Volunteering Central, funded by the Central Lakes Trust, will have a base at the Queenstown Citizens Advice Bureau, the Cromwell Resource Centre and Central Stories in Alexandra.
The announcement coincides with Volunteer Awareness Week, which began yesterday and runs until Saturday.
Co-ordinator Gillian White said the foundations had been put in place "and they are working".
"Volunteers are getting in touch, organisations are registering their needs and we have made our first matches. It's great seeing locals and visitors getting immersed in their communities."
Anyone interested in volunteering could contact Volunteering Central, which would identify "enjoyable, rewarding and meaningful activities" with which to get involved.
Ms White said a huge range of opportunities existed across the district, from Coastguard Queenstown active crew, cooking Meals4Mums in Cromwell, befriending people as part of the Central Otago Friendship Network in Alexandra, or being an event runner during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.
Festival director Simon Green said the annual event officially started this Friday, and would depend heavily on the support of 80 to 120 volunteers who assisted with the delivery of more than 50 events over 10 days.
Ms White said a physical presence was needed in each of the "volunteer hubs" in the region and she was keen to establish links with key organisations in the towns.
"They all share a similar ideology to that of Volunteering Central, and volunteers will now have space to come and discuss their interests with me."
Queenstown CAB publicity officer Kathy Buckham said the bureau was "delighted" to work in with Volunteering Central to help the organisation become established locally.
"We often receive requests for advice from people wanting to volunteer in Queenstown because they are new to town or suddenly have some spare time.
"Volunteering Central will have an extensive database of volunteering opportunities available, and clients calling in to see Gillian may like to find out more about becoming a CAB volunteer at the same time," Mrs Buckham said.
Ms White said a series of information sessions was being held next month.
"New Zealand is a leading nation in the contribution made by volunteers.
"Millions of unpaid hours are contributed each year to human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support and development.
"Be part of this amazing effort and volunteer today."
• For more information or to register for the information session, contact Gillian White by emailing centralvolunteering@gmail.com or by phoning (03) 443-4102 or 027-509-5705.
The Queenstown session is at St John's Wakatipu, Frankton, on July 4, 11.30am to 12.30pm.
