Driving Creek Railway – Coromandel, New Zealand - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Driving Creek Railway

Coromandel, New Zealand

This incredible narrow-gauge mountain railway was created by a ceramic artist. 

View all photos
Driving Creek Railway stuey20520 (Atlas Obscura User)
Driving Creek Railway stuey20520 (Atlas Obscura User)
One of several kilns at base station. stuey20520 (Atlas Obscura User)
Fern covered viaduct. stuey20520 (Atlas Obscura User)
32
86
Top Places in New Zealand
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Cardrona Bra Fence
Cardrona, New Zealand
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
 See All

This delightfully constructed forest mountain railway was originally built by Barry Brickell to collect clay and wood for his pottery art business.

Track laying commenced in 1975 and it took around 32 years to complete the 1.6 miles (2.7 kilometers) line to the top scenic station, the brilliantly-titled EyeFull Tower.

This is New Zealand’s steepest and arguably most spectacular narrow-gauge railway. It has it all, from big drop viaducts to several small tunnels covered in ceramic artwork from Brickell’s collection. 

Know Before You Go

To enjoy the railway fully visitors need at least three hours. This is a great hidden gem family attraction, there is also a zipline, wildlife sanctuary conservation tours, and a pottery school. 

Atlas Obscura Trips

New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

Book Now
railroads trains art
Community Contributors
s
Added by
stuey20520
Published
November 11, 2021
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
The Waterworks
5.82 miles
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
18.41 miles
Hot Water Beach
20.50 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Waiau, New Zealand

The Waterworks

Water-powered gadgets whirr to life in this quirky eco park.
Auckland, New Zealand

Stony Batter Historic Reserve

Large World War II gun emplacements and tunnel systems remain hidden near a remote end of Waiheke Island.
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

Hot Water Beach

Handcrafted thermal spa washes away each night with the tide.
New Zealand

Abandoned WWII Structures of Motutapu Island

A network of fortifications that never saw conflict.
Related Places
Shorewood, Wisconsin

Shorewood Ghost Train

A circus of light and sound forms a sensory ode to an iconic train that will never pass through town again.
Darlington, England

Brick Train

A locomotive made from 185,000 bricks celebrates the town's pioneering railway history.
Campo, California

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

A historic train ride from California to Mexico.
Shawnee, Oklahoma

Santa Fe Depot

Though it's no longer a functioning train depot, this castle-like structure is an important piece of Oklahoma history.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web