With beer flowing in the Kingston Flyer Tavern and Cafe, the camping ground full to capacity and, of course, the Kingston Flyer back on the tracks, residents say Kingston has been brought back to life.
The vintage steam train was officially relaunched in brilliant weather on Saturday morning, drawing thousands of passengers and spectators for the five sold-out trips and associated festivities.
With a throng gathering at the Kingston station, motorists stopping to wave at the carriages and one house with a banner welcoming the return of the train, the small community was buzzing.
Community Association chairwoman Annette Dalziel made a rough estimate of 1500 to 2000 people in Kingston for the day, which she pronounced "just fabulous".
Thrilled by the support shown by people from all over the district and further afield, she thought the enthusiasm shown at Saturday's relaunching would continue, to Kingston's benefit.
"It really is an icon that attracts people from the four corners of the world, and now that we have it up and running again ... it will draw people who are passionate about steam power."
The train had been idle since Kingston Acquisitions Ltd went into receivership in November 2009, owing Prudential Mortgage Capital Company $4.7 million, with the tavern, which was part of the company's holdings, closing in May.
Bought by Marlborough vineyard owner David Bryce in August, the rejuvenated steam train came with the tavern, which has been relaunched as a bar and cafe.
Kingston Flyer Tavern and Cafe manager Ken Hodge, who moved to Kingston from Christchurch for the job three weeks ago, said the Flyer had "a special place" in the heart of the entire community, but especially for Mr Bryce.
"He is just so passionate about this town - the tourist side of it, the local side of it, everything. What you see is what you get."
Present at Saturday's re-launch, Queenstown Lakes district Mayor Vanessa van Uden said it was great to see the Flyer return and revitalise the community.
"As I said to David Bryce, it's absolutely brilliant to see the Kingston Flyer going again and I think it's such an integral part of the Kingston community," Ms van Uden said.
"I think it just adds to what Kingston has, and brings it back to life, basically."
Kingston Holiday Park manager J.P. Cunlisse said the park was at capacity all weekend, with only a few campervan sites left empty.
"It's fantastic. We're getting people coming in again, which obviously means money coming in, too."
