I can not believe I had not been to the leisure centre sooner. Honestly its got alot going on in…read morethere. There is a Les Mills Gym, a large swimming pool, a spa pool, some saunas, and even a dive pool with diving boards. I had a visit during the week, before lunch time, so the toddlers pool was booked out with a swim group, so we were offered the fun section of the big pool we just had to share it with some swimmers, which was not a problem at all. The water was a lot cooler than the toddlers pool would have been but my little guy is obsessed with water so that was not a problem. There were a few lifeguards on duty, who were looking after us all, and although a large amount of little seven year old's did show up for weekly sports class, we seemed to all just co exist in the space happily. I am yet to enquire about the gym on site which I think would be so convenient for mums with little children as they have a creche that is connected to the whole complex, talk about convenience. Car park space outside is close to the leisure centre and is also all free to park in if you are using the facilities. The changing rooms, are big enough to have a quick change and the showers were clean, although I think jandals should always be essential in public showers, just a tip. I will be back for sure, as I love the fact that I get to relax and enjoy a swim with my child and we both benefit from it.

Went to use the pools today...Haven't been to this place for about 10 years. I guess that's why its…read more$6.70 for a swim and no longer $2.50. Anyway, its exactly how I remember it. Nothing has changed much. There are slides, diving boards, steam rooms, saunas, pools with lanes and a kiddie pool. I love how you no longer have to pay to use the lockers.... You just need to bring your own lock and key. They probably change this because things use to get stolen all the times. So make sure you bring a lock! Another thing that has changed is that It seems like this place has become the ultimate hang out for old asian people during the working week. I am quite shy with walking around naked in the change rooms, but the old asian ladies are not, just a warning!

Sunnynook's newest early childhood education centre is the creation of Michelle and Nikki who have…read moreyears of experience in their industry and have a passion for children's learning. What is really different about this childcare centre is how much the aesthetics have been considered, it is a beautifully laid out environment. They purpose built the modern centre is actually an architectural design showcase, each of the infant and toddler rooms are beautifully crafted with bright colours and streamlined furniture, there are stunning landscaped playgrounds adjoining the Sunnynook reserve. Happy kiddies go about their business of play in the calm and considered centre. Here is somewhere I would definitely send my preschoolers, they take 0 to five years, if I lived on this side of town. If you are shopping for a childcare and are lucky enough to live close by, pop in to visit and share in the innovation.

I finally got around to checking out my local Kindergarten for my son to be wait listed at by the…read moreage of two. Located just off the busy Onewa road on Nutsey Ave, is Northcote Kindergarten. The front door, leads you by the head teacher and administration office, where they greet you, and give you some pamphlet information on the center, and an enrollment form should you be interested. I asked lots of questions such as what age does my boy start, whats the transition like, do they proceed on to adjoining schools nearby, etc. The staff are all very helpful, and I was super pleased with the organisation. I was welcomed in, to look around and let my child play outside in the sandpit/playground with a group of children a year and a bit older; he absolutely loved the play time, the sand and water pit, the playground with hammock, and tunnels, and I was really pleased to walk out convinced I will be happy to have him learn in such an environment come 32-36 months of age. Its always great to look around, as North Shore really does have an abundance of fantastic kindergartens, and this one is a winner in my books.

I really love the flow of the Northcote Community Crèche, the outdoor play area flows almost…read morecompletely around the crèche, allowing the children to spend lots of time playing in the sand pit, riding a scooter or pushing a cart. The staff are also wonderfully calm and helpful, and always attentive with the children. My first visit here was to have a look around and see what I thought about enrolling my child. Didn't take me long to realize, that the kids were happy, and there was so much to learn from and play with. A routine session, gave your child- indoor and outdoor play time, a sit down group meal, group book reading, and sing along/dance time. Organised and cheerful, this community crèche is a favourite of mine.