Community & Support

Practical support and food for Wakatipu families doing it tough — 500+ baskets a year.

Wakatipu community support centre — social connection, food help, service navigation, op shop.

Registered charity CC11023

A community foundation that helps people invest their charitable giving so it grows and supports local causes for years to come.

A volunteer-led group working to improve Albert Town through environmental projects, community events, and advocacy with local authorities.

Community promotion organisation for Arrowtown. Promotes the town's heritage, outdoor recreation, arts, dining and events to visitors and locals.

Community organisation supporting veterans and service personnel with health, wellbeing, and transition services. Open to all who need assistance.

Community Law Otago offers free legal advice, representation and education to people across the region. Drop in for appointments or call the freephone line.

Community Link is a support and connection centre for Upper Clutha, helping locals navigate welfare services and community resources.

Support group for parents, siblings and grandparents grieving the death of a child. Regular meetings and events across New Zealand.

Diabetes New Zealand provides information, resources and support for people living with or at risk of diabetes. They offer helplines, education materials, support groups and advocacy.

Government service providing information and dispute resolution for employment rights and responsibilities under New Zealand employment law.

Community hub for Glenorchy locals. Connect with neighbours, find events, post jobs and rentals, and stay updated on what's happening in the village.

Grey Power advocates for older New Zealanders on issues like cost of living, healthcare access, and housing. Join the local association to connect with seniors in your community.

Volunteer-run organisation representing Hāwea residents, advocating for the community since 1989. They run events, manage projects affecting the area, and gather local feedback on developments.

Community hub offering free access to government and non-government services for rural and isolated areas, with face-to-face support.

IHC advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides support services, housing, and community resources across Aotearoa.

A women's service organisation focused on building friendships and community impact through fundraising and volunteer work.

Find a local Justice of the Peace to certify documents, witness signatures, and take oaths or declarations.

A community forum for Kelvin Peninsula residents, workers and visitors. They advocate for local interests and run volunteer projects that benefit the area.

Online community for Lincoln University graduates to reconnect, share updates, and attend reunions and events.

Major media company operating multiple radio stations and the rova streaming app across New Zealand.

Free courses and mediation to help parents and guardians work out parenting arrangements after separation, without going to court.

National charity providing information, education and support for people living with Parkinson's and related conditions across Aotearoa.

Path Wānaka supports parents, whānau and caregivers of teenagers through workshops, surveys and shared resources about navigating the teen years.

Free counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling. Access experienced practitioners and peer support staff across 18 clinics nationwide.

Develops and manages affordable housing for people in housing need across Queenstown and Wānaka. Offers a range of programmes including assisted home ownership to help eligible households progress towards owning their own home.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket supports families and young children with health checks, immunisations, advice and community programmes.

RSA club for service members and their guests, with a bar, lounge, and weekly Friday gatherings in the Memorial Centre.

Youth programme offering Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers activities. First month free to try it out.

Community service club focused on local projects and fundraising. Open to professionals and busy locals keen to make a difference.

A service club that raises funds for local causes through events like book sales and a winter crop competition. Open to people wanting to make a difference in the community.

Local branch of Forest and Bird involved in predator control, native planting, and environmental advocacy across the Queenstown, Wānaka and Cromwell areas.

National organisation supporting rural women through advocacy, events, grants, and business recognition. Open to all women in rural communities.

Southern REAP runs community classes and educational programmes across Southland and Wakatipu, filling gaps in mainstream education from early childhood through to adult learning.

St John Youth Division runs programmes for children and teenagers aged 5–18, teaching first aid, leadership skills, and outdoor activities.

Strengthening Families coordinates support for whānau and families who need help from multiple agencies or services.

A national association for Māori oral health professionals and students working to improve dental outcomes for Māori whānau.

Service club based in Wanaka that meets monthly to plan community projects and social activities.

Free 24/7 support for people affected by crime and traumatic events, including practical help, emotional support and financial assistance.

Local giving foundation — endowment and grants for Wakatipu community causes.

Local Lions Club members volunteer on community projects and fundraising events around Wanaka and the wider district.

Scouts Aotearoa group for young people in Wanaka, with Cubs and Scouts sections meeting weekly. Try for free for a month.

New Zealand Police provides law enforcement and community safety services in Wanaka and the wider region, operating 24/7 across land, sea and air.

Government service helping people find work, access benefits, and get financial support if you're on a low income or unemployed.

Support, advocacy and connection for older people in the Wakatipu.

A social group for people over 60 in the Upper Clutha area, organising monthly meetings and outings since 1980.

A non-profit club offering alpine ski racing coaching and development for children and adolescents, affiliated with Snow Sports New Zealand.

A Buddhist meditation and teaching centre offering classes, retreats, and practice sessions grounded in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

A service club where members volunteer on community projects addressing hunger, environmental care, health issues, and youth development.

