Canterbury school children have begun to enrol in Queenstown schools, with about 70 confirmed enrolments by yesterday.
While some of the schools in the resort have been struggling with capacity, the majority of enrolments were expected to be temporary and all school principals have vowed to do what they can to help.
Arrowtown School principal Robin Harris said the school had received 10 new enrolments by yesterday, with another 11 children due to start at the school on Monday.
Its normal roll was 420.
"We are pretty full but we'll certainly be looking to help out anyway we can.
"They'll probably only come down for a period of time, a couple of weeks to a month," he said.
Queenstown Primary School principal John Western said the school was expecting 20 pupils from Christchurch, starting Monday.
The school had capacity for 100 more pupils, he said.
"The ones that are enrolling so far have a contact or connection with Queenstown or are staying with friends or family here."
Included in the number were pupils who had left the school for Christchurch at the end of last term.
Remarkables Primary School had accepted 10 Christchurch children, aged 5 to 10, for an undetermined duration, administrator Aynslee Bell said.
Up to 14 of the new school's 20 classrooms were being used, so there was room for more.
Two Christchurch children will begin at King's View School at Frankton on Monday, for an undetermined duration.
Principal Rebekah Key said it was likely more would enrol next week.
"We're willing to take as many as we can."
St Joseph's School, Queenstown, principal Trish Inder confirmed eight enrolments for Monday. The school received several inquiries, primarily from relatives of families with connections to the school.
Wakatipu High School principal Lyn Cooper said the school had 18 prospective enrolments, but more were expected.
"We are trying to accommodate everyone [but] I would expect the majority to be short-term enrolments," she said.
