Kingston Flyer full steam ahead for season

Over 600 visitors descended on the village of Kingston, near Queenstown, this weekend to ride the iconic Kingston Flyer steam train at the launch of the 2012/13 season.

They were among hundreds more who enjoyed the Kingston Flyer Gala Opening Day on Saturday (September 29) with train rides, discounted fares and a car boot market where more than 25 stalls sold their wares.

Warm spring temperatures and plenty of sunshine made for a great family day out on the first day of the New Zealand school holidays.

Kingston Flyer owner David Bryce said it was a “fantastic” way to kick-start the season and hoped to see it just as busy over the remaining two weeks of the school break.

“Kids and adults alike had beaming smiles as the train whistled and puffed steam,” he said. “It was fantastic to see so many kids seeing the ‘old girl’ for the first time and just falling in love with the train.

“We’re open until the end of April next year and we encourage all visitors to our region to come and experience this iconic piece of history.”

Hungry visitors on Saturday gathered in the ‘new look’ Flyer Café to enjoy delicious home-made delights from newly-appointed Chef Andy Lisseman, along with lunch menu items such as gourmet burgers and salt and pepper squid served with lettuce greens and home-made aioli.

“Andy’s menu proved a huge hit from day one, with many sitting outside in the outdoor dining area, bathed in sunshine while enjoying lunch and a glass of specially-selected Kingston Flyer wines,” said Mr Bryce.

Chef Lisseman’s background, which includes working for renowned chefs in London and his most recent position at the highly-regarded Jack’s Point Clubhouse, means the Flyer Café has been taken to new levels of culinary experience.

On Saturday, visitors also enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of a range of car boot market stalls, a bouncy castle for the kids and live music.

Many took the opportunity to become ‘Friends of the Flyer’, which entitles holders to a 50% discount on up to 10 regular fares, and complimentary tea and coffee on board the train.

The $65 card is fully transferrable to friends and families, has no expiry date and all proceeds support the Flyer’s ongoing restoration.

Mr Bryce said he was delighted with the uptake on the Friends’ offer.

“It’s a great way for all New Zealanders to get involved in restoring a slice of history and heritage and to offset some of our substantial on-going maintenance and repairs in the long-term,” he said.

“Anyone can become a ‘Friend’, even if they aren’t able to get down to ride the train. We’d still very much appreciate and value that support.”

The Kingston Flyer operates two trips daily until the end of April and is also available for private charter and catering.

For more information and to purchase a ‘Friends of the Flyer’ card and reserve tickets for the 2012/13 season go to www.kingstonflyer.co.nz