The Crib is Wanaka's first youth centre and youth workers Richard Elvey (31) and Kim Holmes (28) are excited about its potential.
The Kahu Youth group was founded several years ago by former youth worker Tarn Felton, who is presently travelling and working as a mountain bike guide in Africa.
Kahu Youth members used to meet wherever they could, including cafes, homes and at Cinema Paradiso.
They have already been informally using their new centre, which is rented, as they help prepare it for Saturday's opening.
"We have about 40 registered attendees and they keep bringing their friends. We want to encourage it as a place for all youth. Some youth centres are labelled as places for naughty kids, but we are not like that," Ms Holmes said.
Wanaka businesses donated paint and resources, the Kahu Youth Trust has raised funds and a variety of charitable organisations have given grants.
The Crib was designed for people aged between 11 and 24, but the majority of people who would use it would probably be 17 or under, the youth workers said.
The facilities include a pool table, multimedia room, kitchen and an office.
Mr Elvey, a former professional DJ, set designer and special needs teacher-youth worker grew up in Hackney, one of the roughest areas of East London.
He arrived in Wanaka about two years ago.
Ms Holmes is a qualified secondary school teacher and moved to Wanaka from Motueka about three years ago.
The Crib opening coincides with Youth Week. The opening will take place at 2pm on Saturday.
The Crib is underneath Cinema Paradiso, on the corner of Ardmore St and Stratford Tce. There will be music and food.
