Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings
How do I book a ticket?
All tickets must be booked online via our website. It is highly recommended that you buy your ticket online so that you don't miss out as the train can often sell out! Please note, tickets cannot be purchased at the Kingston Flyer Cafe & Bar. All ticket holders MUST check-in at the Kingston Railway Ticket Booth that opens 30 minutes prior to each tour departure.
How do I cancel my ticket, edit or reschedule my trip?
All cancellations, editing, and rescheduling for your booking needs to be done via your Booking Agent, either Fareharbor (via our website) , BookMe or BookIt NZ. Please check your booking confirmation to see who you booked with. Fareharbor - You can cancel, edit or reschedule your booking by clinking the link found in your email confirmation. Bookit NZ; P: 0800 003 633 | E: support@bookit.co.nz | W: www.bookit.co.nz BookMe; E: info@bookme.co.nz I W: www.bookme.co.nz
All tickets must be booked online via our website. It is highly recommended that you buy your ticket online so that you don't miss out as the train can often sell out! Please note, tickets cannot be purchased at the Kingston Flyer Cafe & Bar. All ticket holders MUST check-in at the Kingston Railway Ticket Booth that opens 30 minutes prior to each tour departure.
How do I cancel my ticket, edit or reschedule my trip?
All cancellations, editing, and rescheduling for your booking needs to be done via your Booking Agent, either Fareharbor (via our website) , BookMe or BookIt NZ. Please check your booking confirmation to see who you booked with. Fareharbor - You can cancel, edit or reschedule your booking by clinking the link found in your email confirmation. Bookit NZ; P: 0800 003 633 | E: support@bookit.co.nz | W: www.bookit.co.nz BookMe; E: info@bookme.co.nz I W: www.bookme.co.nz
Cancellation Policy
For regular public train rides, The Kingston Flyer has a 48 hour cancellation policy allowing customers to cancel or reschedule their train trip up to 48 hours prior from the time and date of their scheduled train ride. All refunds and cancellations will be handled by your online booking agent Fareharbor, BookIt NZ, or BookMe.
What happens if the Kingston Flyer cancels my trip?
The Kingston Flyer (and associated Companies) reserve the right to amend timetables and cancel departures at any time. If we have had to cancel your train trip, you will be given the opportunity of a full refund, a gift voucher, or to rebook. It is important that you check your emails for any updates before arriving at the Kingston Flyer Steam Train.
What happens if the Kingston Flyer cancels my trip?
The Kingston Flyer (and associated Companies) reserve the right to amend timetables and cancel departures at any time. If we have had to cancel your train trip, you will be given the opportunity of a full refund, a gift voucher, or to rebook. It is important that you check your emails for any updates before arriving at the Kingston Flyer Steam Train.
Food & Beverages
Currently, there is no food or drinks available for sale on the train. Fresh drinking water along with complimentary hot tea and coffee is available at Fairlight Railway Station for all passengers. You are welcome to bring your own (BYO) food/snacks and non alcoholic drinks to be consumed either on the train or at Fairlight Railway Station. Food and drinks are available for purchase from Kingston Flyer Cafe & Bar (takeaway pizzas to eat on the train are a good option), The Kingston Corner Store, or The Coffee Bomb in Garston.
Safety
Please keep the railway track and corridor clear at all times, except for when crossing the track, and do not hover over the tracks. Please ensure children and animals are accompanied at all times by an adult around railway stations and when the train is in operation. Please note that the steam engine (locomotive) will depart both railway stations during the train tour, please keep clear of the engine during these times and follow the train guards instructions.
Accessibility & Disability
The Kingston Flyer is a vintage heritage attraction, as such the doorways of the carriages are in original condition and are narrow (60cm wide). Unfortunately this means that the carriage doorways do not fit a standard wheelchair, walker or modern day pram. A disability ramp is used to board all passengers at Kingston Railway Station, however this is the same width as the carriage doorways and is not wide enough for modern day wheelchairs, walkers or prams. All passengers must be able to independently board the train using the ramp, or be assisted by their carer and/or advocate. Please note, that it is vital for safety reasons that all passengers are independently organised to safely disembark the train during an emergency, and are not reliant on Kingston Flyer Staff to carry or physically move any persons. At Fairlight Station there is a train platform measuring 50cm, this means there are only 2 steps down from the train to the platform, however these steps are steep. Please face backwards and use the hand rail to disembark. If you feel unsafe to disembark you are welcome to remain on the train (please advise staff and we will bring you a hot cuppa during turn around). Please let us know if you require any further assistance and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Sound Sensitivity
If you or a person you are caring for suffers from sound sensitivity it is recommended that you bring ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones as the train does make loud and unfamiliar sounds. It is also advised that you please add a comment in the comments section when booking your tickets, or send us an email prior to boarding, and our friendly staff will do our best to help you on the day. When you arrive, please introduce yourself when checking in at the Kingston Railway Ticket Booth prior to boarding. Please note, the ticket booth only opens 30 mins prior to boarding.
Bathrooms
There are no working bathrooms on the train. Public toilets are located at the Kingston Train Station, and at Fairlight Train Station.
Can I bring dogs on the train?
To ensure passenger safety (and for the safety of your pets), we have a no dogs/pets policy.
Transport to Kingston
There are currently NO regular buses or shuttles that will transport people to Kingston from either Queenstown, or Invercargill. Some tour buses heading to Te Anau/Milford may stop, you will need to talk to them directly. Most people travelling to Kingston use a motor vehicle.
What is there to do at Fairlight Railway Station?
The train will arrive at Fairlight Railway Station where all passengers will be asked to disembark for a turn around time of 20 minutes. Once you have arrived you can use this time to use the facilities, take photos, enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, purchase merchandise and watch the steam locomotive turn around. Children are encouraged to 'race the engine' during turn around by running along the fenced area at Fairlight, its so much fun! The Fairlight Railway Station is open to the Kingston Flyer train passengers only, and is not open to the general public at this time. This is due to the small size of the station, we need to be able to offer shelter and amenities to our passengers. Please note there are no train departures directly from Fairlight at this time.
Where & when is the best place to take photos?
If you are wanting to take photos with the steam engine, the best place to take group photos is prior to departure once the engine has been coupled to the train. The engine will remain there for 30mins prior to departure. There will be a quick opportunity to take photos with the engine at Fairlight Railway Station also. There will not be any time to take photos once the train returns to Kingston Railway Station as the engine has to uncouple and travel back to the train yard immediately upon arrival. PLEASE KEEP OFF THE TRACKS DURING THIS TIME.