The first Saturday service of the Auckland to Hamilton train Te Huia has left the station filled to the brim with passengers

More than 200 people climbed aboard the service, a significant improvement on the rest of the slow week.

Passenger numbers dropped to as low as 13 on one day this week.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Russ Rimmington says he's encouraging people to give it a go.

He says the newly refurbished carriages have Wifi and buffet carts.