Active Explorers

Lower Hutt

22a Pretoria Street, Lower Hutt
Monday - Friday 7:15am - 6:00am
04 589 5061

Centre Benefits

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

Lower Hutt's favourite local daycare

Welcome to Active Explorers Lower Hutt, a friendly and inclusive early learning centre in the heart of the Hutt Valley. We offer quality care and education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, in a space where every child feels welcome, valued and excited to learn.

Meet our Centre Manager

Kia ora

My name is Emilee Keefe and I am the Centre Manager at Active Explorers Lower Hutt.

I have worked for Evolve since 2015 and have been lucky enough to work in five of their Centres. I started my career with Evolve as a Teacher and have moved my way up to a Centre Manager. I have been lucky enough to hold a Centre Managers position in three Evolve Centres, Lollipops Petone, Active Explorers Upper Hutt, and Active Explorers Lower Hutt.

What makes us special

Our Centre

About Active Explorers Lower Hutt

At Active Explorers Lower Hutt, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported and free to explore. Our child-led approach means we follow their interests and let curiosity guide learning. We’re inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, which recognise the many ways children express themselves.

Our centre is bright, spacious and thoughtfully set up for different age groups, with open-ended resources and environments refreshed throughout the day. We're just a short walk from local shops and right next to Eastern Hutt Primary, making drop-offs easy for families on the go.

Children are grouped by age, so they’re always learning and playing in spaces that suit their stage of development. From gentle sensory play for our littlest explorers to exciting experiences for our preschoolers, each day is filled with connection, discovery and celebration of our diverse community.

Our People

Our Team

Our warm and caring team brings energy, experience and heart into every day. Many of our teachers speak more than one language, which brings even more richness to our centre life. We value strong, respectful relationships with whānau and work in close partnership with families.

Check out our teaching team photos and information in our foyer when you come to visit our centre!

Our Rooms

Our Spaces

Our centre is alive with creativity, curiosity and connection. Each space is designed to meet the needs of the children in it, with inviting areas that encourage exploration, movement and meaningful play.

0-16 months

Fantail Nest

Our infant room is calm and nurturing, giving babies the freedom to explore at their own pace. With soft surroundings, familiar faces and gentle routines, our youngest tamariki feel secure and supported every step of the way.

16 months to 2.5 years

Fantail Toddlers

Toddlers are on the move, and this space gives them every opportunity to explore, experiment and connect. With plenty of hands-on activities and warm encouragement from our teachers, this is a space where confidence and independence begin to grow.

2.5 years - 5 years

Kiwi Room

In our preschool room, learning becomes a rich and exciting journey. Children enjoy a balance of play and structure, with opportunities to create, discover and develop the skills that set them up for a great start at school.

Our Gallery

Chat to our team

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

★★★★★

Amazing educators who make the kids and family feel right at home. Probably one of the toughest jobs under the sun, I reckon, but you ladies and gents are doing a stirling job. Would highly recommend.

We're on Facebook!

Want a sneak peek at our centre?

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.