New owner David Bryce told the Otago Daily Times in Queenstown this week he intends hosting businesses from around the country for their private meetings and functions.
"I intend to be able to cater for those people. To host corporate and private charters on the train," Mr Bryce said.
He would like to offer special "motion" packages for business owners, so they could have corporate meetings, typically held in Queenstown hotels, on the train.
"They could either hire out for the full charter or just a carriage plan, depending on the size of the group."
The train had undergone a boiler inspection and the tracks would be checked by contractors who were due later this month.
Mr Bryce said everything seemed to be in good condition, which was a credit to the previous operators.
The flyer still has its application before Land Transport New Zealand and although this process usually took six to 12 months, Mr Bryce said he hoped that could be reduced to a matter of weeks.
Although still owning a vineyard in Marlborough, Mr Bryce had decided to reside in Kingston in order to "get things moving" with the tourist venture of both the train and the Kingston Tavern.
He said he wanted to develop the tavern to cater for the train, visitors and locals alike.
"Once the train is licensed, passengers will be able to purchase at the tavern and take on board the train."
Mr Bryce met the train's operations manager, Russell Glendinning, driver Keith Simpson and secretary Diane Simpson this week to discuss the train's future.
A letter was then sent out to the Kingston community asking people what skills or services they could offer when the train began operating after three years in receivership.
He said so far he had received some good feedback and had gained "incredible support" from locals.
Business process consultant, Elizabeth McLean, of Queenstown, has been employed as business manager for the train.
