13. Driving Creek Railway

Overview

The Driving Creek Railway is one of New Zealand's most unique attractions and the country's only mountain railway. Located near Coromandel Town on the Coromandel Peninsula, this remarkable narrow-gauge railway was hand-built by renowned potter, engineer, conservationist, and visionary Barry Brickell over several decades. Today, it combines engineering, art, conservation, and spectacular scenery into an unforgettable 75-minute rail journey. (Driving Creek)

What began as a practical railway for transporting clay and timber to Brickell's pottery workshops evolved into one of New Zealand's most celebrated tourism experiences and conservation projects. (Engineering New Zealand)

Official Website:Driving Creek Railway Tours

Why It's Special

New Zealand's Only Mountain Railway

The railway climbs steep hillsides through regenerating native forest using an ingenious system of:

• Reversing sections

• Curves and spirals

• Elevated viaducts

• Hand-built tunnels

• Narrow-gauge track

The line rises approximately 112 metres over about 2.7 km, showcasing extraordinary engineering designed specifically for the challenging terrain. (Engineering New Zealand)

The Story of Barry Brickell

The railway is the life work of Barry Brickell, who purchased land in the area in 1961 to establish a pottery operation.

His vision combined:

• Pottery and ceramic arts

• Innovative engineering

• Native forest restoration

• Wildlife conservation

• Sustainable tourism

Over more than 30 years, Brickell transformed degraded farmland into a thriving forest sanctuary while continuously extending and improving the railway. (Engineering New Zealand)

Railway Journey Highlights

A 75-Minute Scenic Adventure

The railway tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, making it ideal for families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. (Driving Creek)

During the journey, visitors travel through:

• Regenerating native rainforest

• Steep mountain slopes

• Scenic valleys

• Wildlife habitat areas

• Outdoor sculpture displays

Expert guides provide commentary throughout the experience. (Driving Creek)

Ten Bridges & Three Tunnels

One of the most memorable aspects of the railway is its engineering.

Visitors cross:

✅ 10 bridges✅ 3 tunnels✅ Multiple reversing points✅ Elevated viaducts✅ Steep mountain grades

The route includes dramatic curved bridges and unique engineering solutions developed specifically for the challenging landscape. (Driving Creek)

EyeFull Tower

The highlight of the journey is reaching the famous EyeFull Tower.

Located high above Coromandel Town, the lookout offers:

• Panoramic views across Coromandel Harbour

• Hauraki Gulf vistas

• Native forest landscapes

• Mountain scenery

• Exceptional photography opportunities

The tower's name is a playful reference to the famous Eiffel Tower, reflecting Barry Brickell's creative sense of humor. (Wikipedia)

Native Forest & Conservation

Driving Creek is far more than a tourist railway.

A Living Conservation Project

Visitors travel through a forest that has been carefully restored over decades.

Conservation efforts include:

• Native tree planting

• Kauri regeneration

• Wildlife habitat protection

• Pest management

• Biodiversity restoration

Every railway ticket contributes to ongoing conservation work and protection of native species. (Driving Creek)

Art Along the Railway

A distinctive feature of Driving Creek is the integration of art throughout the property.

Guests can spot:

• Ceramic sculptures

• Pottery installations

• Brick artworks

• Bottle-wall structures

• Creative landscape features

The railway reflects Brickell's belief that art, engineering, and nature should coexist harmoniously. (Must Do New Zealand)

The Famous Locomotives

The railway operates a fascinating fleet of custom-built trains, including:

Elephant

• First purpose-built locomotive

• Built in 1979

• Diesel-powered workhorse

• Still used today for maintenance and operational tasks

Snake

• Introduced in the early 1990s

• Designed to carry larger passenger groups

• Named for its ability to "snake" through tight curves

Possum

• Compact self-propelled railcar

• Famous for its inventive engineering

Linx

• Modern articulated passenger train

• Main railway vehicle today

• Designed for comfort and reliability

Each train reflects Barry Brickell's innovative engineering philosophy. (Driving Creek)

Visitor Information

(Driving Creek)

Ticket Prices

Current published rates:

Prices may change seasonally. (Driving Creek)

Accessibility & Comfort

The experience is designed to be accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Facilities include:

• On-site parking

• Guided commentary

• Rain ponchos available

• Assistance for visitors with accessibility needs (advance notice recommended)

• Family-friendly seating

The railway operates in most weather conditions, making it a reliable year-round attraction. (Driving Creek)

Why It's a Must-Do

✅ New Zealand's only mountain railway✅ Spectacular EyeFull Tower lookout✅ Cross 10 bridges and 3 tunnels✅ Learn the inspiring story of Barry Brickell✅ Experience a working conservation project✅ Enjoy art, engineering, and nature in one attraction✅ Family-friendly and all-weather activity✅ One of the Coromandel Peninsula's most iconic experiences

Best For

• Families

• Railway enthusiasts

• Nature lovers

• Photographers

• Engineering and history enthusiasts

• Visitors seeking a uniquely New Zealand experience

Travel Tip

Pair the Driving Creek Railway with the nearby Coromandel Zipline Tour for a full-day adventure. Many visitors ride the railway in the morning and then experience the forest canopy from above on the zipline in the afternoon, gaining two completely different perspectives of Driving Creek's remarkable conservation sanctuary. (coromandeltown.nz)