Free weekly yoga classes for adults 50+, combining gentle movement with relaxation techniques to build strength and ease tension.

Plunket provides health and development support for babies and young children, including check-ups, immunisations, and parenting advice.

An online marketplace connecting families with babysitters and nannies. Search, message and book childcare in your area.

Online sleep programs and one-on-one consultations to help families establish better sleep routines for babies and young children.

Early childhood centre in Queenstown for babies through to school-age children, open 7:30am to 6pm weekdays.

Peer support network connecting breastfeeding parents with trained volunteers across the region who offer guidance on common feeding challenges.

Supporting Wakatipu young people through opportunities, grants and programmes.

Family Works provides support for children, young people and families through counselling, social work, parenting programmes and buddy matching.

Primary school at the head of Lake Wakatipu serving the Glenorchy community. Focuses on individual learners in a supportive environment.

Primary school serving the Hāwea Flat area, combining creative learning with outdoor education in a rural setting between Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.

Montessori-inspired early childhood centre in Arrowtown offering child-led learning in a calm environment with qualified staff.

A Year 7 to 13 state secondary school in Wānaka serving the Upper Clutha area and students from across New Zealand.

Netball club for players of all ages in Wānaka, running senior, junior and youth competitions.

Play therapists in Wanaka supporting children aged 2.5 to 12 years working through emotional and behavioural difficulties using child-centred approaches.

Queenstown Preschool and Nursery provides early childhood education and care with a focus on family relationships, respect, and learning through play.

A four-wheel drive club based in Queenstown that organises monthly trips ranging from family-friendly to challenging off-road adventures across the South Island.

After-school and holiday care programme for primary school kids, based at Queenstown Primary School. Offers structured activities, meals, and homework support.

After-school and school holiday care for primary school children in Wānaka, including outdoor activities and a bike squad programme.

Early childhood centre in Wānaka offering education and care for young children in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

Conservation organisation advocating to protect native wildlife, forests, freshwater and oceans across Aotearoa. Members receive quarterly magazine and can get involved in campaigns and local events.

Community group protecting Pembroke Park as open greenspace in Wanaka, connecting members with Council on proposals affecting the lakeside reserve.

Volunteers caring for and advocating for Queenstown's gardens and green spaces.

Visitor information centre in central Wānaka offering trip planning, local advice, and activity bookings. Stop by for recommendations tailored to your interests.

A conservation group restoring native wildlife habitat in the Matukituki valleys within Aspiring National Park, working with DOC and volunteers.

Community group working to reduce single-use plastics in Wānaka through workshops, events, and creative initiatives for all ages.

A community group focused on issues affecting Queenstown, particularly airport development and local governance decisions.

A not-for-profit driving sustainability in Queenstown through community events, workshops, and initiatives focused on waste reduction and food rescue.

Wānaka-based trust that grows native plants and runs community planting and habitat restoration projects across the Upper Clutha region.

Scouting organisation for young people in Wanaka, running Cubs and Scouts sections with activities and outdoor skills development.

Volunteers grow and plant native trees and shrubs across the Whakatipu Basin to restore local ecosystems. Join community planting days or help at the nursery.

Volunteers and contractors removing wilding pines from the Whakatipu region to protect alpine landscapes and biodiversity.

Community-led predator control across the Lake Whakatipu basin to help native birds and wildlife recover. Over 70 local trapping groups working together.

Volunteer animal welfare — desexing, rehoming and care for Queenstown's community cats.

Community-run festival celebrating autumn in Arrowtown with food, wine, arts, comedy, music and sport for all ages.

Dance studio offering classes for ages 2+ in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acrobatics and more. Weekly lessons run September to June with an annual recital.

Dance school offering jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, acro, musical theatre, zumba and salsa for all ages.

Piano lessons for children and adults taught by a classical pianist. Learn music fundamentals, technique, and theory in a supportive environment.

Annual agricultural show featuring equestrian events, livestock, crafts, and rural entertainment at Lake Hayes Showgrounds.

Dance, drama and theatre classes for kids and teens in Queenstown, from age 3 up. Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, drama and acrobatics.

Latin dance classes in salsa, bachata and zouk for all levels.

Music and activity sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with their parents or carers.

A group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Queenstown and the surrounding district through publications, events and archives.

A directory connecting couples with wedding vendors and services in Queenstown, whether you want an elopement, full package, or DIY approach.

Community theatre group staging productions and workshops for performers and audiences across Central Otago.

Aerial arts studio offering silks, lyra and hammock classes for adults and children aged 5–17, from absolute beginners through to advanced.

Queenstown's community arts and culture centre at Remarkables Park.

