Exploring Auckland's Waterfront: Tamariki Visit Te Wharekura and the Maritime Museum
One of the advantages of being a preschool in Auckland CBD is that the city itself becomes an extension of our learning environment.
Last week, our tamariki headed out on an excursion to Te Wharekura and the New Zealand Maritime Museum, enjoying a morning filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning.
At Te Wharekura, the children explored aspects of Māori culture and storytelling through a range of interactive experiences. They had the opportunity to see and try traditional Māori instruments, learning how different sounds are created and listening carefully to the unique tones each instrument produced.
Experiences like this also support the aspirations of Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum. Through exploring stories, culture, language, and localhistory, children develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection to the people and places that make Aotearoa unique. Visiting Te Wharekura gave our tamariki an opportunity to engage with aspects of te ao Māori and learn more about tangata whenua, helping them build an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau and the important relationship between people, place, and community. For our Māori tamariki, experiences like these can strengthen connections to culture, identity, and heritage, while helping all children develop understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diverse stories that shape Aotearoa New Zealand.
Storytelling was another highlight of the visit. Through stories and guided activities, the tamariki were encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and make connections with the world around them. They also enjoyed exploring sea life found in our moana and viewing Māori-inspired artwork using interactive displays.
The learning continued at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, where the children discovered the many ways people have travelled to Aotearoa throughout history. They explored ships, boats, and waka, learning about journeys across the ocean and the important role the sea has played in shaping New Zealand's story.
One of the most talked-about parts of the museum was seeing the sleeping quarters below deck. The children were fascinated by the sleeping areas and enjoyed imagining what it might have been like to spend weeks or months at sea.
Excursions like these are an important part of our play-based learning philosophy. They help children connect ideas, develop language and social skills, build confidence in new environments, and deepen their understanding of the community they are part of.
At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we believe meaningful learning happens everywhere. Whether children are exploring our local neighbourhood, engaging in creative projects at the centre, or visiting cultural and historical destinations around Auckland, each experience helps build knowledge, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Importantly, excursions are included as part of our programme at no additional cost to families. We believe high-quality early childhood education should provide rich opportunities for exploration while remaining accessible and affordable.
If you're looking for a preschool in Auckland CBD that combines nurturing relationships, play-based learning, and real-world experiences, we'd love to show you around.
Contact our team to book a tour and discover what makes Sugartree Lane Preschool a special place to learn, grow, and belong.
We’ve got big plans for 2026 at
Sugartree Lane.
More community events that bring our whānau together. More excursions that connect tamariki to the city around them. Fresh learning projects, new partnerships, and plenty of hands on experiences are already in the pipeline. It’s going to be a full year.
