Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Profits from the tour go toward forest conservation projects
Professional and friendly staff
Options
Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel
Reviews
66 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Hidden Gem
laurensW2680TH,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a cute little experience to have done, amazing little hidden gem for travellers!
Worth the visit!
henkw864,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun train ride and explanation of how it all started and evolved from there.
An enjoyable and interesting experience
nickyw931,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a delightful experience, a journey through rain forest up to a lookout with interesting artefacts to see along the way.
Amidst do experience
Caroline W,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely excellent. The whole experience is brilliantly handled from start to finish. Amazing place. Love the vision, execution and atmosphere.
Unique little area
James B,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Learn the fascinating background of the place as you ride the train to the Eyefull tower to get an awesome eye-full. The train and tracks are engineering marvels. In anddi to the train, there are little 10 minute excursions to an old gold mine and a little protected nature preserve on site. Worth the trip to check everything out.
Odd experience
skiersuk,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This is a strange experience , we thought that we would be learning about native plants and birds etc, in fact this trip is all about the exploits of what seems to have been been a very eccentric man who built the railway whilst naked. The railway zig zags the man”s, Barry, small plot of land. It’s his faunal resting place. I kept thinking what makes a man obsess about building a small gauge railway. The staff were all lovely.
Train ride
caroln222,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great mini rail trip through lush ferntree lined track. Informative and interesting commentary from driver. Supplied rain capes ....thoughtful gesture on part of establishment.
From NZ$57.00
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Operated by Driving Creek