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Limited places available for pēpi and tamariki. Book a visit to see the centre. Book a Visit

Little Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti logoLittle Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti

Our environment

The room is the third teacher

Our spaces are set up to invite tamariki in and then get out of their way. Natural materials, plenty of light, uncluttered shelves and a garden that gets properly used.

Tamariki balancing across a tyre and timber obstacle course under the trees at Little Darlings Childcare in Rotorua

Outdoors

Outside for most of the day, in most weather

Children who move learn better. Our outdoor space is set up for real physical challenge, not just a fixed playground.

  • Grass, bark and dirt to dig, not just concrete
  • Bikes, balance and climbing with careful supervision
  • Water, mud and messy play as a daily option
  • Shade and sun safe practice through summer
  • Quiet corners for tamariki who need a breather

What is here

Set up with intent, from the gate to the sleep room

A working garden

Raised beds tamariki plant, water, weed and harvest, then eat what they grow.

Water and mud

Pouring, damming, mixing and splashing. Messy play is planned for, not tolerated.

Room to move

Space to run, ride and climb so bodies get the work they need every day.

Homely rooms

Natural light, timber, plants and soft furnishings rather than plastic and primary colours.

Natural materials

Wood, clay, stone, fabric and loose parts that can become anything.

Safe and secure

Secure fencing, controlled entry, sign in and out, and clear supervision routines.

Indoors

Calm, uncluttered and easy for children to run

Everything is at child height and has a home, so tamariki can choose their own work, get it out and put it away again. Independence is designed in.

Separate spaces for different needs

A quiet sleep space, a messy area, a book corner and open floor for building, so a busy project and a resting pēpi are never competing for the same room.

Two tamariki turning a big cardboard box into a house inside the play room
Tamariki artwork laid out to dry on the cable spool table in the sunshine

A day here

Photos from our rooms and our backyard on Park Road. No stock images, no set ups.

A child threading pegs into a board at the table
A tamaiti proudly holding up their painting
Tamariki racing in sacks across the grass
Small hands arranging dinosaurs in a play scene
Tamariki concentrating on puzzles together
A fishing game set up for tamariki to take turns
A pēpi peeking out from inside a cardboard box
A tamaiti tucked inside a cardboard hut on the lawn

Enrolments open

Have a look around in person

Photos only tell you so much. Come and see the space, hear the noise level and decide whether it feels right for your child.

Book a VisitCall 027 420 4362

We reply to every enquiry within one working day.