The historic Ka 942 steam engine arrived in Dunedin on Friday night, two days later than scheduled, after a double delay in Christchurch and a fuel issue in Dunedin.
On Friday, some disgruntled ticket-holders told the Otago Daily Times they could not wait another day for the engine's arrival because they had holidays booked elsewhere.
An extra four carriages were attached to the steam engine to accommodate 180 more passengers for each of the six remaining trips to Sawyers Bay on Saturday, Mr Craig said.
All of the scheduled trips departed but were delayed by an hour because more bunker oil was needed to fuel the first journey.
Some passengers could not wait for their trip because of time constraints.
However, 1700 passengers went on the half-dozen train trips to Sawyers Bay.
"Everyone who wanted a ride got a ride."
Despite the delays, the festival was a success and most of the feedback had been positive and he hoped it would become a biennial event.
Southern Heritage Trust trustee Carol Robinson said the Ka 942 departed Dunedin on time yesterday morning for the Southlander journey, during which passengers travelled south and had two hours in Invercargill before returning to Dunedin last night.
The Ka 942 is scheduled to leave Dunedin for Christchurch at 8.30am today.
