These 5 Best Child Care Centres in Christchurch Might Be Just What You’re Looking For
David Sims
| Last Updated: August 2025 Sure, having a full-time nanny sounds super convenient; someone’s always there to take care of your kid. But hear me out for a sec… child care centres are actually worth considering.
Your kid gets to hang out with other kids. Plus, the teachers are staff are usually trained professionals, so they know how to handle everything. It’s also a great way to ease your child into routine, structure, and group learning.
Convinced enough? If yes, keep reading. Our team recently looked into some of the best child care centres in Christchurch, and we’ve got a few great options to recommend.
How much do child care centre services cost in Christchurch?
1. House of Wonder Christchurch by Busy Bees
House of Wonder (HOW) is an old villa-style mansion, so it’s not your usual childcare centre. It’s warm and homey, which can help your little ones feel more comfortable.
The centre is set up like a small village. There are five separate rooms for different age groups, including one just for crawling babies and another for walkers. We loved this because kids get care and activities that match their stage of development.
The layout is also clever. They use glass walls and movable furniture, which makes the space feel open but still organised. Kids can also see what’s going on in other rooms.
It’s also cool that the older kids have access to an art studio with an actual art teacher. Meanwhile, the toddlers have a sensory and water play area where they can freely explore.
We also noticed that they’re very sustainable. They use solar power, reduce waste, and choose eco-friendly materials. Kids are learning about the environment by actually living it.
Getting in isn’t easy, though. A parent told us they booked a tour weeks in advance, only to have it cancelled last-minute. They also got mixed messages about when spots would open up, so it might take some patience to get in.
House of Wonder is the best in the city, truly!
“House of Wonder is the best in the city, truly! The centre is stunning, clean and modern inside, but it’s the people who take it to the next level. Nesa is phenomenal, and the staff across all rooms are great, but got to give a shoutout to Karen and Charlotte in particular, who have made our little ones feel so at home! We love our House of Wonder whanau.”
Amber, Google review
Teachers are very friendly and welcoming
“House of Wonders is a wonderful centre. It is very well set out, and they have amazing resources available for the children. Wonderful nutritional meal is provided for the children each day. Teachers are very friendly and welcoming. Definitely recommend taking a tour.”
Bronwyn Boreham, Google review
2. Co Kids Moorhouse Ave
Co Kids’ environment is impressive. It’s bright, calm, and set up to inspire creativity without being overwhelming. There are two separate play areas, which helps with managing different age groups and play styles.
We also noticed their vegetable garden. Even though it’s small, it gives kids a chance to see where their food comes from.
They also have a unique approach when it comes to mealtimes and food. Instead of making all the kids eat at a strict time or forcing them to finish everything on their plates, they use another system.
Food is available over a period of time, and kids can eat when they’re ready. Some parents might have mixed feelings about this, but the centre cares about creating a healthy relationship between the kids and the food.
Infants follow familiar routines from home as much as possible. Older children are given some flexibility if they’re tired or hungry outside of scheduled times.
This was nice, especially since many centres have rigid schedules that don’t always suit every child.
The staff also actively reset the environment multiple times a day. Here, kids are constantly offered both familiar favourites and new challenges.
That said, this could sometimes cause sensory overload for some children. It’s a strength overall, but possibly one that needs thoughtful balancing.
There is plenty of room to play both indoors and outside
“Co Kids is a wonderful place for my daughter to be while my wife and I are at work. The parking is plentiful, the site is brilliantly located and close to other shops and amenities. The site is secure with swipe cards issued to parents to allow access. Morning and afternoon tea are provided as well as a cooked lunch. With a zero sugar policy, I can rest assured that my daughter is eating healthy. There is plenty of room to play both indoors and outside. My daughter loves the sandpit and watching the trains go by. The staff are all very friendly and such a pleasure to talk to. I happily recommend Co Kids above other daycare centres here in Christchurch.”
Cloudxii, Google review
The environment is creative and nurturing
“I enrolled my two-and-a-half-year-old at Co Kids before we moved to Christchurch from overseas, intending to change centres once we knew where we would be living. We ended up staying there until he started school. Michelle and the team are wonderful. The environment is creative and nurturing. Bonus points for the healthy lunches cooked onsite, long opening hours and easy access to work in the city.”
Tara Elder, Google review
3. Grow Active
One of the most consistent things we’ve heard from parents about Grow Active is their focus on physical development.
Kids are always doing something active, like cycling, climbing, and more. Some parents said they noticed their kids getting stronger and more confident, not long after starting.
The indoor space is also designed in a more calming way. Instead of bright colours and visual clutter, they’ve gone for a softer, more peaceful look. It’s more of light wood, gentle lighting, and a Scandinavian-inspired decor.
