Earnslaw and Walter Peak operations manager Angus Small paid tribute to the 80 to 100 Southern craftsmen who worked on roster seven days a week to extensively overhaul the "Lady of the Lake" on the Kelvin Heights slipway and at Steamer Wharf in her centennial year.
"A lot of the work uncovered more work and we wanted to do a thorough job and future-proof the Earnslaw," Mr Small said.
"She's a lady we want back on the water for everyone to enjoy and we're saving [festivities] for October."
The survey involved the replacement of foredeck handrails, rigging, shackles, mast buckles and lifting gear, and the addition of passenger and freight boarding gates on port and starboard.
The entire interior and exterior was coated in anti-corrosive paint, at least twice, and restained where appropriate.
Saloon seats were reupholstered and seats either side of the engine room were replaced.
All mechanical and steam equipment was deemed to have at least another 30 years of life left if maintained at the present standard.
Up to 90% of the steel deck plating was replaced after removal of decking timber for the first time in 50 years found the metal had corroded in parts.
About 800 lineal metres of treated sustainable kwila timber were laid on the lower deck.
The GPS system in the wheelhouse was replaced, the staff intercom was upgraded and Real Journeys now had the option of introducing public wi-fi on board if it chose.
The galley was re-equipped and two sections of hull plating on the starboard housing were replaced.
The main contractors were Gough Bros, Invercargill, for the engine and welding, Vincent Holdings, Alexandra, for painting and upholstery, Pneumatic Contractors, Invercargill, for painting and Alvin Smith, of Miller and Tunnage, Port Chalmers, as shipwright and for redecking.
Real Journeys hosted a thank-you function for staff and contractors on board on Wednesday night.
