Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said the lighthouse on the Royal Albatross Centre reserve was receiving a coat of paint and having some minor repairs done to restore it to its original condition.
He said the work was to preserve the building - the oldest working lighthouse in the South Island- and to enhance its photographic appeal.
"That’s an iconic building on our landscape and we’re just trying to get it back to its original condition so that albatross and our lovely lighthouse can be on show as cruise passengers come through the head."
Many passengers took photos as they came through Taiaroa Head and when they got close to the lighthouse, it was clear it was in a "pretty shabby state of repair".
There was a limited window of time to do the repairs.
"We had to effectively find a window that we could sort in between when the albatross chicks were in a good position.
"The window started about a week ago and we’ve got about five weeks until its completed, so it’s a relatively short window to get it done but it will be ready for the cruise season that kicks off in November."
Workers were conscious of not disturbing the albatross, Mr Winders said.
