Driving Creek Railway Coromandel: Hand-Built Mountain Train

Ten bridges and three tunnels built by hand, climbing through regenerating forest

The Driving Creek Railway is a 1 hour 15 minute scenic train tour on New Zealand's only mountain railway in Coromandel, hand-built by local artist and engineer Barry Brickell through native bush now thriving as a wildlife sanctuary. The tour includes a professional guide who shares the story of how art, engineering and conservation shaped the railway, plus views from the EyeFull Tower. All profits support forest conservation projects.

The Experience

The railway climbs through regenerating native forest on a route every bridge, tunnel and curve of which was hand-built by Barry Brickell, a potter and engineer whose lifelong vision turned an artist's dream into a working masterpiece. You'll cross ten bridges and three tunnels as the train winds upward, with your guide narrating how the forest that once surrounded his workshop has flourished into a protected sanctuary filled with birdsong and native bush. The EyeFull Tower at the top offers sweeping views across the landscape Brickell spent decades shaping.

This is a family-friendly, all-weather experience that runs year-round. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes, and the route is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Wheelchair accessibility is available throughout the site, with all areas and surfaces accessible and transportation options adapted for mobility needs. Public transport options are nearby if you're arriving without a car.

Every booking supports the railway's not-for-profit mission: profits go directly toward native biodiversity and forest conservation projects. The professional and friendly staff guide you through the experience, connecting the practical engineering, artistic vision and environmental work that make Driving Creek Railway unlike anything else in New Zealand.

What’s included

• Professional guide sharing the story of the railway's creation.
• access to the EyeFull Tower with views across the landscape.
• passage across ten bridges and through three tunnels.
• all-weather operation year-round.
• profits directed to forest conservation and native biodiversity projects.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Driving Creek

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided journey on a working narrow-gauge railway where the guide shares stories about how one artist hand-built every structure, rather than a self-guided scenic ride.

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Top questions

How long does the Driving Creek Railway tour take?

The tour is 1 hour 15 minutes long, taking you on a complete journey up through the forest, across the bridges and tunnels, and to the EyeFull Tower before returning.

What is the EyeFull Tower?

The EyeFull Tower is the viewpoint at the top of the railway line, where you'll see sweeping views across the Coromandel landscape that Barry Brickell built the railway to reach.

Is the Driving Creek Railway suitable for young children?

Yes, it's a family-friendly experience. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the journey.

Can I visit if I use a wheelchair?

The Driving Creek Railway is fully wheelchair accessible, with all areas and surfaces accessible and transportation options adapted for mobility needs.

What happens to the money I spend on this tour?

The railway operates as a not-for-profit, so profits from every booking go toward native biodiversity projects and forest conservation on the site.

Who built the Driving Creek Railway?

The railway was hand-built by Barry Brickell, a local potter, engineer and conservationist whose vision shaped every bridge, tunnel and curve of the track through the native forest.