After five months of careful storage, the conservation process has commenced for the six moa footprints extracted from the Kyeburn in May.
Conservationists say the process will be "a little like watching paint dry", but steady feedback suggested many are eager to see the prints and learn more about the conservation process, so it will be open to the public from November 20.
A new space has been set up in the People of the World gallery on the second level of Otago Museum.
The display and project has been called Te Huna a te Moa.
Careful planning has gone into the next steps of the moa's journey.
A museum spokeswoman said the prints had been encased in wet towels, SympaTex membrane and plastic since they were excavated five months ago.
In September, the conservation process began with computed tomography (CT) scanning of the blocks, which was completed by the museum's conservation team and Pacific Radiology.
Otago Museum conservation manager Nyssa Mildwaters said the scans provided a very accurate picture of the block, and would show any internal weaknesses or cracks that might present issues during the drying phases.
"This will also ensure that there is a record of the block, should it crack or become distorted as it dries."
The blocks will sit atop individual wooden panel bases, covered with conservation grade foam to support them during handling, moving, and storage.
Humidity would be carefully controlled using custom-made frames, covered with clear polythene sheeting that is placed over the blocks to create a microclimate, she said.
"Essentially, like a hat."
The humidity inside the chambers will be slowly reduced, allowing the blocks to safely dry.
The blocks will be on display until mid-2020, when it was hoped a more permanent home in the museum could be found.
