Operated by ISSIS events, the search for Miss Lingerie Model NZ began in July this year.
This is the first year the competition has been staged in Queenstown.
ISSIS director Chrissy von Elling says the reason for expansion is to tap into more talent from the Otago region.
"We needed another region in the South Island. We chose Queenstown because there is a lot going on. It's a neat little town. It also lets us tap into more talent from Christchurch and the surrounding area," she said.
Heats took place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hastings before Queenstown's, which was the last heat before the grand final, in Auckland on October 16.
Rebekah Stuart, of Christchurch, was first and will represent Queenstown in the grand final against other regional finalists.
Bridget Morton, of Dunedin, was second and Lana Aitcheson (Christchurch) third.
The finalists were delighted with their podium finishes.
"It was a great night, definitely worth the five-and-a-half-hour drive," Ms Morton said.
This year marked the fifth staging of the annual competition, and finalists were selected from hundreds of applicants.
The event is also promoted as a launch-pad for emerging New Zealand designers to show their creations to a national audience.
