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)
55
147
Top Places in New Zealand
Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Waikumete Cemetery
Auckland, New Zealand
Te Wairoa Buried Village
Lake Tarawera, 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

Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands

Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori culture.
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
A metal man turns the wheel (which was actually run by water).
Waiau, New Zealand

The Waterworks

Water-powered gadgets whirr to life in this quirky eco park.
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
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.
(Flickr/Eliduke)
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

Hot Water Beach

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

Abandoned WWII Structures of Motutapu Island

A network of fortifications that never saw conflict.
Related Places
The bridge at night.
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.
The Brick Train of Darlington.
Darlington, England

Brick Train

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

Latvian Railway History Museum

A collection of historical engines and rolling stock from throughout Riga's rich railway history.
Krakow, Poland

Kraków-Płaszów Train Graveyard

This cemetery of rusting Soviet-era steam locomotives and train cars offers an apocalyptic glimpse into a bygone era.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web