Active Explorers

Invercargill

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

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Invercargill

Chat to us about Half Price Fees

Valid for new enrolments only. T&C's apply.

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Centre Benefits

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

Invercargill's favourite local daycare

Welcome to Active Explorers Invercargill, where we offer quality childcare and education for infants, toddlers, and young learners. Our purpose-built centre creates a warm, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and discover their own unique strengths.

Meet our Centre Manager

Kia ora

Kia ora, I’m Sophie, the Centre Manager at Active Explorers Invercargill. I am a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood teacher with 13 years of experience supporting tamariki to grow, learn, and thrive. I strongly believe in advocating for every child and ensuring their wellbeing, development, and individual needs are always at the heart of everything I do.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being able to nurture children’s natural curiosity and support them in becoming confident, capable learners. I love building meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau, creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I have proudly been part of the Evolve Education whānau for the past three years and truly value working alongside a committed, caring, and passionate team. Together, we strive to provide high-quality early childhood education and create positive learning experiences that set children up for lifelong success.

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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.

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.

Administrator

Tracey

Centre Chef

Leah

Team Leader

Staci

Kaiako / Nui Explorers Lead

Kate

Kaiako

Amber

Kaiako

Teash

Kaiako

Maxine

Kaiako

Lyn

Kaiako

Mary

Kaiako

Moana

Kaiako

Annabelle

Kaiako

Bronnie

Kaiako

Kate

Kaiako

Kirsten

Kaiako

Emma

Support Staff

Sam

Team Leader - Under 2s room

Fabienne

Sophie

Kaiako

Karen

Kaiako

Stacey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Our Gallery

Our Fees

Under 3 years of age

Fees Payable

Morning/Afternoon Session

$10.95 per hour

6 Hour Session

$10.95 per hour

Full Day

$10.95 per hour

Full Week (Discounted Hourly Rate)

$415 per week

Over 3 years of age

Fees payable after 20 Hours ECE*

Morning/Afternoon Session

$10.95 per hour*

6 Hour Session

$10.95 per hour*

Full Day

Parent

★★★★★

Both my boys have gone to AE since they were 12 & 6 months old and they have experienced nothing less than a warm and loving environment with great learning goals both educational and social. The team...

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