Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is working on a temporary solution to have the Lake Wānaka jetty open this summer.

The jetty was damaged in the severe weather in late November and signs currently warn lakegoers not to use the jetty, which is partially submerged. 

A QLDC spokesperson said the council had accessed the jetty and conducted an inspection, but was tight-lipped about its condition about whether it is likely to be repaired or replaced long-term.

Council staff are working through a “comprehensive analysis and evaluation of all the options”, the spokesperson said.

“Once finalised [council staff] will submit a report to the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for review as we seek direction on the best course of action.”

Concepts for a new, reimagined jetty were shared by RMM Landscape Architects earlier this year, which deputy mayor Quentin Smith said at the time he would “welcome and encourage”.

Read more: Creative designs for ‘long overdue’ new jetty

The spokesperson said the options for the jetty’s future would be made public at the community board meeting in February.

They confirmed the council hopes to have a short-term fix in place so the popular lakefront jetty can be used during the warmer months.

“We’re currently working on an interim solution to keep the wharf open and accessible to locals and visitors over summer.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App