Find the right daycare in New Zealand.
4,375 licensed early childhood services. 33 operators. Kindergartens, education & care, home-based, kōhanga reo, playcentres. MOE-sourced data, no marketing fluff.
By region
Top operators
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
413 centres
BestStart Educare
261 centres
Busy Bees
79 centres
KidsFirst Kindergartens
63 centres
Kindercare Learning Centres
50 centres
Central Kids Kindergartens
47 centres
Active Explorers
32 centres
Barnardos New Zealand
30 centres
Lollipops Educare
27 centres
Go Bananas Childcare
20 centres
New Shoots Children's Centres
20 centres
Nurtured at Home
18 centres
How NZ early-childhood funding works
NZ families can stack three forms of government support:
- 20 Hours ECE — universal for 3-5 year olds at participating licensed centres. The government pays the centre directly for up to 20 hours per week; the centre reduces your fees accordingly. Optional charges may still apply.
- Childcare Subsidy — means-tested hourly subsidy from MSD (Work and Income). Eligibility depends on household income, hours of work or study, and number of children.
- FamilyBoost — IRD rebate of 25% of weekly fees, capped at $75/week per family. Phases out from household income $140k to $180k. Claimed quarterly.
Estimate your net weekly cost after all three.