In the meantime, the Goldfields Mining Centre in the Kawarau Gorge remains on the market, although trust president Bruce McMillan said the trust was negotiating with centre owners.
"The deal is alive - it's just been delayed," Mr McMillan said.
Mining centre concession-holders have been seeking expressions of interest for more than a year.
The complex includes heritage gold shanty buildings on the Clutha riverbank, although a jet-boat operation on site is a separate entity.
The OGHT planned to take formal possession of the centre last year, after it was granted funding in principal by the Cromwell Community Board and Central Lakes Trust.
It had applied to both for money it needed to purchase the site concession, valued at $375,000.
In November, the community board granted $125,000 to help the OGHT's planned purchase, after the trust was granted $250,000 from the Central Lakes Trust.
Both grants were made in principle, on conditions the other grant would be approved.
When contacted by the Otago Daily Times, Mr McMillan said funders required the OGHT to complete a formal management plan in order to receive the grants and purchase the centre.
"We are actually employing someone to put together a management plan for us, which should be ready in March. After that the plan will be presented to all parties involved," Mr McMillan said.
Operation of the complex was not expected to change in the short term under OGHT management, with the public able to visit during normal open hours.
Mr McMillan said while the trust would own the business, it was likely a separate entity would run it. Initial operation costs were expected to be about $75,000.
OGHT members hoped the centre would eventually generate enough financial return to fund future restoration projects in the Otago goldfields.
If bought by the OGHT, the site may form part of the trust's proposed Chinese gold mining tourist trail, which was planned to encompass areas between Dunedin and Arrowtown.
