Leaf
Growing your experience...
Damper
Cooking some damper bread...
Log
Gathering bush treasures...
Fire
Building the campfire...

Nature-Based Learning in Beautiful Waiatarua

Whether you need a day per week to work, catch up on your to-do list, or take a break from home education, The Bush Base provides a loving community environment for your child every Monday.

πŸŽ† Love making light sabers! - Marigold, 7
❀️ Highly recommend - Nadia
🌿 Amazing environment - Ron K

About The Bush Base

Where learning meets nature in the heart of Waiatarua

The Bush Base

Flexible, Nature-Based Care

In the homeschooling community, there's a real need for flexible, one-day-a-week care options. Many parents want to take a well-deserved break, pursue part-time work, or catch up on their to-do list.

The Bush Base fills this gap with a unique home-based community where we scaffold each child's interests and support their holistic development in beautiful Waiatarua.

Ages 6-12 β€’ Mondays 9am-3pm β€’ Low 1:8 ratio

Way of Learning

Play, Curiosity, and the Power of Nature

At The Bush Base, we recognise that children's brains are wired to learn through free exploration and play. When our tamariki play, they are truly engaged, and their minds are open for discovery.

We are firm believers that the natural world is our greatest teacher. We prioritise being outside, interacting with each other, nurturing plants to grow, and exploring all that the beautiful flora and fauna of the Waitakere Ranges has to offer.

We follow an emergent curriculum, which means our learning is guided by the curiosities and strengths of the children, not predetermined by adults.

Philosophy

Our Philosophy

Connect with nature through guided learning and play, encouraging exploration, creativity, and respect for the natural world.

Environment

Learning Environment

Located in the Waitakere Ranges, surrounded by lush greenery, offering an ideal setting for hands-on experiences.

Community

What We Offer

Nature walks, creative workshops, and activities that engage young minds organically, blending learning with exploration.

Terms and Policies

Important information for families joining The Bush Base

Terms and Policies

Our Commitment to You

We believe in transparency and clear communication with all our families. Our terms and conditions outline our policies, procedures, and mutual expectations to ensure the best experience for everyone.

Please take time to review these important documents before enrolling your child.

View Terms & Conditions

Meet Our Kaiako

Experienced educators passionate about nature-based learning

Renda Warner

Renda Warner

As a mum of three who has always encouraged life-learning for our family, I believe that children are a taonga and I want to help them thrive. I have over 20 years experience working with children and young people in various settings, including in the homeschooling sector, in youth work, and in early childhood education.

I recognize that our tamariki are all different and I love creating an environment where children feel warm connection and understanding above all else. I'm excited about sharing our beautiful property here with tamariki.

Maria Freitas

Maria Freitas

As a mum of two (and many more through our homeschool adventures!), I've learned that the best lessons often happen outside the classroom β€” in the garden, around the table, or on a muddy track in the bush.

I love seeing tamariki explore, ask questions, and discover their own ways of learning, whether that's through music, nature, or simply sharing stories together. Homeschooling has taught me to celebrate every little spark of curiosity, and here at The Bush Base I get to keep doing exactly that, alongside an amazing team and our awesome tamariki.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about The Bush Base

🌿
What age is the programme for?
The Bush Base is for ages 6-12 (we are open to taking very independent 5-year-olds).
πŸƒ
Where are you located?
We are on Bush Road, Waiatarua, West Auckland. Only 10 minutes from Henderson or Glen Eden, 20 minutes from Westgate or Waterview, and 30 minutes from the CBD. Please see the map below.
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What does it cost?
The cost per child per term is $750, plus a small resourcing fee. Payment plans and bulk payment discounts are available.
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What might a typical day look like?
Our day flows naturally from 9am-3pm with morning circles, free play, optional activities like craft and bush exploration, shared meals, and afternoon reflection time.
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What days are you open?
We are open on Mondays from 9am - 3pm. We are exploring adding a second day in 2026.
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Can I try it out?
Yes, we offer 'try days' during the normal term. Get in contact if you'd like to arrange one.
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What are your ratios?
We aim for a ratio of 1 kaiako to 8 tamariki, and we ensure we do not exceed a 1:9 ratio.
2025

Ready to Join The Bush Base?

Take the first step in your child's nature-based learning journey. We'd love to welcome your whānau to our community.

Join the Waitlist

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you and answer any questions about The Bush Base

Contact Details

We'd love to hear from you. Please use the form on the right to send us a message, give us a call, or contact us via email or our socials.

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