Cost of daycare in Riccarton
6 licensed centres in Riccarton, Canterbury — modelled weekly fees by age band, with 20 Hours ECE (0% of centres participate) and FamilyBoost net pricing.
Modelled weekly cost in Riccarton, by service type + age band
Per the OECE 2026 NZ funding rates. Net column shows out-of-pocket after FamilyBoost rebate (25% capped at $75/week).
| Service type | Under 2 | 2-3 yrs | 3-5 yrs (w/ 20 Hrs) | 3-5 yrs (net w/ FB) | In Riccarton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education & Care | $360 | $280 | $65 | $48.75 | 3 |
| Kindergarten | — | $180 | $0 | $0 | 2 |
| Playcentre | $20 | $20 | $20 | $15 | 1 |
Modelled weekly cost assumes 25 hours/week of care. Real fees vary by centre, family circumstance, and term — confirm with each centre directly. Per-centre fee scraping is a Phase B item; this page shows national medians until live per-centre fees are ingested.
How to reduce your weekly cost in Riccarton
NZ families can stack three forms of government support — all available at every centre in Riccarton.
For 3-5 year olds at participating centres. Up to 20 hours/week funded directly to the centre. 0 of 6 centres in Riccarton participate.
Means-tested. From MSD. Hourly subsidy based on household income, hours of work or study, and number of children. Apply via Work and Income.
25% rebate on weekly fees, capped at $75/week per family. From IRD. Phases out from household income $140k to $180k. Claim quarterly via myIR.
All 6 centres in Riccarton
Listed by service type. 20-Hrs pill indicates participation in 20 Hours ECE.
Education & Care (3)
Children's House Montessori Preschool
BestStart Riccarton
ERO assessed BestStart Riccarton as Not well placed in June 2018. Our analysis of the ERO report found Curriculum & learning graded C, with assessment and planning improving but needing stronger Te Whāriki implementation consistency. Children's wellbeing, Whānau partnership, Health & safety, and Leadership & governance were each graded B.
Kindercare Learning Centres - Fendalton
ERO assessed this service as Not well placed in June 2020. Our analysis of the ERO report identified strengths in health and safety (staffing ratios exceed legal minimums) and leadership and governance (leadership supports reflection and evaluation), though strategic planning alignment was noted as an area for development.
Kindergarten (2)
Kidsfirst Kindergartens McKenzie
ERO assessed the service as Not well placed in its 2019 review. Our analysis of the ERO report found effective curriculum implementation and strong leadership, but identified that whānau partnership requires greater parental input into curriculum and planning decisions.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens Riccarton
ERO assessed the service as Not well placed in June 2020. Our analysis of the ERO report identified strengths in whānau partnership and bicultural practice (both graded A), with sound curriculum teaching and strong support for children's wellbeing (both graded B). Assessment documentation was noted as an area for refinement.
Frequently asked about daycare costs in Riccarton
- How much does daycare cost in Riccarton?
- Daycare costs in Riccarton vary by service type and the age of your child. Modelled national medians: education & care centres charge around $320-$360/week for under-2s and $0-$65/week for 2-5 year olds depending on 20 Hours ECE participation. Free Kindergartens charge little or nothing for 3-5 year olds due to 20 Hours funding. Of 6 centres in Riccarton, 0 (0%) participate in 20 Hours ECE.
- Which centres in Riccarton offer 20 Hours ECE?
- 0 of 6 centres in Riccarton participate in 20 Hours ECE, which subsidises up to 20 hours/week for 3-5 year olds. See the per-centre listing below for participation status.
- Can I get FamilyBoost for daycare in Riccarton?
- Yes. FamilyBoost is a 25% IRD rebate on weekly fees, capped at $75/week per family. Available at every licensed ECE service in NZ (including all 6 centres in Riccarton). Phases out from household income $140k to $180k. Claim quarterly via IRD myIR.
- What's the cheapest daycare option in Riccarton?
- In NZ, the lowest-cost ECE options are typically Free Kindergartens (3-5 year olds, ~$0/week with 20 Hours ECE) and Playcentres (parent-led, ~$20/week). For under-2s, all centre-based options charge fees — Childcare Subsidy from MSD plus FamilyBoost from IRD can substantially reduce out-of-pocket cost depending on household income.
Full directory with safety + demographics
Your exact net weekly cost
Per-region cost comparison
Data sources & freshness (4 sources · last refresh 12 July 2026)
Service type, address, roll, ethnicity, Equity Index, 20 Hours, Takiwā, lat/lng
Annual financial returns (community-based + umbrella orgs)
Per-centre review reports + 6-dimension letter grades (curriculum / wellbeing / whānau / bicultural / health & safety / leadership)
Safety score, crime/1k, 2023 Census demographics
Last build refresh: . See full methodology + data sources pages for licences, refresh cadences, and known gaps.