and water play year-round. Nature and community connections are a big part of daily life.

We care for children from birth to age six across three rooms: Kakano for infants, Mahuri for toddlers, and Rakau for preschoolers. Each age group enjoys activities tailored to their stage of development, with a focus on relationships, exploration, and readiness for school.

Our People

Our Team

Our passionate and caring team brings fresh energy and a strong commitment to child-led learning. We work in close partnership with families to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Assistant Manager

Aimee

Kaiako in training

Bella

Kaiako (Currently on Maternity Leave)

Allie

Kaiako

Kate

Our Rooms

Our Team

Our centre is filled with natural materials, cosy corners, and open-ended play spaces that encourage exploration. Children can enjoy indoor and outdoor experiences all year, with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and follow their interests.

0–2.5 years

Kakano

This warm, nurturing space supports our youngest learners through sensory play, routines, and strong relationships with teachers. Kakano provides a gentle introduction to the world through exploration and care.

2-3.5 years

Mahuri

In Mahuri, toddlers grow in confidence and independence. The room is set up to encourage active exploration, creativity, and social play. Teachers guide children through hands-on experiences that support their developing skills.

3.5 - 6 years

Rakau

Rakau is where tamariki build on their curiosity and develop self-responsibility as they prepare for primary school. We support their social and emotional growth through creative play and real-world experiences, helping them gain confidence and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Our Gallery

Our Fees

Under 3 years of age

Fees Payable

Morning/Afternoon Session

$9.50 per hour

6 Hour Session

$9.50 per hour

Full Day

$9.50 per hour

Full Week

$380 per week, capped

Over 3 years of age

Fee payable after 20 Hours ECE*

Morning/Afternoon Session

$9.50 per hour*

6 Hour Session

$9.50 per hour*

Full Day

$9.50 per hour*

Full Week

$245 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

Contact Us

Why parents love our centre

Could not render Google Reviews component
This likely happened because the Centre Map Location has not been configured.

We're on Facebook!

Want a sneak peek at our centre?

Click the button below to visit our facebook page. You'll be able get a glimpse of all the fun and find out more about the creative learning experiences in our centre.