Driving Creek Railway and Potteries

Barry Brickell,
380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel
Ph/Fax: 07 8668-703



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New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway along with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary. Driving Creek Railway features a narrow gauge railway, near Coromandel Town, that winds through beautiful native bush with tunnels and viaducts - enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors last year.

The 1 hour return trip on our innovatively designed trains takes you through replanted native kauri forest and includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus.

Called the Eyefull Tower, (photo left) this handsome new building offers great panoramic views out over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf with the forested valley and mountains behind.

The railway and pottery complex blends into the natural bush setting.

The train is one of the most popular in New Zealand. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to book beforehand to reserve your seats.

Please use either phone, fax or email when booking ahead.

Open Hours

Open daily during summer:
10am - 5pm and whenever the trains are running.

Train Timetable 2007

• 10:15am & 2pm daily throughout the year
• 12:45pm & 3:15pm during busy seasons
• for 6 or more adults a train can be run at other times to suit visitor needs

Train Fares from 2007

• Adults: $20
• Children: $11 (up to 15 years)
• Family: $50 (2 adults and 2 children)
• Special Excursion Rates: $18 (for seniors and students)

As well as touring the pottery complex you may also spend some time in the craft shop viewing the finished works. You can also find well-researched material on local history and ecology in our bookshop, as well as a variety of souvenirs.

 

Directions

2.5 hour drive from Auckland
Take the southern motorway to the bottom of the Bombay Hills, 30 minutes.

• Take highway 2 to Thames, 1 hour.
  
• From Thames take highway 25 to Coromandel.
  
• Driving Creek Railway is on Driving Creek Road 3km past the township.

Take a look at the map.
Read Barry Brickells History of Coromandel Pensinsula - an outline for visitors.