But at least while they were in the presence of Dunedin Steampunk Society members, their day was comparatively colourful.
Society president Allan Beecher was one of eight members roaming the Dunedin Railway Station yesterday morning, guiding cruise ship passengers from buses arriving at the station to points of interest and giving information about the city.
The Taieri Gorge Trust had asked them to become "station ambassadors".
"Our job is to generally add an air of ambience to the place by doing it in a colourful way.
"Because steampunk is based on the Victorian era, it fits quite nicely with the Dunedin Railway Station, being built around the same time.
"So it adds to the flavour of the railway station. It’s a grand old building and for tourists to come in and see us, it’s something they’re not expecting.
"And from all reports, it’s something they really appreciate. If we can make it a memorable visit, that will be our goal achieved."
Mr Beecher said this season was the first time they had been asked to be station ambassadors, and it was hoped that would continue in future cruise ship seasons.
"Hopefully, if we do a good enough job this year, the Taieri Gorge Trust will invite us back again next year.
"Hopefully, we’ll become a familiar sight around the station."
