Demonstrating the problem yesterday, organisers of the event, Kahu Youth workers Richard Elvey and Angie Griffiths, suggested the plunge might be more of a wade this year - particularly with more rain forecast for the weekend.
Meanwhile, Lake Wakatipu is likely to peak at 311.2m above sea level early on Monday, the Otago Regional Council says.
MetService advised the regional council prediction was based on expected heavy rainfall in the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers. Council spokesman Mark Peart said this might result in pressure on the stormwater system in central Queenstown.
The Clutha River at the Clyde Dam was running at 1200cumecs yesterday, more than double the river's normal flow of 490cumecs. Down river, part of the new Roxburgh Gorge track has been submerged by the rising river. The problem is expected to get worse over the weekend.
