A warm welcome to The Wishing Tree. A place for little explorers to feel at home, follow their ideas and discover something wonderful every day.
Purpose-built early learning in the heart of Blockhouse Bay.
A family-owned early learning centre where relationships, play and a sense of belonging come first.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia and grounded in Te Whāriki, we see children as capable learners whose questions and ideas matter.
At The Wishing Tree, we welcome the whole family. We take time to learn about your child's interests, familiar routines and the little things that help them feel at home.
Our purpose-built spaces bring together natural materials and opportunities for creative exploration. With dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, children have space to discover at their own pace.
Come and get to know usFrom the comfort of a familiar face to the excitement of a new discovery, each room supports a different part of your child's journey.
For babies aged 3–24 months, primary caregiving builds trusting relationships with familiar teachers. Calm, unhurried care follows each baby's routines and pace of discovery.
A separate sleep room offers a peaceful place to rest, while a dedicated outdoor area supports active exploration. We work closely with families and welcome breastfeeding visits.
Warm relationships help toddlers feel secure as they explore, make friends and grow in independence. Natural resources and outdoor play support their developing interests.
We connect with familiar home routines and offer experiences that support and extend learning. When children are ready, we work together on their transition to Fantail.
Investigations grow from children's interests, guided by Te Whāriki and inspiration from Reggio Emilia. Our programme supports social skills, confidence and preparation for primary school.
Teachers and families share knowledge of each child's learning. Our transition-to-school programme includes ongoing conversations with whānau about progress and next steps.
Our approach draws on Te Whāriki and inspiration from Reggio Emilia. We see children as capable explorers, full of ideas to share.
We make room for questions, investigation and creative expression.
Thoughtfully chosen materials invite sensory discovery, indoors and outside.
Families bring knowledge, culture and perspectives that enrich each child's learning.
Our Reggio Emilia inspired approach starts with children's interests and the possibilities in everyday play. Alongside Te Whāriki, we see children as competent, capable learners, full of curiosity and creativity. Children express their ideas in many ways—the ‘hundred languages’ of learning. Our teachers and whānau work in partnership, with the environment as a ‘third teacher’, to nurture exploration and respect for the natural world and Papatūānuku.
A texture, a shape or an unexpected sound can spark an investigation. We value the questions children bring to their play.
Natural materials and open-ended resources give children different ways to build, create, experiment and share their thinking.
Conversation and shared exploration make space for friendships, new perspectives and growing confidence.
Time and space for our youngest explorers.
Imagination and friendship in shared play.
Scooping, digging and exploring outdoors.
Making space for hands-on outdoor play.
Discovering alongside a friend.
Expressing ideas with a brush and paint.
Exploring colour, movement and creativity.
Feeling textures and making new marks.
Different ideas, shared discoveries.
Sharing time in our learning spaces.
Arranging shapes and trying out ideas.
Making patterns and exploring possibilities.
Learning and discovering together.
Everyday resources inspire new stories.
Choosing, collecting and exploring.
Imaginative play with familiar routines.
Exploring colour, shape and texture.
Quiet moments to look, wonder and enjoy.
Sorting, collecting and making discoveries.
Looking closely and trying things out.
Everyday moments at The Wishing Tree.
Read independent review information as you get to know our centre.
Read the Education Review Office’s report for The Wishing Tree Early Learning Centre.
Read our ERO report ↗Opens the official ERO website in a new tab.
If you would like to discuss a report or request a copy, please contact our team.
Arrange a visit to meet us and see our learning spaces. Tell us your child's age, your preferred days and when you hope to start. We will talk through availability and the next enrolment steps with you.
Yes. We welcome the opportunity to show you around and answer your questions. Please contact us to arrange a suitable time.
We open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm, and close on public holidays.
Yes. Ask us how 20 Hours ECE can apply to your child’s booking from age three. We can explain eligible hours, session options and any charges for your chosen attendance before you enrol.
Contact us for our current fee information and availability for your child's age group and preferred days. Enquiries do not reserve a place.
We work with your family to get to know your child and discuss transition visits, familiar routines and what will help them feel comfortable.
Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements when you enquire so we can discuss your child's needs together.
You and your child are welcome to look around together. We usually suggest 10:30am, with the date and time agreed in advance.
Let's arrange a visit ↗Share your child's age, preferred days and hoped-for start date so we can discuss availability.
Meet the team and explore the rooms. We usually suggest 10:30am; we'll agree a date and time with you.
Talk through enrolment and transition visits together, including the routines and comforts your child knows.
Choosing an early learning centre is a personal decision. Come and see whether The Wishing Tree feels right for your family.