A weekly painting group meeting Monday mornings in Wanaka, working in watercolours, acrylics, pastels, oils and other mediums. Beginners and experienced painters welcome.

A volunteer-run pottery community group based at Te Atamira offering public classes and workshops for people wanting to learn about clay and ceramics.

Community space in Wānaka with working studios, classes, and workshops for artists, musicians and creatives to learn, create and connect.

Wanaka Arts promotes local artists and the region's creative community through exhibitions, events and opportunities to exhibit and sell work.

An annual arts school in Wanaka during April offering small classes in various creative disciplines. Open to beginners and experienced participants alike.

A national community for people who spin, weave, knit, dye, work with flax and create with other fibres. All skill levels welcome, from hobbyists to professionals.

A group for people researching family history and ancestors, with particular focus on the Wanaka and Upper Clutha area.

A group of printmakers working with traditional and modern techniques in equipped studios at the Wanaka Arts Centre. Beginners welcome.

A ukulele band based in Wanaka that performs at community and charity events, and is available for private functions.

The club that builds and maintains Queenstown's MTB trails — 2,200+ members, all trails free to ride.

Coached trampolining classes for all ages in Wanaka, with Olympic trampolines, foam pit, and mini trampolines.

Mountain bike community group maintaining and developing trails across the Upper Clutha region, with rides for all abilities.

Brazilian jiu jitsu classes for adults and kids at all levels, from fundamentals through to advanced techniques.

Government department managing New Zealand's conservation lands, national parks, and native wildlife. Visit their Queenstown centre for track info, permits, and outdoor advice.

A lawn bowls club based at Lake Hāwea Community Centre, welcoming players of all levels to compete and socialise across Central Otago.

Traditional full-contact karate training with dojos across New Zealand and Japan. Classes for all ages and abilities.

Immigration consultancy helping people move to New Zealand for work, study, business or residence. Also runs tennis academies, language classes, and community education programmes.

A festival and community club bringing together cultural experiences, food, performances, and games. Open to everyone interested in celebrating diversity and connecting with different cultures.

A resource hub for outdoor safety in New Zealand, offering guides, planning tools and tips for hiking, tramping and alpine activities.

A reference library for Scottish Country Dancing with instructions for over 9000 dances and a dictionary of technical terms.

Charitable trust offering accessible wilderness stays in backcountry huts, historic cottages, and boutique accommodation. Day visits with walks also available.

Community bowling club in Queenstown Gardens offering casual play, social membership, and competitive competitions since 1904.

Disc golf club running an 18-basket tournament course in the Queenstown Gardens. Weekly social games, monthly trophy rounds, and three annual tournaments for all skill levels.

Gymnastics classes for all ages, from 18 months through to adults. Recreational and competitive programmes with qualified coaching in a fully equipped gym.

Ice hockey club offering programs for kids and adults of all abilities, from learning basics to competitive national leagues.

Football club running junior, youth, and senior teams in Queenstown. Registration open for futsal, competitive leagues, and community football.

Indoor futsal training and competition for junior players, running in terms throughout the year at the Queenstown Events Centre.

Goju Ryu karate club teaching kids and advanced adults in Queenstown since 1989. Classes focus on self-defense, strength, and mental skills.

A squash club with courts available for casual play and membership. Book online through their Pay2Play system.

Community tennis club offering competitive play, coaching, and social tennis for juniors and seniors. Court bookings and racquet hire available.

A network of over 150km of off-road trails for walking, biking and horseback riding across the Queenstown Lakes district, stretching from Queenstown through Arrowtown to Gibbston.

Orienteering club in Queenstown that welcomes everyone from beginners to serious competitors. Organises regular events using local maps.

Traditional Japanese Shukokai karate instruction for all ages and abilities. Classes in Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell focus on self-defence, discipline and personal development.

National governing body for snow sports in New Zealand, supporting athletes across skiing, snowboarding and adaptive disciplines from grassroots to elite level.

Informal walking group offering graded day walks around Queenstown Lakes every Thursday, year-round. Visitors welcome.

Rugby club based in Wanaka, running teams at different levels. Players of all abilities welcome to get involved.

A charitable trust building and maintaining a network of walking, running, and biking tracks around Wanaka and the Upper Clutha Basin.

A volunteer-run hockey club in Queenstown fielding teams from year 1 through to senior grades. New players welcome.

Queenstown's rugby club fields senior and women's teams, plus junior rugby including girls' rippa. Open to all levels.

Sailing club on Lake Wakatipu offering lessons for kids and adults, plus racing and regattas for members of all levels.

Open water swimming group in Lake Wanaka, running regular swims year-round for people who want to swim safely in the lake.

Lawn bowling club in Wanaka offering indoor and outdoor play, with separate seasons for each.

A photography club for Wanaka that meets monthly to discuss competitions, hear from speakers, and organise field trips. Open to all skill levels.

