Why West Auckland?
West Auckland has something that most of the city simply doesn't — access to real, ancient bush. Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa — The Great Forest of Tiriwa, the traditional Māori name for the Waitākere Ranges — stretches across the western edge of the city, and Waiatarua sits right at its doorstep.
When children come to The Bush Base, they're not doing nature activities in a manicured park. They're in the actual bush — surrounded by native pōhutukawa, kauri, and the sounds of the forest. It's the kind of environment that naturally invites exploration, wonder, and deep play.
We believe strongly that West Auckland is one of the best places in Aotearoa to raise children who know and love the natural world. We're lucky to be here, and we don't take it for granted.
Built for West Auckland Families
Most families at The Bush Base come from the western suburbs — Titirangi, Henderson, Glen Eden, New Lynn, Swanson, Kumeu, and the Waitākere foothills. Drop-off is 9am and pick-up is 3pm, which works around school runs and city commutes.
We run on Mondays and Wednesdays during the school term. Families can come one day a week or both. For homeschool whānau, both days is common; for school families, a single day is the more typical rhythm.
If you're west of the motorway, we're almost certainly closer than you think.