Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Driving Creek Railway is a unique rail tour and must-do activity in Coromandel, New Zealand. As part of Driving Creek’s not-for-profit mission, every booking helps support native biodiversity and our creative legacy. This family-friendly, all-weather experience takes you on a 1 hour 15 minute journey on New Zealand’s only mountain railway. Hand-built by artist, engineer and conservationist Barry Brickell, the railway climbs through regenerating native forest, now a thriving wildlife sanctuary. You’ll cross ten bridges and three tunnels, with spectacular views from the EyeFull Tower. Along the way, your guide will share the inspiring story of how art, engineering and conservation shaped Driving Creek Railway.
Options
Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel
What‘s Included
Profits from the tour go toward forest conservation projects
Professional and friendly staff
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
71 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Coromandel Train ride
superstevenwong,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great rail travel planning through the reserve area.
Narrow gauge train, quirky story behind it. Great views & recommend it
Jehward,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great quirky rail trip; v enjoyable
Just do it!
Karen K,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very 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.
Great train ride
Robert C,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s well worth the money! Everything was great and the view at the top was exceptional. Rug up though as it was quite cool
Barry Bricknell's legacy
SusanC4948,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One 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
elizabeth e,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent, guide was great! Perfect about on time. Easy to get too and get around! Will recommend to everyone
make sure you do this trip when you are in Coromandel.
gemjinn77,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
Wendy was our conductor and she was fabulous! It was lots of information and a fun little adventure.
Christine W,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the ride. The scenery was spectacular
Well worth the experience
nickyw931,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely rail ride up through rainforest with a helpful commentary from the driver. Lovely artefacts to hold our interest along the way.
Aussie travelers
Karen g,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is very informative and very organised. Great for kids as well . The staff were very friendly and helpful
Related Experiences
Operated by Driving Creek