Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional and friendly staff

Profits from the tour go toward forest conservation projects

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

Reviews

4.65

26 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The train trip
Gillian M,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Definitely an experience everyone should enjoy Such an interesting story of how the railway became to be
Historical railway and sensational views
janegT811BS,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Narrow gauge railway and scenic viewing opportunities along the track, ending at Eyefull Tower. Very interesting history of the railway's inception.
An NZ must do
easonae,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience even in heavy rain when we started. Great commentary of the history of the railway and pointing out features of the railway and the pottery and sculptures along the way. Great view from the eyeful tower as the weather had improved. Great value and traveling through the rain forest was something also special.
A unique experience
sophie2173,
Jun 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really unique way to see the Coromandel. We loved learning about the origins of the railway from our informative guide. We recommend this for anyone with some free time in Coromandel town!
Fantastic experience!
Companion24796779637,
Jun 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I loved the recreational style Driving Creek had going, from the rustic buildings to the train itself, using recycled glass bottles as retaining walls etc. The 'Zip line' was a thrilling experience, and our guides Angus & Cole where both humorous & friendly But what really made this place stand above the rest was its commitment to preserving the native forest and its wildlife. They have implemented several conservation projects to ensure this area remains a stronghold for our native animals and plants. It's impressive to see an attraction that puts conservation at the forefront of their operations, and it made me feel good about visiting.
Quirky, unexpected and fun little train ride
DebM562,
May 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
What a quirky little adventure this was!! Fun activity for all ages (I went with Mum and Dad aged 78 and 81). The site is unbelievable, the scenery is incredible, the pottery everywhere was cool and getting to know the creativity and vision of BB who created the railway was pretty special too. Only criticism is that the sound system on the train wasn't great so we couldn't hear much of what the guide was telling us while on the train.
Great!
marroni03,
Mar 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Super ride through the beautiful and varied forest with a sweet little railway. The trip here was absolutely worth it!:-)
Must do fun in Coromandel
Guest 06 2012,
Mar 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great fun on the railway and lots of lovely pottery to see on the train journey makes it really interesting. Amazing views when you get to the top. If you are heading to Coromandel or beyond, this is a must do
Delightful way to spend and afternoon!
ScottishDreamTours,
Mar 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Put me on a train and I am happy. Combine that with a very knowledgeable guide and spectacular scenery and you have a great afternoon. We took our group here as part of one of our small group tours and we loved every minute of it!
Wow at the top of the world!
Eliz2014,
Feb 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was so worth the drive up the Coromandel. we did enjoy the drive and scenery but just after the landslides had thought it would have to be missed. Very well organised. Amazing views. Lots of character. One man worked very hard to set it up and has given a great gift to New Zealand.