The incident has seen New Zealand First MPs renew their call for tougher penalties for looters.
Deputy leader Ron Mark and fellow NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell observed the train when they choppered into Kaikoura on Thursday morning.
"The train has been stranded ever since the quake and has been targeted by low-life criminals," said Mark.
"At the present time people caught looting can only be charged with burglary. This serious gap in our law needs addressing.
"Anyone convicted of looting should be sentenced to 10 years hard labour."
NZ First want to see roadblocks set up around Kaikoura and other towns before the weekend to avoid anymore people plundering the coast.
"Now we hear vigilante groups are being talked about. That will lead to chaos on the coast, with punch-ups and fights.
"In Christchurch the Army did a great job with cordons and roadblocks. The same can be done, north, south and west of Kaikoura," Mark said.
Roadblocks will also be useful in keeping members of the public, wanting to look at the damage, off the roads this weekend so emergency services can go about their business, Mark said.