It's full-steam ahead for one of the country's most iconic locomotives, for the first time since 2013.
The Kingston Flyer rolled again as part of a tribute to a former stalwart engineer.
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But spokesman Adrian Chisholm says the classic train needs extensive work to be fully operational again.
"It's going to be a labour of love to get all the carriages and the other locomotives fully restored.
"Given time and the way tourism is booming in the Queenstown region, these locomotives will become a regular."
The Kingston Flyer was bought by mystery buyers last year, who plan to reopen the tourist attraction in the near future.
"The Kingston Station has now been leased and an operator will be running a cafe/bar," Mr Chisholm said.
"We're in negotiation to use the Fairlight Station that may be suitable for tourism accommodation.
"It's quite emotional to have it to a point where we're almost ready to get it operating again."
Mr Chisholm says repair work is planned for the 13km Kingston-to-Fairlight rail route.
Newshub.
