KINGSTON TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Steam and Spokes: Kingston Flyer’s 135‑minute run alongside the Tour of Southland
A lively, family‑friendly steam train from Kingston to Fairlight timed to parallel a leg of the Tour of Southland—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your picnic‑side viewing.
Steam and Spokes: Kingston Flyer’s 135‑minute run alongside the Tour of Southland.
Ride the Kingston Flyer steam train from Kingston to Fairlight to watch cyclists from the Tour of Southland pass Fairlight on SH6; the 2‑hour‑and‑15‑minute return run invites families to bring a picnic, meet staff on the platform and soak in the railway’s scenery as train and racers run in parallel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Steam against an Otago backdrop
The Kingston Flyer threads countryside north of Fairlight as the steam locomotive and heritage carriages create a photogenic counterpoint to riders racing past on State Highway 6.
A short, social return trip
The trip is a family‑friendly, roughly two‑hour return train run that pauses at Fairlight for a turn‑around and spectator time—an informal chance to picnic, stretch legs and chat with staff.
Support the race, enjoy the atmosphere
Run to coincide with the Tour of Southland, the outing is set up for family spectators: no alcohol onboard, complimentary hot tea and coffee at Fairlight, and on‑site sales of baked goods, soft drinks and Kingston Flyer merchandise during the stop.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
Board at Kingston and settle into vintage carriages for a relaxed steam‑hauled journey. The train runs to Fairlight Railway Station where passengers disembark for a roughly 20‑minute turn‑around—time to watch the locomotive turn, enjoy a BYO picnic or a complimentary cuppa, take photos, and cheer on cyclists as they pass alongside on the highway before the return leg to Kingston.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a warm coat (Kingston can have strong cool winds), a water bottle, and any picnic food you plan to eat—the trip is BYO picnic friendly.
There is currently no food service on the train; fresh drinking water plus complimentary hot tea and coffee are available at Fairlight. You may bring non‑alcoholic drinks and BYO food; some baked goods and soft drinks may be sold at Fairlight during the stop.
The departure point is 221 Kent Street, Kingston; the advertised duration of the return trip is 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes).
There are no working bathrooms on the train; public toilets are available at Kingston and Fairlight stations. Carriage doorways are narrow (60cm) and a disability ramp is used at Kingston; passengers with mobility impairments are advised to travel with a carer.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I cancel, edit or reschedule my ticket?
All cancellations, edits and rescheduling must be done via your booking agent, FareHarbor; you can use the link in your email confirmation to manage your booking yourself.
What happens if the Kingston Flyer cancels my trip?
The Kingston Flyer reserves the right to amend timetables or cancel departures; if the operator cancels your trip you will be offered a full refund, a gift voucher, or the option to rebook—check your email for updates before arrival.
Are food and drinks available onboard?
No food or drinks are sold on the train; fresh drinking water and complimentary tea and coffee are available at Fairlight, and passengers are welcome to BYO non‑alcoholic drinks and food.
Are the carriages wheelchair‑accessible?
The vintage carriages have 60cm doorways that do not fit standard wheelchairs, walkers or modern prams; a disability ramp is used at Kingston but it matches the carriage doorway width—passengers with impaired mobility are recommended to bring a carer.
Are there toilets on the train?
There are no working bathrooms on board; public toilets are available at Kingston and at Fairlight Railway Station.
Can I bring my dog?
No; the Kingston Flyer has a strict no dogs/pets policy to ensure passenger and animal safety.
How do I get to Kingston by public transport?
There are currently no regular buses or shuttles to Kingston from Queenstown or Invercargill; most visitors arrive by private vehicle and some tour buses may stop—check directly with those operators.
What happens at Fairlight during the stop?
The train pauses at Fairlight for about 20 minutes for a turnaround; passengers can disembark to use facilities, take photos, enjoy complimentary hot drinks, purchase merchandise and watch the locomotive turn.
Where and when is best for photos of the engine?
For group photos with the steam engine, the best opportunities are prior to departure once the engine is coupled to the train (it remains there for about 30 minutes before departure) and during the short stop at Fairlight; there will not be time for photos once the train returns to Kingston because the engine uncouples and goes straight back to the yard—please keep off the tracks.