Straddling the border of Southland and Otago, Kingston lies at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, bounded by the Hector Range and the Eyre Mountains. It’s home to one of the region’s most beloved treasures: the Kingston Flyer steam train.
On what once was a major railway line, the Kingston station served as an important link between the regional hub of Invercargill in the south to the bustling goldfields to the north. Constructed in the 1860s, the line was integral to New Zealand’s national rail network for more than a century until closures throughout the country saw it shutter. The vintage steam train then ran part of the line as a tourist service, offering unique views of the area.
Originally named St Johns after an Irish-born policeman, the town became known as Kingston by mid-1864 to mirror its neighbour on the opposite shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.
Kingston has café, bar and accommodation options as well as a petrol station, holiday park, fire station, library and waterfront.
The famous vintage Kingston Flyer is officially back on track. Embark on a journey through time on this iconic steam train, exploring Kingston to Fairlight. Experience the allure and romance of this historic form of travel. Charter trips are now available.
Kingston TOP 10 Holiday Park offers comfortable and spacious self-contained motel units, ensuite log cabins, standard cabins, unique glamping tents and RV/Tent sites. Fresh linen and towels are provided for you in all motel units and cabins. Unlimited WiFi for every guest, hot showers and a great location. Secure bike storage is also available during your stay. To enquire or make your reservation, give us a call or email us.
Situated in the historic Kingston Railway Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Kingston Flyer Café & Bar is a wonderful place to unwind and relax after your journey around the mountains. Treat yourself to a delicious meal or a drink - you deserve it. Open 7 days a week until late. We look forward to seeing you, Dave and Michelle.
Explore this relatively undeveloped conservation park in the Eyre Mountains (Taka Ra Haka) is comprised of over 65,000 hectares of open tops, tarns, river valleys and a rugged mountain range that climbs up to 2000 meters - the highest peaks in Southland outside of Fiordland.