The staff came up a lot, too. Kids adore them, and parents trust them. They don’t just stand by the door at pickup. They actually talk to you about what your child is doing and how their day went.
They also share updates online, which is great if you like staying in the loop.
We also loved that Te reo Māori is part of the daily routine. The kids pick up words, songs, and cultural values naturally.
The only downside? It sounds like they’re in high demand. We’ve heard they have a long wait list, and it’s pretty understandable. With all these features, many parents would love to get their kids here.
Great ongoing communication and well supported by lovely staff
“We are very happy with Grow! Our youngest loves going every day and always comes home full of stories from a day packed with energy and play. She’s made lots of “Best Friends” and loves her teachers. Great ongoing communication and well supported by lovely staff. We’ve needed the help of a speech and language therapist who has stated that the staff were very open and receptive to our child’s additional needs. The location and convenient access make it easy to drop off and pick up. Highly recommend.”
Litia Maclean, Google review
A wonderful childcare centre with beautiful and caring staff
“If you are looking for a wonderful childcare centre with beautiful, caring staff, then you need to check out Grow Active Welles! They make you feel so welcome the moment you walk in the door. My daughter has absolutely thrived since coming here; they have so many great creative activities with so much free play! Plus, they cook healthy meals, which is icing on the cake. Perfect central location too!”
Emma Black, Google review
4. The Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden is small and personal. They only take a limited number of children, which means your child will truly be seen and taken care of.
A lot of the parents we’ve talked to said the staff feel like an extended family. They’re kind, patient, and fully tuned in to each child.
The staff also seem to be great at noticing what makes each kid tick. One little girl was obsessed with dinosaurs, so the caretakers added dinosaur books and activities to her day.
We can’t stop thinking about it because this shows they’re actually paying attention to who your kid is.
They also use the Storypark app, which gives you real-time updates during the day. It keeps parents in the loop and saves you from asking questions at pick-up.
They make an effort to include Māori values and celebrate all cultures. It’s a great way for kids to grow up learning respect and inclusion.
That said, since the centre is small and popular, getting a spot might take time. It’s a good idea to plan ahead.
They are always patient and make sure they follow the care requirements
“I loved the place from our first visit, and I am still loving it. Such a caring and compassionate team of teachers created such a strong relationship with my boy. He never cried even once for me after being dropped off. They are always patient and make sure they follow the care requirements. I feel comfortable leaving my little man there without hesitation or a pinch in the heart. They also have a really good ratio. They have plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained and help them learning to be independent while staying safe. The area is always sparkling clean, as well as the kids.”
Jihan Barhdadi, Google review
Enchanted Garden Preschool is such a wonderful environment for my daughter
“My daughter goes to Enchanted Garden Preschool, and it is such a wonderful, nurturing environment for her. We love her teachers who have really caring hearts and nurture the kids so well. She has a blast every day and really enjoys all the activities. She loves dinosaurs, and they often read dinosaur books or do dinosaur activities as they know she loves them. Her main teacher is Nikki, who is lovely and keeps us updated throughout the day on the Storypark app so I can check on nappy changes and naps. I really recommend Enchanted Garden Preschool.”
Charlotte Benfield, Google review
5. Millie’s House
Millie’s House sits across from the Avon River, and yes, it really is as peaceful as it sounds. One parent said her kid loved running down the little hill every morning just to spot birds by the water, which was very cute to think about.
The staff-to-child ratios are one of the strongest points here. Babies get a 1:3 ratio, toddlers 1:4, and preschoolers 1:8. Staff actually have the time to know them, talk to them, and build a relationship.
For a city-based centre, the outdoor space is pretty amazing. There are trees, big open spaces, edible gardens, and a bunch of animals. Sometimes, kids even feed the chickens or rabbits. It’s a good spot if your kids love animals and dirt.
The meals, all included in the fees, also deserve praise. Parents we spoke to said the food is fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and they even accommodate allergies and dietary needs.
There are a few things to remember, though. The centre’s popular, especially for babies, so spots fill fast. It’s important to plan ahead.
Also, being right in the city, parking can be a bit hit-or-miss during rush hour.
Such an accommodating preschool, and we always felt like family
“We were so lucky to spend the last four years on and off at Millies House! They were always so supportive and kind to us. Such an accommodating preschool, and we always felt like family. My son loved it here! Great food and a great team. Just a very welcoming environment, and I would recommend anyone.”
Jasmin Bristowe, Google review
Millie’s House has been a wonderful experience for my two children
“Millie’s House has been a wonderful experience for my two children, who have attended this centre since they were babies. The staff and teachers are incredibly supportive of my children’s social skills and their learning. I have found that my two speak fluently and are highly focused on development. Millie’s house also has a wonderful menu for my kids, and she was always happy to know they were being fed healthy meals.”
Christina Harding, Google review
