Rhythm and belonging
Days at Herne Bay follow a familiar, predictable pattern, giving tamariki a secure foundation from which to explore. That rhythm builds confidence and a real sense of belonging for every child.
Welcome to Bear Park Herne Bay
A homely bungalow with a difference on Shelly Beach Road.
Bear Park Herne Bay · Central Auckland
On the sunny corner of Shelly Beach Road and Tweed Street, Herne Bay is a characterful bungalow filled with natural light. Familiar rhythms, a sustainable garden and a teaching team who genuinely know every child.
Designed with care
Our rich learning spaces evoke wonder, joy and a genuine love for learning.
A garden that is alive
At the front of the property, the sustainable garden is a calm place of discovery for children, teachers and whānau to enjoy together, bringing nature into the daily life of the centre year-round.
Our centre director
A warm welcome from the centre director.
A short welcome from the person who leads the Herne Bay team, who would love to meet you and your child in person.
Our teachers are inspired by Reggio Emilia, the RIE approach and Te Whāriki, with genuine relationships between children, parents and teachers at the centre of everything we do.
From our families
Every pick-up comes with a story
★ 4.0 average · 16 Google reviews
Hard-working, loving people
"Bear Park is an exceptional place, staffed by hard working, loving people"
Nathan G.Parent · Herne Bay
Our boy loves it there
"Excellent childcare, the staff are so good! Our boy loves it there."
Hamish D.Parent · Herne Bay
Could not be happier
"Fantastic experience so far for our little one. The administration as well as the in classroom staff have been fantastic. We couldn’t be happier with the experiences our child is getting and she loves being there."
Nick M.Parent · Herne Bay
Questions parents ask
Good to ask, before you visit.
Bear Park Herne Bay is at 42 Shelly Beach Road, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011. Ponsonby Primary School is a 5 minute walk, and Auckland CBD is a 5 minute drive. Convenient for families living in central Auckland or the inner western suburbs. Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.00pm. Nearby suburbs: Ponsonby, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay, Grey Lynn.
Bear Park Herne Bay is built around more teachers in every room. We believe tamariki learn best when they're truly known by their kaiako. Our teacher-to-child ratios go beyond the minimum required, and in our infant rooms the pace is calm and unhurried so every baby gets the undivided attention they deserve.
At least 80% of our kaiako at Bear Park Herne Bay hold a recognised ECE or Primary teaching qualification at Level 7 or above on the NZQA framework, and are registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Centre Director is a qualified, registered ECE teacher with extensive sector experience. Teachers working towards their qualification study while working in the centre, supported throughout by our Curriculum and Operations team.
Bear Park Herne Bay welcomes tamariki from 3 months to 5 years. We offer continuity of care so children don't need to move settings as they grow.
Current fee schedules can be requested from the Centre Director.
Bear Park early learning centres offer the New Zealand Government's 20 Hours ECE subsidy. The scheme allows Bear Park to subsidise fees for up to 20 hours of early childhood education per week for children aged three to five.
Book a tour at Bear Park Herne Bay through our website by clicking the Book a Tour button and selecting your centre. Our Parents Guide is available to download too, giving you a full picture of our programme and philosophy.
Book a tourCome and see a Herne Bay morning.
Free, about 45 minutes, and it asks nothing of you. This is your time to see Bear Park's philosophy in practice.
