Things to do in the Coromandel
Experiences
for Everyone
Driving Creek is one of the top things to do in Coromandel, New Zealand. It offers unforgettable experiences at a unique not-for-profit destination.
Founded by artist, engineer and conservationist Barry Brickell, Driving Creek carries forward his vision. Every visit helps protect native biodiversity and supports New Zealand’s artistic community.
Why visit Driving Creek?
- Ride the iconic Driving Creek Railway through regenerating native forest.
- Soar above the trees on our Coromandel Zipline Tour.
- Create with clay in our vibrant pottery classes and workshops.
- Shop handcrafted pottery made from 100% New Zealand clay.
You will discover a place shaped by innovation, conservation, and over 50 years of creativity. It is an experience like no other.
Pottery Workshops
Our Not-for-profit Purpose
At Driving Creek, our focus is not on profit, but on the land, the people, and the future.
What began as an experiment in combining creativity with conservation, has transformed a once degraded landscape into a thriving native forest and a place where creativity continues to shape the environment.
Today, we continue this mission as a not-for-profit. Our work restores native biodiversity and nurtures artistic talent through the Artist in Residence programme and pottery activities.
Driving Creek remains one of the most rewarding things to do in Coromandel, New Zealand. Every visit supports conservation, the arts, and our ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
When you visit Driving Creek, you help grow this living legacy. Together, we ensure that art, nature, and people thrive for generations to come.
Driving Creek Shop
Artists in residence
To share this spirit, we offer free Artist in Residence opportunities to artists from a wide range of disciplines. Through this programme, artists can explore their craft in a supportive environment surrounded by native forest and rich creative history.
In addition, they benefit from collaboration and shared learning with fellow artists who also draw inspiration from this unique place. By encouraging connections, we help artists grow within their practice and contribute meaningfully to the wider creative community.
Ultimately, we celebrate active contribution and foster an ongoing culture of curiosity, innovation, and openness at Driving Creek.
Our Journal
Conservation
We also conduct environmental research to support the health and resilience of our regenerating native forest. In addition, we host free conservation events that invite the community to engage with and contribute to this work.
Through enriching, educational experiences, we help people connect with New Zealand’s natural environment and inspire ongoing care for it.
“To inspire others to heal and respect the land by showing what is being done and why. Appropriate utilisation rather than exploitation is demonstrated. Showing and telling is aimed at making the viewer and listener think and hopefully act.”
- Barry Brickell