Driving Creek Railway and Potteries - Coromandel Peninsula
Visiting Driving Creek Railway and Potteries was high on my list of to do’s when we had a week on the Coromandel Peninsula recently. This small train takes you in to the bush and high up to the terminal ...a viewing tower....humourously called “Eyefull Tower to get expansive views over the bush and out to the Hauraki Gulf.I highly recommend you put it on hour list when you take your holidays in New Zealand! The Driving Creek Railway and Potteries railway has been a long term labour of love for Barry Brickell....a well known potter with a vision. Originally Barry wanted to clear the invasive pine and replant in native trees, using the local yellow clay for his pottery. Starting in 1975, he saw the railway as a way to remove the invasive pine timber which was to be used to fire his kiln, and transport the clay.
You not only get the enjoyment of an hour riding through the bush on this narrow 15 inch gauge rail track, but you are treated to views of pieces of pottery strategically placed, walls of fired patterned bricks, more retaining walls made from thousands of bottles....a lot of beer must have been drunk! 
You can tour his pottery shed, view an outdoor pottery display and watch a very interesting video telling the story of the railway. The quaint, rustic terminal buildings and station area are fascinating. The Driving Creek Railway and Potteries is a wonderful day tour. You can drive yourself to the Railway located 3 kms from Coromandel township on Driving Range Rd. There is plenty of parking. You could also take the ferry from Auckland to Coromandel and take a bus or taxi up to the train for a great day out. Coromandel Train BookingsIt is recommended you book in advance especially in the summer.Train schedule Daily 10:15am & 2pm throughout the year or for 6 or more adults a train can be run specially at 11:30, 12:45, 3:15 and 4:30 Fare Prices
Return to Coromandel Peninsula
Sign up for the RSS feed so you are updated when new pages are published. |
He in time saw the worth of providing a tourist attraction, and opened the train to the public in 1990, whilst continuing to extend the reach of the track which has many fascinating engineering feats....viaducts, tunnels and even the trains themselves were specially designed and built. 
Travel Tip
Featured Travel Gadget
BOOK NEW ZEALAND TOURS
Huge Selection of Half or
Full Day Tours
Short 2-5 Day Tours
LONELY PLANET
NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL
Experiences to Share?
We love to read your stories, recommendations, tips.....!
