More than 100 requests for accommodation have been received by the Queenstown Lakes District Council from Christchurch residents in need of respite.
Council welfare co-ordinator Kelly Campbell said 111 people had contacted the council.
However, the number may not necessarily reveal the "true picture".
"The real figure is potentially higher as many people are looking after themselves and not presenting through formal channels," she said.
Anyone who had come to the district since the earthquake was asked to contact the council.
Council Civil Defence controller James Hadley said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of people arriving from Christchurch and in activity related to the earthquake.
"While our focus remains on offering assistance to people affected by the earthquake, we are conscious of the potential impact on the community in terms of education capacity and social services needs.
"We will be working with various agencies locallywto gauge the impact and to try [to] alleviate any problems, should they arise."
The exact number of Christchurch visitors had been difficult to confirm, as many had arranged accommodation independently.
The number for the council's Queenstown office is (03) 441-0499, and the Wanaka office can be reached on (03) 443-0024.
