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.
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Welcome to Bear Park Herne Bay
A homely bungalow and garden 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.
Bear Park Herne Bay is a Reggio-inspired early learning centre at 42 Shelly Beach Road, caring for tamariki aged 3 months to 5 years from Herne Bay, Ponsonby, St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay.
Teachers with time to spare
The team here staffs every room with more teachers around each child, so tamariki can confidently engage and build their sense of self. Wellbeing sits at the centre of every decision, for children, teachers and whānau.
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 director
A warm welcome from the team who lead the centre.
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.
Director nameCentre Director · Herne Bay
Director portrait
From our families
Every pick-up comes with a story
★ 4.0 average · 16 Google reviews
She loves being there
"Fantastic experience so far for our little one. The administration as well as the in classroom staff have been fantastic, and she loves being there."
Nick MParent · Herne Bay
Hard working, loving people
"Bear Park is an exceptional place, staffed by hard working, loving people."
Nathan GoldsworthyParent · Herne Bay
Lovely, caring staff
"Lovely, caring staff. Great indoor and outdoor spaces for kids to play."
Sam WallaceParent · Herne Bay
Questions parents ask
Good to ask, before you visit.
Bear Park Herne Bay is at 42 Shelly Beach Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, on the corner of Tweed Street. 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 pēpi 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. Your child can grow with us from infancy right through to starting school, building lasting bonds with their kaiako along the way.
For current fees, please contact Bear Park Herne Bay directly. Bear Park also participates in the New Zealand Government's 20 Hours ECE funding, providing eligible three- and four-year-olds with 20 subsidised hours per week.
To check availability at Bear Park Herne Bay, get in touch with our team directly. We recommend enquiring early as spaces fill quickly. Booking a tour is a great first step.
The easiest way to book a tour is through our website. Click the Book a Tour button, select Bear Park Herne Bay, and choose a time that suits your whānau. You can also download our Parents Guide for a full overview of life at Bear Park.
Book a tour
Come 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.
