Dunedin Venues Management Ltd business development manager Kim Dodds said the early strong demand for the Sunday morning trips to Hindon and the 2pm Seasider trips to Waitati had been maintained.
Both trips were fully booked yesterday and train organisers had received positive feedback about the trial Sunday offerings of the train services, until March 28.
She travelled on yesterday afternoon’s train and said the main attractions were "the relaxation, the view, also to able to have that free time in Waitati".
Christchurch residents Ian Oxley and his wife Irene, both in their 80s and having recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, enjoyed the 45-minute ride to Waitati.
"I can watch out without driving and can relax and look at the scenery," Mr Oxley said.
Mrs Oxley found the trip "nostalgic", reminding her of the days when passenger train travel was more readily available.
Bruce Watt, of Oamaru, travelled with his wife, Barbara, and several young relatives, and both enjoyed the train’s rhythmical, easier pace.
"You can just sit back and enjoy the views," he said.
"We’re very excited with the train coming," Brazilian-born Bruna Merino, who helps co-ordinate the Blueskin Gallery, in Harvey St, Waitati, said after the train arrived.
The Seasider enabled people from Dunedin and elsewhere to learn more about the Waitati area and she hoped they would be inspired to return.
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board deputy chairwoman Geraldine Tait said businesswoman Louise Burnside had long promoted a train trip to Waitati, and the community had also pitched in to organise interesting activities for passengers during the two-hour stopovers.
