Nau mai, haere mai to Little Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti
Nurturing childcare andearly learning in Rotorua
Whai tūrangawaewae / Belong.
E tipu / Grow.
Ka rere / Soar.
Warm, nurturing, quality childcare and early learning in Rotorua, where every pēpi and tamaiti from birth to school age is valued and inspired to thrive.
Our play-based programme is guided by Te Whāriki, with a strong focus on belonging, confidence, relationships and learning through meaningful experiences.
- Tamariki are recognised and valued as taonga, precious treasures of their whānau.
- Guided by Te Whāriki
- Learning pathways followed through meaningful play
- Nestled alongside our maunga, Ngongotahā
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu
Adorn the bird with feathers and it will fly.
We walk alongside tamariki and whānau, providing the relationships, encouragement and learning experiences that help every child spread their wings.
Why whānau choose us
Every child is treated as a taonga
Choosing a centre comes down to whether your child will be safe, settled and genuinely seen. Here is what shapes every day at Little Darlings.
Ngā Taonga Iti
Every child is recognised as a treasure of their whānau, arriving with their own mana and rich in knowledge both lived and passed down from their tūpuna.
Learning through play
Tamariki follow their own learning pathways through meaningful, unhurried play.
Whanaungatanga
Strong relationships create belonging, so tamariki know this is a place they can stand.
Confident communicators
Tamariki are encouraged to express themselves, listen to others and be kind and empathetic.
Intentional teaching
Our kaiako affirm individuality and choice, with purposeful teaching that grows curiosity, resilience and social competence.
Whānau at the centre
Your language, culture, identity and whānau tūmanako, your hopes, dreams and aspirations, are valued, celebrated and woven into life at Little Darlings.
Our spaces
Two spaces, one whānau
Pēpi and older tamariki each have a space built around what they need, while still sharing the same kaiako, garden and community.
Our Pēpi | Under 2
Your baby's own sleeping, feeding and comfort rhythm, followed here exactly as it is at home, with every sleep, bottle and nappy change recorded for you.
See Our Pēpi | Under 2
Our Tamariki | Over 2
Big projects, real tools, deep play and the confidence, curiosity and self help skills that make starting school feel easy.
See Our Tamariki | Over 2
A day at Little Darlings
Their Interest. Their Adventure. Their Learning.
What happens when we follow where a child’s curiosity leads? At Little Darlings, our outdoor space is full of unlimited possibilities because learning begins with the interests, ideas and discoveries of each tamaiti.
🌱 Interested in bugs? Let’s investigate.
🪵 Fascinated by sticks? Let’s create.
💦 Curious about water? Let’s experiment.
🪨 Finding treasures in nature? Let’s wonder where they came from.
One interest can become a pathway to science, creativity, problem-solving, communication, friendships and discovery.
What whānau say
Aroha from our whānau
Real reviews from whānau who have been part of our centre. Shared with first names only.
“Family social worker here. I have visited Little Darlings through my work with whānau and have always found the environment warm, nurturing and safe. Tamariki clearly enjoy being there and have strong bonds with staff. Parents consistently tell me they feel their children are well cared for, and I will continue to recommend this centre.”
LissaGoogle review
“I fell in love with this little centre. I really love how they respect the children, not just in words, but in the way they treat them every day. The teachers speak in soft, kind voices, and that calmness gently flows through the room.”
LilyGoogle review
“We are so grateful for the care and support our daughter receives here. The teachers are kind, nurturing and truly invested in each child’s wellbeing and development. We highly recommend this centre to any family looking for a warm, caring environment, thanks to Kim and her team.”
SapphireGoogle review
“From the very first day, we felt truly welcomed and supported. The team is warm, attentive and incredibly nurturing. My daughter loves her teachers and comes home happy, excited to share all her stories. I have seen so much growth in her.”
KarenGoogle review
“Highly recommend. Lovely staff, always doing creative things with the children, and good support if you are a worried mumma like me. They keep you updated if the kids are not feeling the morning drop off. My kids have been here for almost a year now and they are thriving.”
EdynnGoogle review
“Best daycare in Rotorua. All the staff are lovely, they always have different and new activities out for the kids to do, and a cool outdoor area. My big girl has since left but goes in every so often and doesn’t want to leave.”
SkylaahGoogle review
Fees and funding
Clear costs, with the funding you are entitled to
We are a licensed early childhood service, so 20 Hours ECE and Work and Income childcare subsidies can be applied where your family qualifies. You will get a written estimate before you commit to anything.
What we will tell you upfront
- The days we actually have available
- Your weekly cost after funding
- What is included and what to bring
- How and when fees are charged
Current enrolment offer
Enrolment offer
Enrol now to get your first month free
Start your child at Little Darlings Childcare in Rotorua and your first month of care is on us. Book a visit and we will talk through days, funding and what your whānau would pay after the free month.
Questions whānau ask
The things most parents want to know first
What ages do you care for?
We welcome pēpi from infancy through to tamariki aged 5 years.
Do you have any spaces available?
Our spaces change throughout the year as tamariki grow and head off to school. Tell us your child’s age and the days you’re looking for, and we’ll let you know what’s currently available.
Where are you based?
You’ll find us at 23 Park Road, Rotorua, in a handy location close to a number of parks and outdoor spaces we enjoy exploring with our tamariki. Off-street parking makes drop-off and pick-up easy and stress-free for whānau.
Can we visit before we enrol?
Yes, we’d love you to! Bring your tamaiti along, meet our friendly kaiako, explore the indoor and outdoor spaces, and ask us anything you’d like to know. Take a look, have a chat and see how it feels for you and your tamaiti.
How do you settle a new child in?
You’re welcome to bring your child for as many short visits as they need before their first full day. We’ll take the time to get to know your child, build a trusting relationship and help them feel safe, happy and comfortable in their new surroundings.
What does a lunchbox centre mean?
We ask whānau to pack a lunchbox with the snacks and kai your tamaiti knows and enjoys. We’ve found this works really well because tamariki have familiar foods they’re comfortable with, and they also get to take ownership of their own lunchbox and make choices about what they eat. 💛 Familiar kai, growing independence and happy tummies.
More detail on enrolment, settling in and daily routines is on our parent information page.
Visit us
Find us on Park Road
Tell us your child's age and the days you would like. We will let you know what is available and arrange a time for you to visit.
Enrolments open
Come and see the centre for yourself
Tell us your child's age and the days you need. We will come back to you with what we have available and a time you can visit, with your child alongside you.