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Fully Certified
Driving Creek - Railway
General Information
380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel 3506
07-866-8703, bookings@drivingcreek.nz
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Summer Hours: October labour weekend- March
Monday - Sunday: 8:00Am-5:00Pm (This can change during the public holidays throughout these months)
Winter Hours: April (Easter weekend) – August
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Hours may vary on public holidays during these months)
Overview
Unlike any other tourism company, Driving Creek originally began as an authentic grassroots pottery. Barry Brickell, who had recently been a young schoolteacher, purchased the land in 1973 for its rich terracotta clay to support a shared studio-style, craft co-operative pottery. People soon came to learn and develop their craft in a truly creative environment under the almost guru-like tutelage of Barry Brickell—New Zealand’s first full-time handcraft potter—as well as other influential potters.
Barry Brickell traded pottery and beers with his neighbour to carve out a flat area with his bulldozer, leaving a cutting to provide protection from more ‘sensible’ locals and bureaucrats who had already caused problems for other potteries. Thus, the ground was prepared for what would become a thriving pottery, railway, and tourism operation.
Notes for Cardholders
Anyone who requires support to visit Driving Creek will receive a support person ticket free of charge. Any Hāpai cardholder who does not require a support person will receive a 10% discount on all Railway Tours. Bookings are essential and must be made by phone, so please let us know if you require this assistance.
Standing and Queuing
We have two points of sale to help you purchase Railway tickets and check in, especially on busy days. There are seats available throughout Driving Creek for you to rest, and many of our viewing points can be enjoyed from a seated position — perfect for those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
If you don’t have a wheelchair with you, we have wheelchairs available that you’re more than welcome to borrow during your visit.
Level Access
All of our trains, toilets, and car parks are wheelchair accessible. Our friendly customer service staff are onsite and available to direct you to the easiest access points for boarding the train, parking, and using the toilets.
Areas with a natural substrate (gravel) include the car park, the path to the ticketing office, and the pathway up to the Eyeful Tower. These are short distances if you wish to traverse them. Please note that our wildlife sanctuary and nature walking track are not wheelchair accessible.
Distances
For those who have difficulty crossing distances, our accessible car park is located approximately 30m from our ticketing office.
Our customer service staff may allow visitors to drive up to the ticketing office for drop-offs and pick-ups if necessary on the day, depending on accessible parking availability. This option is available if other accessible parking options are not suitable, so please let us know during your booking if you require this assistance.
There is seating where boarding takes place, throughout the Driving Creek property, and many of our viewing points are visible from a seated position.
Urgent Toilet Access
We have two sets of toilet blocks onsite: one flushable toilet approximately 30m from the ticketing office, and one composting toilet at the top where the Rail Vehicle ends. Both sets of toilets are wheelchair accessible. We also have an emergency composting toilet (Chipmans or Hoki Mai) halfway up the track; however, these particular toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
Disability Assist Dogs
We comply with New Zealand law regarding Disability Assist dogs. All registered Disability Assist dogs are permitted entry into Driving Creek and are allowed on all Railway Tours. Yes, you can bring your guide dog on the train with you.
Essential Companions
Anyone who requires support to visit Driving Creek will receive a support person ticket free of charge. Any Hāpai cardholder who does not require a support person will receive a 10% discount on all Railway Tours. It is essential that you let us know when making your booking if you require this service.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
All information about our Railway tours and safety briefings is delivered verbally over an intercom system. For those who may have difficulty with visual information, our customer service staff will guide you to your seat or to the toilet if needed. Please ask our friendly customer service staff if you require assistance.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
We have visual information pamphlets available for you when checking in. We also have a Driving Creek Railway & Potteries: The Unique World of Barry Brickell movie with subtitles that introduces you to the amazing work done at Driving Creek Railway, as well as interpretation panels at the Eyeful Tower available for reading. We recommend allowing 20–30 minutes before your departure time to carefully watch the movie.
Hidden Disabilities
All Driving Creek staff are first aid trained and can assist with anything from someone who may have overexerted themselves to extreme events such as heart attacks, seizures, and people collapsing. Driving Creek is a 24-hectare area where all staff carry radios and can communicate throughout the property to coordinate any assistance you might need. We kindly ask that you let us know during your booking if relevant needs are not visible or are likely hidden, so Driving Creek staff can draft a sensory map to guide people who are sensitive to sounds, smells, and crowds, helping them prepare for or avoid different stimuli throughout the Driving Creek experience.
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