In 2007, the Little Tamariki Montessori Preschool was established by a group of educationalists determined to bring the choice of a Montessori education to Kaikoura families. Over time, we have grown and evolved to provide an environment where we have weaved Montessori values and Te Whariki (The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum) to achieve our own philosophy and vision for our children. We have a variety of both Montessori and traditional early childhood resources which are especially chosen for our children. The evolving environment has been carefully designed to inspire and prepare our children with knowledge, skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

As in a traditional Montessori setting, Little Tamariki Montessori Preschool is divided into specific areas; practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, science and the arts. Each area has both specific Montessori equipment and other resources which are presented to children in an organised and systematic way. The learning areas are set up with activities and each activity has a clear learning objective. Children learn in a prepared environment and make their own learning choices. Teachers observe, follow, and prepare the pathway of learning for each child. Children's spaces are designed to promote independence and children are guided to take responsibility for the care of the learning resources and our unique environment.