The Wilderness is located on a large site near Yaldhurst, which was previously home to McKenzie Residential School. The school played a large part in the upbringing of young boys in Canterbury for many years. For us, continuing on the decades of education on this magical site is an exciting opportunity.

We believe in the power of nature and the benefits that it can provide tamariki. At The Wilderness we have been able to create an environment that engages seamlessly with the outdoors and encompasses so much of why Aotearoa is an amazing country to live in.

The unique Wilderness experience includes the following:

• An on-site native bush for the tamariki to enjoy nature play and our nature-based education program.

• An orchard to grow our own fruit.

• Extensive vegetable gardens to help educate the tamariki on growing and caring for plants. These vegetables will be used by our chef to produce nutritious kai.

• Delicious whole-foods menu.

• An array of small animals, as well as extensive birdlife, for tamariki to interact with and to assist in nurturing.

• Low child to teacher ratios.

All of your child’s food is provided by the Centre. We have worked with a respected Dietician to develop a menu that is high in nutrients and low in sugar. Best of all, it has been tried and tested by the children… and they love it (even the fussiest of eaters)!  Cooked on site by our wonderful chef - you can be assured that your children are nourishing their bodies perfectly for a day full of adventure and play.   

Just like family meals at home, mealtimes are a special time at The Wilderness.  Children are encouraged to take time to enjoy their food.  They are encouraged to serve themselves, clear their own plates, develop table manners and show appreciation and gratitude for their food. Check out a sample of our menu.

We love to share and are fully committed to helping out on the food front wherever we can. We provide recipes of some of our meals to our families so you too can be inspired to make healthy food that kids love to eat!

We also cater for a wide range of allergies, intolerances and cultural preferences.

Through years of working with children, our team, collectively, has a great deal of knowledge and experience of child development. We encourage open dialogue and healthy conversation around all keys areas of your childs development.  Whether you have questions about toileting, challenging behaviours, eating or sleeping, we are happy to listen and share ideas.

It is our aim to work with you to help your child develop into a happy, healthy, confident learner.  You can rest assured that you have made the right decision when choosing The Wilderness.