That is a year later than was anticipated by the Queenstown Lakes District Council when it approved the project 10 months ago.
The viewing area and car park will be built on a flat site, owned by the Department of Conservation (Doc), about 100m away from the rockfall-prone Bennetts Bluff lookout.
The council instigated the project because of concerns about the rockfall hazard and traffic safety at Bennetts Bluff.
Initial plans to remedy the hazard, expand parking and improve safety there were dropped because of technical challenges and cost.
Council property and infrastructure programme director Gareth Noble said it was taking additional time to complete the new car park's design in order to "maximise the outcomes" of the project.
The new car park would be able to "accommodate a greater number of users with flexibility for future growth and expansion".
The council was collaborating with Doc and the Glenorchy Community Association on the car park and viewing area's design.
