The group campaigning to save the century-old Aramoana pilot's wharf has fenced off the decaying structure while members consult with an engineer to see if it can be restored.
This comes after the Dunedin City Council's community development committee last month decided to defer a vote on demolishing the wharf until the options for its future were investigated further.
Tracey Densem, from the Aramoana League, said the group had fenced off the wharf at the weekend and put up a sign warning people it was unsafe.
It would stay closed while the group consulted CPG New Zealand marine and coastal engineer Maurice Davis about whether it was feasible to save part of the structure, she said.
If the wharf could be saved, the Aramoana League would look at launching a fundraising campaign to pay for restoration.
The league accepted the wharf was unsafe, as outlined in the council engineer's report, but still believed at least part of it could be saved.
Ms Densem disagreed with local yachtsman Bill McIndoe's assessment that the wharf was an eyesore.
"It's definitely got potential ... and could be used as a link for the community and tourists," she said.
Council parks manager Lisa Wheeler said the council had left it up to the Aramoana League to explore the options for either replacing or restoring the wharf.
"Once the league are happy with a proposal, we will certainly work alongside them, because, at the end of the day, if council supports it, the league are likely to be wanting council to take ownership [of the wharf]."
Mr Davis, a former Otago Harbour Board chief engineer, said it was too early to say whether part of the rotting wharf structure could be saved.
