Evolve Education Group - nurturing the next generation of lifelong learners

Active Explorers

Invercargill

70 Arena Avenue, Invercargill
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:45pm
03 214 1312

Aubrey Good (Small)

Centre Benefits

Lunches/Food
Rooms
Nursery
Excursions
School Transitions
Storypark
Large Outdoor Area
ECE Hours
Extended Hours

Meet our Centre Manager

Sophie Pine 2023 (Small)

Kia ora

My name is Sophie! I am the Centre Manager for Active Explorers Invercargill. I am a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood teacher, with 11 years' experience. I am passionate about our tamariki and advocating for them whilst always having their best interest at heart.

I live on a wee farmlet with my partner Zach and our two dogs Pluto and Luna. I love being around friends and family - going on new and exciting adventures.

What makes us special

Our Centre

About Active Explorers Invercargill

At Active Explorers Invercargill, we’re all about creating a respectful, child-led learning environment. Our focus is on fostering independence and curiosity, with each child encouraged to follow their own learning journey. We believe in free movement, relationship-based care, and empowering tamariki to lead their learning through exploration.

Our modern, purpose-built centre is designed to support every child’s growth. With spacious outdoor areas and rooms tailored to different age groups, we provide an environment that’s just right for their development. Whether rain or shine, our children are free to explore thanks to our large deck areas with heaters.

Each day at Active Explorers is filled with fun, engaging activities that are designed to support your child’s individual development. From the Tui Room for the youngest explorers to the Pukeko Room for our preschoolers, we make sure every child has the opportunities they need to grow and thrive.

Brooky (Small)

Our People

Our Team

The team at Active Explorers is highly dedicated, with many members having been with the center for over 5 years, our longest-standing members serving for 13 plus years. We are passionate about the programs we deliver along with the experiences and opportunities we provide for our tamariki.

Whanaungatanga is at the core of our practice, providing learning environments that are a ‘home away from home’. We deeply value our connections with our whanau along with our wider community,enhancing our cultural diversity as we collaborate with our whanau and embrace all they have to offer.

Tracey Mcelligott 2023 (Small)

Administrator

Tracey

Leah Kennet 2023 (Small)

Centre Chef

Leah

Staci Lind 2023 (1) (Small)

Team Leader

Staci

Kate Knight (Small)

Kaiako / Nui Explorers Lead

Kate

Amber Crighton 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Amber

Teash Butler (Small)

Kaiako

Teash

Maxine Raynes 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Maxine

Lyn May 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Lyn

Mary Connell 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Mary

Moana Whelan 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Moana

Annabelle Gilmour 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Annabelle

Bronwyn Beer 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Bronnie

Kate Millar 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Kate

Kirsten King 2023 (Small)

Kaiako

Kirsten

Emma Hurley (Small)

Kaiako

Emma

Jaylee Kennett (Small)

Kaiako

Jaylee

Samantha Griffiths Campbell (Small)

Support Staff

Sam

Fabz (Small)

Team Leader - Under 2s room

Fabienne

Our Rooms

Our Spaces

At Active Explorers Invercargill, we’ve created an environment that’s perfect for growing, learning, and playing. From our purpose-built learning environments to our vibrant outdoor spaces, every area is designed with the needs of tamariki in mind, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Laura 3 Ok (Small)

0–12 months

Tui Room

The Tui Room is a calm and nurturing space for our youngest explorers. We provide sensory play, quiet time, and soft areas for babies to explore and develop at their own pace. It’s a safe, secure environment that supports infants as they start their learning journey.

Isabella (Small)

1 - 2 years

Fantail Room

In the Fantail Room, toddlers are encouraged to discover and develop through interactive play. The room is designed with stimulating activities that promote early motor skills, cognitive growth, and the beginnings of social interaction, all within a fun, safe setting.

Cypress (Small)

2 - 3.5 years

Kea Room

The Kea Room provides a space for tamariki to explore their creativity and start building their skills for school. With a focus on early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, children are given the tools to grow independently while learning through hands-on activities and exploration.

Tawera (Small)

3.5 - 5 years

Pukeko Room

In the Pukeko Room, our preschoolers are encouraged to prepare for the next step in their learning journey. With a focus on self-directed learning, and skill-building activities, tamariki develop the confidence and independence they need as they get ready for school.

Our Programmes

Queens Park Nature Play Area Active Explorers ELC (25) (Small)

Nui Explorers

Every Wednesday from 8:45am-12:30pm, our eldest tamariki at Active Explorers Invercargill head out on an exciting nature-based journey - and it’s completely FREE!

Rooted in a connection with Papatūānuku and our local hapori, this program supports holistic wellbeing through unstructured play and physical exploration.

From bug hunting and tree climbing to hut building and bushcraft, tamariki build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills in the great outdoors. Rain or shine, muddy hands and curious minds are always welcome.

Nui Explorers is about learning through real experiences, developing a love for nature, and having fun - one wild adventure at a time!

Miharo Murihuiku Polyfest

A Celebration of Culture and Whānau

Our annual Polyfest performance was a huge success! Our tamariki performed with pride and passion, showcasing the songs they had been practicing for months. It was heartwarming to see them stand tall, full of confidence and mana.

We were fortunate to have whānau join us in the lead-up to the event, sharing songs and cultural knowledge that helped us connect more deeply with our diverse backgrounds.

Thank you to everyone who supported our journey. We’re so proud of our tamariki and the incredible energy they brought to the stage!

Nikau Becca Ellie (Small)

Aqua Explorers

Our exciting swimming program is designed for the eight oldest tamariki at our centre.

Across nine fun and focused sessions, our kaiako support tamariki as they build essential water safety skills, develop independence, and prepare for their transition to Kura.

From packing their own swim bags to dressing themselves, this program empowers tamariki with self-care routines while boosting their confidence in the water.

They’ll learn how to float, kick, and go underwater safely - all while gaining the tools to look after themselves and their belongings with pride and purpose.

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Our Fees

Under 3 years of age

Fees Payable

Morning/Afternoon Session

$10.75 per hour

6 Hour Session

$10.75 per hour

Full Day

$10.75 per hour

Full Week

$400 per week, capped

Over 3 years of age

Fees payable after 20 Hours ECE*

Morning/Afternoon Session

$10.75 per hour*

6 Hour Session

$10.75 per hour*

Full Day

$10.75 per hour*

Full Week

$280 per week, capped*

Chat to our team

Chat to our team

Send us a message today. We can't wait to talk to you

Why parents love our centre

harman mann

harman mann

Parent

★★★★★

Highly recommended to everyone. Both of my children attend this kindergarten, and they are both very happy here. The teachers and staff are all incredibly kind, caring, and supportive. It’s a welcomi...

Layla Woolf

Layla Woolf

Parent

★★★★★

We've been really happy with the care our daughter has received at Active Explorers. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and we've loved being part of the community. They keep us well-informe...

Chanelle N

Chanelle N

Parent

★★★★★

Wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else. Have sent all 3 there! The best experience! I feel comfortable leaving my kids In Their capable hands. Always having fun excursions and feed very well. Teachers ar...

Joshua

Joshua

Parent

★★★★★

My girls love it, Tracey and the team have been awesome 😎 highly recommended

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Click the button below to visit our facebook page. You'll be able to get a glimpse of all the fun and find out more about the creative learning experiences in our centre.

Active Explorers Children Hide and Seek