One of Southern Discoveries' "red boats'', the Spirit of Milford, is preparing to leave Dunedin after more than 10 weeks in the upper harbour for its annual survey and some refurbishment.
The 28m long by 9m wide catamaran, which can carry up to 240 passengers, has been alongside Port Otago's Kitchener St slipway since May 10.
The refurbishment could have been in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but that has not been confirmed.
Southern Discoveries chief executive Tim Hunter said, when contacted, the Spirit of Milford was in for its annual survey, part of a four-year cycle, but it was decided to refurbish the vessel during this visit.
While here, the Spirit of Milford had new windows put in and seating, along with new air-conditioning and a new generator.
Mr Hunter said while it would not mean the Spirit of Milford could carry more than 240 passengers, the refit emphasis was in creating more dining and seating space.
When asked about the investment in the refurbishment, Mr Hunter would only say it was "a big, expensive vessel'' to maintain.
The Spirit of Milford, is due to leave for Bluff in a few days, for anti-fouling, before returning to its Milford Sound base by the end of next week.
● Port Otago is considering the long-term future of the upper harbour slipway, believing it may be a less than ideal neighbour once the harbourside development gains momentum.
The slip is "likely'' to stay in the upper harbour somewhere, possibly under a commercial joint venture arrangement, the port company has said.
