Maungatapu, Tauranga · Preschool for ages 2–5
A Tauranga preschool where your child is genuinely known, valued and supported
Experienced, caring kaiako, strong teacher-to-child ratios and meaningful play-based learning for children aged 2 to 5. Enquire about current availability and arrange a time to meet our team.
- 90% qualified teachers
- Exceptional teacher-to-child ratios
- Experienced, committed kaiako
- Swimming and gymnastics opportunities
Learning through play, every day
Days built around curiosity, exploration, friendships and real experiences.
Culture and identity woven in
Te reo Māori, tikanga and each child's own culture are part of everyday life here.
Whānau partnership
Open communication and a genuine welcome for your family, not just your child.
Visits welcome, no pressure
Come and look around, ask anything, and decide in your own time.
Why families choose us
Why whānau choose Maungatapu Preschool
Choosing a preschool is about more than finding an available place. Families want to know their child will feel safe, understood and genuinely connected.
Genuine relationships
Our kaiako take the time to know each child and their whānau, creating trust, familiarity and a strong sense of belonging.
The whole child
We support emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, independence and social development alongside learning.
Experienced, committed kaiako
A caring and consistent teaching team gives tamariki the security and encouragement they need to flourish.
Culture and whānau partnership
We value whānau voice, identity, te ao Māori and open communication, working together to support each child.
From our whānau
What families say about Maungatapu Preschool
Verified reviews left by whānau on Google.
Amanda Hawkins
Google review · 30 Jun
“Recently enrolled my daughter and the process has been amazing! The staff are so kind and informative. I was nervous about whether my daughter would handle it and they were super supportive and kept me informed the whole time. Facilities are great and food looks yum. My daughter has the best time and is well looked after. Manager is lovely and happy to answer any questions. Can't recommend highly enough!”
Ian Ashworth
Google review · 04 Sep
“We've recently enrolled our third child at Maungatapu Preschool, and wouldn't consider anywhere else. We live in the Kaimais and work in town, so it's not on our way to or from anywhere, but it's worth the extra time and effort to have fantastic teachers and a brilliant environment for all of our children.”
Mark Papworth
Google review · 06 Jul
“Both my kids have had great care and love poured upon them by these exceptional staff. Very clean facilities, well cooked food, best day care I had used!”
Ages 2 to 5
Meaningful learning for children aged 2 to 5
Our programme is built around what tamariki are curious about, the relationships they build and the real experiences they have every day.
Play-based learning
Built around each child's strengths and interests, so learning feels like something they want to do.
Wellbeing and belonging
Emotional wellbeing comes first. Children settle, feel secure and know they belong here.
Confidence and independence
Curiosity, resilience and independence grow through everyday choices and gentle encouragement.
Individual attention
Strong ratios mean kaiako have more time to notice, respond to and extend each child.
Swimming and gymnastics
Distinctive opportunities beyond the classroom for tamariki in the 2 to 5 programme.
Culture and identity
Te reo Māori, tikanga and each child's own culture are woven into everyday learning.
Children are prepared for their next step through strong relationships, real experiences and the confidence to give things a go.
Request a TourHonest answers
What matters when you are choosing a preschool
These are the questions whānau ask us most often, and what you can look for when you visit.
Will my child be genuinely known?
Yes. Our kaiako build real relationships with every child and their whānau, and strong ratios give them the time to notice what each child needs, not just keep the day running.
Will they feel safe and settled?
A caring, consistent teaching team makes a big difference. We tailor settling and transitions to each child, working at their pace and keeping you in the loop along the way.
Will they be learning as well as playing?
Play is how tamariki learn. Through exploration, conversation, relationships and intentional support from kaiako, children build language, thinking, problem solving and social skills every day.
Will our family be included?
Whānau partnership matters to us. We welcome your voice, share what is happening for your child, and value the culture and identity your family brings to the preschool.
Still have a question?
Bring it with you. A visit is the easiest way to see how our kaiako work and whether the preschool feels right for your child.
Simple and low pressure
Come and experience Maungatapu for yourself
No pressure and no commitment. A visit is simply a chance to ask questions and see whether Maungatapu feels right for your child.
- 1
Tell us about your child
Send a short enquiry with your child's age and a little about the care you are looking for.
- 2
We arrange a suitable time
Our team will contact you to discuss availability and find a time that works for your whānau.
- 3
Meet the kaiako and explore
A kaiako from the programme will show you around, explain what the day looks like and talk through settling, transitions and enrolment options.
Bring your child along so you can see how they respond to the environment and meet the kaiako together.
A tātou taonga mō āpōpō.Our treasures for tomorrow.
We believe every child is unique, confident and capable. Through nurturing relationships, meaningful play and partnership with whānau, tamariki are supported to grow, flourish and feel proud of who they are.
“He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea.”
A look around
Real photos from around the preschool
No stock imagery. These are the spaces, gardens and play areas your child would spend their days in.
Photos only tell you so much. Come and see the space, meet the kaiako and watch how the day actually runs.
Request a TourGood to know
Common Questions
Do you currently have places available?
Availability changes by age, start date and the days required. Send an enquiry and our team will confirm the current options for your child.
Who is this page for?
This page is focused on Maungatapu Preschool's programme for children aged 2 to 5.
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes. Request a tour and our team will arrange a suitable time for you to meet the kaiako and explore the preschool.
What happens during a visit?
A kaiako will show you through the programme, explain the daily rhythm and learning approach, and discuss settling, transitions and enrolment options.
Do you offer swimming and gymnastics?
Swimming and gymnastics are offered as part of the opportunities available to children in the 2 to 5 programme. Ask our team about the current schedule and participation details.
How do we begin the enrolment process?
Start by sending an enquiry. We will discuss your child's age, start date, required days and current availability before guiding you through the next steps.
Still have a question? Ask us anything, big or small.
Come and see it for yourself
One minute to enquire, no obligation to enrol. Our team will contact you to discuss availability and arrange a suitable time to visit.
Next step
Find out whether Maungatapu is the right place for your child
Tell us what your whānau needs and we will help you understand the current options for your 2–5-year-old.
- 313 Maungatapu Road, Maungatapu, Tauranga 3112
- 07 544 6969
- info@maungatapupreschool.co.nz