Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel
Description
The Driving Creek Railway isn’t just a scenic ride, it’s a journey through one man’s lifelong vision of creativity and conservation. Every bridge, tunnel, and curve was hand-built by local potter and engineer Barry Brickell, turning an artist’s dream into a living, working masterpiece. Today, the forest that once surrounded his workshop has flourished into a protected sanctuary filled with birdsong and native bush. With sweeping views from the EyeFull Tower and stories shared by your guide, this tour connects art, nature, and Kiwi ingenuity in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(71)
Great rail travel planning through the reserve area.
Great quirky rail trip; v enjoyable
Very cool experience, great background info and conductor was also knowledgeable about plants and animals. The tower at the end had a ramp so you can skip stairs! Super views on top.
It’s well worth the money! Everything was great and the view at the top was exceptional. Rug up though as it was quite cool
One man's vision shaped this railway. Barry Bricknell built this railway initially to bring clay and wood to his kilns but, as a conservationist, he also used it to transform farmland into reclaimed native forest. Now this narrow-gauge railway takes you through pretty forested land (there are some good signs to identify local plants) up to Eyeful Tower with wonderful views and you get off midway at the tunnel as well. For the railway enthusiast the switchbacks / reversing tracks would be interesting, at least we found them so. There are also examples of his pottery along the way which make it more engaging. The website is very informative and very clear about what you could expect. The driver and staff were very informative too. We are not railway enthusiasts (we had really done this trip because I could not find anything else of interest in Coromandel Town and so, while checking the website to make sure there were spots available, I actually waited until we got there to book) but I thought this trip was very memorable and quite a unique experience.
Excellent, guide was great! Perfect about on time. Easy to get too and get around! Will recommend to everyone
We had a fantastic time! loved it. We were very greatful that Driving creek offer the carer and disability entry as this makes it very accessible for families like ours. Service was so thorough, friendly and helpful right the way through from enquiry, to booking to going on the tour. The railway ride itself is fascinating, with very interactive and knowledgeable guides talking you through history and other information. Amazing sites to check out and the view at the top is unforgettable. The tour itself takes approx an hour from start to finish. Very comfortable ride! Would highly recommend. So many sites to take in!
We enjoyed the ride. The scenery was spectacular
A lovely rail ride up through rainforest with a helpful commentary from the driver. Lovely artefacts to hold our interest along the way.
It is very informative and very organised. Great for kids as well . The staff were very friendly and helpful
