Driving Creek Railway is a narrow-gauge mountain railway located in Coromandel, New Zealand. It was conceived and built by Barry Brickell, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated potters. In 1973, Brickell purchased a steep mountainside to secure a reliable source of terracotta clay for his pottery. What began as a practical solution for transporting clay and firewood evolved into a remarkable fusion of engineering, art, and conservation.
Construction of the railway began in 1975, initially as a private industrial line to move materials from the upper slopes to Brickell’s pottery studio. Using reclaimed materials—including tracks from abandoned coal mines—Brickell extended the line gradually over decades. The railway eventually stretched 2.7 km and climbed 112 metres, incorporating three tunnels, ten bridges, and steep gradients. Among its engineering highlights is the Double-Deck Viaduct, a rare structure in New Zealand railways.
By the 1990s, Brickell’s bank manager encouraged him to open the railway to tourists to help repay his loan. Thus, Driving Creek Railway transitioned into a public attraction, offering scenic rides through native bushland to the Eyefull Tower—a viewing platform inspired by Auckland’s Bean Rock Lighthouse. The railway became known not only for its views but also for its whimsical art installations, including pottery figures and recycled glass mosaics along the track.
Driving Creek Railway also served as a conservation project. Brickell used the railway to replant the hillsides with native flora, especially kauri trees. The site became a sanctuary for both art and nature, with proceeds from tourism funding environmental restoration. Brickell’s vision was holistic: a place where engineering, ecology, and creativity coexisted in harmony.
Today, Driving Creek Railway remains one of New Zealand’s most unique heritage attractions, drawing over 30,000 visitors annually. It stands as a testament to Barry Brickell’s eccentric genius and enduring commitment to sustainable development, artistic expression, and community engagement.
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This historical summary was generated using AI.
