It may take five intensive weeks of work, up to 40 staff and about $500,000, but it is very important the "Lady of the Lake" looks her best for her public in her centenary year.
TSS Earnslaw left Steamer Wharf, Queenstown on Monday at 8am for a jaunt "around the corner" to the Kelvin Heights slipway, in Frankton Arm.
Earnslaw and Walter Peak operations manager Angus Small said much preparation had gone into the survey of the vintage steam ship, including the removal of furniture and loading cables and other equipment to be used.
"We also pump out all the bilges, as well as the oil tanks, and we reduced the coal stocks over the last few days, to make sure we're not carrying excess," Mr Small said.
Real Journeys staff calculated they had just 16mm of clearance for the bow to sit on the slipway cradle, because of the low level of Lake Wakatipu.
Three divers from Gary Wright Construction made sure the slipway was in the correct spot for the ship and put in place blocks of timber to make sure she was sitting at the right trim when slowly winched up out of the water.
Mr Small said the slipway survey, conducted two years, would involve extensive work this winter.
After the 1950s foredeck timbers were replaced last year, the timbers of the entire lower deck were to be replaced this time around.
The entire exterior will be repainted; the starboard propeller shaft will be pulled for inspection; and both triple-expansion engines will be overhauled.
The boiler will be inspected and refitted and the crankshaft will be pulled from the engine room, up through the saloon skylight and out through a temporary hole cut in the roof.
Hull penetrations will be checked to see they meet Maritime New Zealand regulations. Both 250-person lifeboats were sent to Bluff for unpacking and recertification.
A team of six contractors from Alexandra-based Vincent Holdings would travel each weekday to upholster seats in the lower and upper saloons in burgundy fabric, managing director Peter Green said.
The company was also contracted to refurbish the interiors and exteriors of both lifeboats, complete with new protective covers.
"The focus for us is not only the ongoing maintenance of the Earnslaw, but also beautification and making sure the Earnslaw is looking her best for her birthday in October," Mr Small said.
