The Dunedin City Council has launched an investigation into permanent solutions for the popular seaside esplanade at St Clair.
The ocean walkway had to be closed for 10 days in June after deep sink-holes formed during wave surges.
And the sea-wall's access ramps have been largely unusable since they were installed in 2004 because of storm damage.
The council has appointed the consulting firm, Opus International, to assess all aspects of the esplanade's structure and history.
