One of Clutha's most notable tourist attractions, which has been out of commission for more than three months, should be back on the water by the end of October.
The Tuapeka Mouth ferry, also known as the Tuapeka punt, has been out of use since May.
Because the Clutha River was running higher than usual, the punt was lifted from the water by a crane for a safety inspection.
This revealed repairs and maintenance were needed.
Clutha District Council district assets manager Jules Witt said in a report last week the necessary design work had been done and tenders would be invited from suitable contractors.
He believed the ferry would be operational again by mid to late October.
"The shed at the punt site is well past its use-by date, and options are being explored to replace it," he said.
The punt, launched in 1896, was regularly used by farmers and others wanting to cross the river from Tuapeka Mouth to the Beaumont HighwayIt is now regarded more as a tourist attraction.
