Yesterday, The Mainlander, run by the Rail and Tourism Group, finished the first half of its inaugural trip from Christchurch to Invercargill.
It was evident from the many hugs and laughs going around that it was a family reunion for many passengers.
On the sold-out trip was Christchurch resident Caroline Skegg, who made the trip south with her children, Charlotte, 11, and Joey van Tulder, 8.
The family were heading to Dunedin to see Sir David Skegg, Ms Skegg’s father.
"The kids loved it and it was actually a little bit cheaper than flying — and more fun," she said.
On Friday, they will catch the train back to Christchurch.
Ms Skegg said her parents had both been regular train users when they were students at the University of Otago.
"It's really nice that we can do the same thing as they would have done."
The Christchurch to Dunedin leg of the trip had about 130 passengers and took almost eight hours.
Today's trip to Invercargill is also sold out.