Community club promoting snow sports across skiing, snowboarding, freeski and more in the Upper Clutha region.

Christian church with nine locations across New Zealand, including Queenstown. Sunday services and online streaming available.

A Baptist church meeting in Frankton on Sunday evenings for worship and Bible study. Open to anyone interested in exploring Christian faith.

Christian church offering Sunday services with teaching, prayer, and communion. Also runs midweek Bible studies and youth programmes.

A Seventh-day Adventist church welcoming people of all backgrounds to worship, learn, and build community together.

State integrated primary school (New Entrants to Year 8) with Catholic character. All families welcome.

A Christian community gathering on Sundays in Queenstown and Cromwell, welcoming people to explore faith and connect with others.

A network of Christian churches across Aotearoa offering ministry training, theological education, and community events.

Baptist church in Wanaka holding Sunday services from 4:30pm. Open to everyone, whether you're local or passing through.

Christian church in Wānaka offering Sunday services, youth and kids programmes, and online worship. Everyone welcome.

Community workshop for men to work on projects, learn skills, and socialise together in Arrowtown.

Arrowtown Preschool is a non-profit early childhood centre using nature-based and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning approaches, with a focus on movement and physical challenges.

National organisation providing support, information and education about autism for autistic people and their communities.

A local charity running events and conversations exploring ideas that matter to our community. They also manage Lilliput Libraries, small community book-swapping boxes around town.

Online trail guide for mountain biking around Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy. Local riders share route reviews, current conditions, and seasonal riding advice.

Cromwell Community House offers support services, computer help, and community programmes. Open weekdays 9 am–4 pm, they connect locals with budgeting advice, law clinics, immigration guidance, and social activities.

Gateway to New Zealand's public library network. Find your local branch and join for free access to books, digital resources, technology support and community programs.

A Catholic state-integrated primary school in Wānaka serving families who want education grounded in faith and strong family values.

State integrated Christian primary school for Years 1–8 in Queenstown, teaching the NZ curriculum through a Christian lens with small class sizes.

Community group that runs the Autumn Apple Drive, where locals gather to make chutney and juice from surplus fruit while learning food processing skills.

Primary school serving Years 1–6 in the Makarora Valley at the head of Lake Wanaka, near Mount Aspiring National Park.

A club supporting rock climbing, bouldering, and all climbing pursuits in the Wakatipu region through access initiatives, conservation work, and community events.

A community film club screening classic, rare and international films on winter Tuesday evenings at Dorothy Browns Cinema in Arrowtown.

Early learning centre for children aged 0-6 where parents and whānau learn and play alongside their tamariki in a child-led environment.

Primary school in central Queenstown developing confident, curious learners with strong community values.

A club where locals develop public speaking and leadership skills through regular practice, feedback, and supportive mentoring.

After-school and holiday childcare at Queenstown Primary School, with activities, meals, and homework support for primary-aged children.

After-school and holiday care programme at Shotover Primary School offering meals, activities, homework support, and adventure days.

Southern REAP runs community classes and educational programmes across Southland, Wakatipu and Fiordland for early childhood through to adults.

One-to-one learning support for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and related difficulties. Works with students of all ages and adults using the Davis approach.

Out-of-school learning programmes for kids across the Wakatipu Basin, mixing academic subjects with hands-on project work in small groups.

Local newspaper for the Wanaka district, publishing news and advertising since 1978.

A charitable foundation supporting Wakatipu High School students through funding and resources to help them reach their potential.

An active pony club based in the Wakatipu Basin offering training and competitive opportunities. New members welcome.

Wakatipu Toy Library lends toys, puzzles, and games to whānau, making play affordable and accessible for tamariki in the community.

A national network of woodworking clubs bringing together amateur and professional woodworkers across New Zealand for skills-sharing and community.

A bridge club offering regular weekly games and lessons for players of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced players.

Guided tours of a regenerative garden and arboretum near Wānaka, with hands-on learning about trees, growing food, and sustainable living.

Women's organisation offering friendship, community involvement, and creative activities like handcraft, drama, and choral work since 1921.

Business networking and support organisation for Queenstown entrepreneurs and established companies. Connects members through events, advocacy, and resources.

Recruitment agency placing professionals across specialist fields in New Zealand and Australia. For job seekers and employers.

Government visitor information centre offering trip planning and booking services for activities, accommodation and tours throughout Queenstown and New Zealand.

Local police station providing law enforcement and community policing services for Queenstown and the wider district.

Local radio station broadcasting music and shows throughout the day on weekdays for Wānaka listeners.

Support for people starting or growing a business in the Queenstown Lakes area, with coaching, programs, and networking.

BNI Wanaka is a business networking group where members exchange referrals and build professional relationships to grow their businesses.