Now welcoming enrolments
Portobelo Avonhead
🕒 7:30am – 5:30pm
🏠 124 Yaldhurst Road, Avonhead
03 343 9943
📧 admin@portobelo.co.nz
🕒 7:30am – 5:30pm
🏠 124 Yaldhurst Road, Avonhead
📞 03 343 9943
📧 admin@portobelo.co.nz
Now welcoming enrolments
A warm, welcoming early learning centre where tamariki explore, play and grow through meaningful relationships.
Located on Yaldhurst Road, Portobelo Avonhead offers a calm, homely environment with expansive outdoor spaces and caring kaiako who support children to feel safe, confident and connected.
As a parent-owned centre, we understand how big this decision is – because we’ve been there too. That’s why we offer 4 months free* for new enrolments, to give your family the chance to settle in without the pressure.
*Terms and conditions apply.
See Inside Portobelo Avonhead
A huge kiwi backyard, home-like rooms, and a team who can’t wait to meet you.
A Place for Every Stage
Nursery (0 – 2 years)
The first 1000 days of a child’s life are among the most significant – and we take that responsibility seriously. Our nursery is a calm, home-like space where babies and toddlers are cared for as individuals, with sleep, kai and play following each child’s own rhythm rather than the clock.
Kaiako take time to truly know each tamariki – their cues, their comfort, their curiosity. Alongside warm, responsive caregiving, tamariki explore sensory, creative and nature-based experiences indoors and out, always at their own pace.
Fresh seasonal purees are prepared on site for our youngest tamariki not yet on solids. Nappies, wipes and sunblock are all included, so families can focus on what matters the most.
Preschool (2 – 5 years)
Our preschool welcomes tamariki from age two, right through to school age – a time of enormous growth in language, independence and friendships. Each child’s programme is planned around their individual interests, pace and goals so every stage of the journey feels supported.
Days are child-led and flexible, with outdoor play, small group learning experiences and plenty of uninterrupted exploration. As tamariki grow, our programme becomes increasingly rich – weaving together a range of rich, purposeful learning experiences. Our four year olds also take part in dedicated inquiry time focused on school readiness skills.
From garden to table, mealtimes are a genuine part of the learning experience – tamariki grow, harvest and share fresh kai together every day.
Learning Through Play
Our programme is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. We focus on the holistic development of each child through discovery learning, creative play and an environment intentionally designed to inspire curiosity. Our skilled kaiako use everything they learn about your child’s unique natural abilities and way of seeing the world to guide their individual learning journey.
A Gentle, Child-Led Start
Starting early learning is a big step, for tamariki and whānau alike, and we never rush it. After your tour, we invite you to bring your child back for a relaxed stay and play session so they can explore the space and begin to feel at home.
From there, settling is gradual and always child-led. Kaiako take the time to really get to know your child – their routines, their personality, what makes them feel safe. Every plan is personalised to your whānau.
And when the time comes for school, we reach out to your chosen primary school on your behalf, so your child walks in already known and understood.
Fresh Food, Every Day
We believe good food is part of good care. Every meal at Portobelo Avonhead is prepared fresh onsite by our dedicated chef.
A nutrient-rich and varied diet is crucial for a child’s mental development and wellbeing. Our chef follows a seasonal 4-week cycle, and from garden to table, tamariki are involved in growing, harvesting and enjoying fresh kai – building a real connection to where their food comes from.
We provide morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack for full-day tamariki. For our youngest not yet on solids, our chef prepares seasonal purees. Parents are asked to supply formula or breast milk as needed. We cater for a wide range of allergies and intolerances.
Curious about what’s on the menu? Follow us on Facebook for a peek at kai time at Portobelo.
What Whānau Say
We’d Love to Meet You
