Up to four community guides would be employed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) from June, to patrol the streets and promote safety, reduce alcohol-related crime and give directions and information.
The initiative would be funded through the Ministry of Justice crime prevention unit's Curbing Alcohol Related Violence programme.
QLDC Curbing Alcohol Related Violence officer Merv Aoake said the move was in response to ongoing late-night violence in the resort, and came after talks over 18 months between council staff, police, community groups and agencies.
"It's not new that Queenstown has a party town label, and it's not new either that at times our local community tires of certain behaviour.
"We think this initiative will help get rid of some of the negatives associated with some elements of Queenstown's nightlife," Mr Aoake said.
The guides were expected to hit the resort's streets for a three-month trial beginning in the last week of June - in time for the start of Queenstown's Winter Festival on June 27.
The guides would adopt a "friendly and helpful approach" but also act as the "eyes and ears" for the police and other services and agencies, he said.
Guides would receive a briefing each night, be in radio contact with emergency services and be trained in first aid.
It was also envisaged the guides would establish a good working relationship with licensees in the town, who had been supportive of the initiative, Mr Aoake said.
"We are talking about a whole new night-time presence in the heart of the town," Mr Aoake said.
QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes welcomed yesterday's announcement, saying the guides would be a "positive initiative" for the resort town.
"I think it will be very much welcomed by both our community and our visitors," he said.
The positions would be advertised, with successful candidates needing strong people skills, Mr Aoake said.
"We need good communicators and above all good levels of patience and empathy - plus a sense of humour can go a long way," he said.
The guides were expected to be on duty from Thursday to Saturday nights, between 11pm and 4am, although there would be flexibility to target certain events on other nights of the week, Mr Aoake said.
Queenstown police have repeatedly warned about the link between alcohol and violence in the resort, citing figures showing about 70% of all incidents attended by officers were the result of intoxication.
The council last year established a blanket 4am closing time for all bars district-wide, in an effort to curb late-night disorder.
The new rule was supported in a decision released by Liquor Licensing Authority Judge William Unwin in October, and would be implemented from August 4.
Queenstown bar owner Al Spary has appealed the decision to the High Court.
