Located on the rugged outskirts of Coromandel Town, Driving Creek is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary hidden gems. What began as the personal project of the late Barry Brickell, a renowned potter, engineer, and conservationist, has evolved into a world-class eco-tourism destination.
By booking your Coromandel adventure through New Zealand In Depth, you’ll discover the "real" Driving Creek, where every rail journey and zipline flight contributes directly to the restoration of the native Kauri forest.
The centerpiece of Driving Creek is the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gauge mountain train that is a true feat of Kiwi ingenuity. Originally built to transport clay and firewood for Barry Brickell’s pottery kilns, the line now carries visitors through a thriving forest sanctuary.
The 1 hour 15 minute rail tour takes you on a winding ascent through the canopy. You’ll traverse ten bridges, three tunnels, and five reversing points as the train zig-zags up the steep hillside. Keep an eye out for the "Double-Deck Viaduct" a unique structure that showcases Barry’s self-taught engineering brilliance.
The journey culminates at the EyeFull Tower, a viewing platform perched 165 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas across the island-studded Hauraki Gulf and the lush valleys of the Coromandel Peninsula.
For those seeking an adrenaline fuelled perspective of the forest, the Coromandel Zipline Tour offers an unforgettable flight through the treetops.
Your adventure begins with a scenic 18-minute train ride to the upper reaches of the property. From there, expert guides lead you across eight thrilling ziplines spanning gullies and streams. You’ll glide through the canopy of regenerating Kauri, Rimu, and Totara, witnessing the forest’s transformation firsthand.
As you walk between platforms, your guides will introduce you to the local residents, including the rare Archey’s frog and the Coromandel striped gecko. Thanks to intensive predator control, the forest is once again alive with the song of native birds and the rustle of foraging kiwi.
Driving Creek remains a working pottery at its heart. Throughout the property and along the railway tracks, you’ll discover whimsical terracotta sculptures and murals peeking out from the ferns.
Visitors can explore the on-site pottery studios and gallery, which showcase the legacy of Barry Brickell and the resident artists who continue his work. You can even try your hand at the craft with a pottery workshop, getting hands-on with the same terracotta clay that started it all back in 1961.
At New Zealand In Depth, we specialise in experiences that "give back." Driving Creek is a not-for-profit trust, meaning every ticket sold helps fund the planting of native trees and the protection of endangered wildlife.
By including Driving Creek in your custom itinerary, you are supporting one of the most successful private conservation projects in the country. Over 27,000 native trees have been planted on the site, turning a once-devastated landscape into a lush, predator-free haven.
We ensure your visit to Driving Creek is seamlessly integrated into your Coromandel journey. Whether you want to pair your rail tour with a visit to Cathedral Cove or a relaxing soak at The Lost Spring, we provide the local knowledge and logistics to make it happen.
Every experience we create is tailored to you. Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll design a New Zealand trip you’ll never forget.
