Gems Miro is an early learning centre at 12 Onslow Road, in the heart of Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown. It takes children from 3 months to 6 years. The building is purpose-built, light and airy, with under-floor heating, and it is close to a playground, tennis courts and a pump track. The centre is set up around nature, with wide open spaces, forts and creative play areas, and a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors.
Under-twos have their own space, The Nest, and over-twos are in The Hive. The programme follows the Pikler approach and Reggio Emilia principles. Gems Miro provides a freshly cooked hot lunch each day. Children bring a lunchbox with their own morning and afternoon tea. The centre says it caters for food intolerances and special diets without an extra charge. Nature Play, a Forest School style day, is offered fortnightly to 4 and 5-year-olds, and families can join as helpers. The site has an interactive walkthrough of the centre.