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Nurturing a whānau of innovative learners through positive relationships and real-life experiences immersed in nature, culture and community

Nature Programmes

Home - Nature Programmes

Play and Learn Nature Programmes

A unique New Zealand experience!

We have found some natural spaces within our cities and operate a number of Nature Kindergartens, where tamariki spend the day/week in the outdoors. We follow the Scandinavian philosophy of There is no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothing therefore the programme operates in most weathers.

These programmes are influenced from a number of sources, including Steiner, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Outdoor Adventure Education and Forest School programmes from Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.

Research shows significant time self-directed play in the outdoors develops better:

  • Physical health stamina, fitness, eyesight, and less infection, obesity, immune diseases, heart diseases
  • Mental Health lower cortisol, less ADHD. Bonding and love of the outdoors
  • Cognitive ability overall better brain development, concentration and better academic performance
  • Cognitive ability overall better brain development, concentration and better academic performance
  • Happiness better self-appreciation and awareness, creativity and imagination, motivation
  • Self-esteem self-awareness, competence, confidence
  • Brain development uses all the senses for learning, more oxygen to brain
  • Judgment problem solving, deciding, revisiting, reflection
  • Leadership decision making, confidence, ownership of tasks, group skills, co-operation, motivation, awareness of others
  • Risk/Strategies safety awareness
  • Environmental awareness and connection - knowledge and understanding of the physical world. – mindfulness and the joy of the outdoors
  • Community awareness understanding and knowing how the world works
  • Creativity resourcefulness, art, imagination, wonder for better language development and discussion which is the basis for literacy.
  • “…Natural places are singularly engaging, stimulating, life-enhancing environments where tamariki can reach new depths of understanding about themselves, their abilities and their relationship with the world around them…” Tim Gill

Nature Programmes we offer

Centre based Nature Programme

Out of our centres a group of children go out for the whole day to the same destination every week. This is great to develop a strong relationship with the area, our community, and each other.

Learn more!

Nature Playgroup

These play sessions in nature are parent, whanau or teacher led and are a great chance to meet other families. Usually two hours once a week.

For children from 0 to 6 years.

Learn more!

Nature Kindergarten

These groups are outside the whole day in almost every weather condition.

Led by specially trained Forest School teachers with a 1:5 ratio. For children from 3 to 6 years.

More info below!

For nature programmes enquiries of specific programme contact us

Nature Kindergarten

Nature Kindy currently operating at

Auckland City

Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill)
Churchill Park

East Auckland

Camp Sladdin (Clevedon Scenic Reserve with Play and Learn King Street)

South Auckland

Schlapfer Park Scout Camp (Paerata with Play and Learn Karaka West)

North Auckland

Wenderholm
Long Bay Regional Park (North Shore, Torbay)

Dunedin

Waiora Scout Camp (with Play and Learn Fairfield)
 

Long Bay

Monday to Friday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Cornwall Park

Wednesday, Friday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Wenderholm

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Churchill Park

Monday, Tuesday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Visit our new website!

Other Locations Available On Demand - Contact Us!

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  • Awaruku Reserve (Torbay)
  • Fowlds Park (Morningside)
  • Mt Richmond (Mt. Wellington)
  • Mission Heights Reserve (Mission Heights)
  • Ambury Farm (Mangere Bridge)
  • Kelmarna gardens
  • Franklin Nature 
  • Papakura/Takanini
  • Otimai 
  • Point Chevalier 
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  • Waiatarua Reserve (Remuera)
  • Centennial Park (Campbells Bay)
  • Omeru Reserve (Kaukapakapa)
  • Dingle Dell (St. Helliers)
  • Totara Park (Manukau)
  • Cockle Bay (Howick)