Driving Creek

Driving Creek Driving Creek is a grassroots pottery that offers immersive tourism activities in lush native forest. (by donation)
(1262)

Barry Brickell (artist, engineer and conservationist) took 35 years to build this amazing switch-back railway. Railcars climb the mountain to the 'Eyeful Tower' with magnificent views over Coromandel town, the harbour and across to Auckland in the distance. The one hour return journey incorporates superb engineering and unique art features in a replanted forest setting. Back at the station watch t

he dvd about Barry and the railway. Enjoy a walk in the sculpture garden followed by a bush walk in the NZ wildlife sanctuary. Pottery, souvenirs, mini-bricks, the dvd and books are available in our craft shop. Peruse the Art Gallery next door exhibiting pieces from Barry Brickell's personal art collection.

Throwing it back to 1991 and the completion of one of the most ambitious sections of the Driving Creek Railway, the doub...
26/05/2026

Throwing it back to 1991 and the completion of one of the most ambitious sections of the Driving Creek Railway, the double-deck viaduct.

These photos show Barry and friends working on what became a truly unique piece of railway engineering.

After three years of difficult surveying and massive hand-dug earthworks, the viaduct was completed with overlapping cuttings, a spiral, and two levels of track crossing through the same space.
The upper level became the highest and longest span on the railway at 45.9 metres, carrying passengers through to Hoki-Mai, one of the line’s original terminuses.

An incredibly challenging and distinctive engineering feat! and all built by hand on the hillsides of little Coromandel Town.

Just Driving Creek Things haha.

These little fellas are some of our more inconspicuous residents here at Driving creek.Captured on a recent night survey...
18/05/2026

These little fellas are some of our more inconspicuous residents here at Driving creek.
Captured on a recent night survey, in order of appearance: Peripatus (Velvet worm), Hochstetter's Frog and Archey's Frog.
As always, a huge thank you to the efforts from our conservation team! The ongoing predator control here on the property is sure to be giving these special critters a fighting chance.

All photos courtesy of

Some moments from an experimental firing of The Phoenix Kiln last year.The process moved away from the kiln’s usual shor...
13/05/2026

Some moments from an experimental firing of The Phoenix Kiln last year.

The process moved away from the kiln’s usual short soda firings. Instead adapting it to explore different effects, more typical of longer firings, without making any major changes to the kiln.

Pieces were tumble stacked to allow for a high density of pots in one area, and to expose them to uneven ash deposits while pouring the bark and ash into the kiln. A hikidashi layer was incorporated, allowing red-hot pots to be drawn directly from the kiln at peak temperature. Alongside this, a small selection of work was placed in the firebox itself, exposing it to direct flame and heavy ash movement for more intense surface outcomes.

The result? A lot learnt and some absolutely beautiful pots!

Saturdays Conservation Kōrero Wrap-Up - We would love your feedback.What an incredible day!!! Here is a sneak peek with ...
12/05/2026

Saturdays Conservation Kōrero Wrap-Up - We would love your feedback.

What an incredible day!!! Here is a sneak peek with a few photos from the event. Thank you all for coming along to Driving Creek for a beautiful day of sharing, learning, and connecting. A special thank you to our guest speakers for travelling across the motu to share their wealth of knowledge.

We would love to hear your feedback about the event. Please follow this link to share your thoughts --> https://forms.gle/KMNTxna7kjPFaCHR7

We're hiring! Come be apart of the awesome team here at Driving Creek. For more information check out the Seek link in o...
11/05/2026

We're hiring! Come be apart of the awesome team here at Driving Creek.
For more information check out the Seek link in our stories or contact: [email protected]

Something a little special for this Sunday. We’re hosting a relaxed Clay, Coffee & Cake workshop for Mother’s Day. A ch...
05/05/2026

Something a little special for this Sunday.
We’re hosting a relaxed Clay, Coffee & Cake workshop for Mother’s Day. A chance to get your hands into some clay and spend a bit of quality time with Mum.
Hosted by our lovely tutor Madison, this is an all-ages, all-skill-levels handbuilding session, with a warm drink and something sweet on the side.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to spend time with mum this Mother's day, this feels like a pretty nice way to do it!

Book online at: Drivingcreek.nz

Sketching, plaster mould making, wood firing and wheel throwing intensives... there is something for everyone.We have so...
28/04/2026

Sketching, plaster mould making, wood firing and wheel throwing intensives... there is something for everyone.
We have so many exciting workshops coming up this year, be sure to check out our website for more info and to keep up to date on new workshop offerings as they become available.
www.drivingcreek.nz

Address

380 Driving Creek Road
Coromandel
3506

Opening Hours

Monday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:45am - 5:30pm
Sunday 8:45am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+64800327245

Website

https://shop.drivingcreek.nz/?

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Driving Creek posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Driving Creek:

Shortcuts

Share

Category