Disappointment over an Auckland ferry trial over the weekend - to cross the Viaduct's Wynyard Quarter

Its jammed lifting bridge is likely to be closed all year for repairs - meaning an extra 20-minute walk around the water.

The Council put up a free ferry connecting the two ends, after businesses complained foot traffic had plummeted.

The Conservatory restaurant director, Tricky Hartley, says the replacement ferry wasn't done well.

He says you have to board it, wait until it's at least half-full before it leaves - then it takes 15 minutes cross, taking about half an hour all up.