The annual Queenstown Plunket "Trash to Treasure" fundraiser had people queueing outside the hall 20 minutes before opening.
Queenstown Plunket receptionist and fundraiser organiser Belinda Ricketts said the change of venue from the Queenstown Memorial Hall while it was being refurbished meant there were plenty of car parks.
The money from this year's event will go towards finishing an outdoor area, including a "huge" sandpit, at the Queenstown Plunket rooms.
A coffee cart directly outside the hall's entrance ensured shoppers remained well hydrated and the coffee business would be donating 10% of the morning's income to Plunket, Ms Ricketts said.
Arrowtown Plunket held their Trash to Treasure fundraiser in June, as "that way there's one every six months", Ms Ricketts said.