The experience

A Weekend Designed to Inspire

Guests hand-building and sculpting clay in the Driving Creek pottery studio surrounded by native forest.

Slow Down, Get Your Hands in the Clay

This is more than a weekend away. It is a chance to slow down, get your hands in the clay, and enjoy one of New Zealand's most charming coastal towns.

Over two days, you will explore the art of hand-building and sculpting at Driving Creek, one of New Zealand's most iconic creative destinations, guided by professional potter Iona Matheson in a studio surrounded by regenerating native forest. Each evening, you will return to Buffalo Lodge, a boutique luxury retreat tucked into the hills just five minutes from Coromandel town.

Whether you are coming with a group of friends or a partner this pottery weekend is a genuinely special way to spend a late August weekend.

Buffalo Lodge boutique retreat nestled in regenerating native bush above Coromandel town.

Two Nights at Buffalo Lodge

Your accommodation is at Buffalo Lodge, a boutique retreat set on two hectares of beautiful land above Coromandel town. With four uniquely styled rooms, panoramic sea views, organic bed linens, and a continental breakfast each morning, Buffalo Lodge offers the kind of comfort that makes a creative weekend with friends and loved ones feel genuinely restorative.

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Everything you need

What Is Included

Hand-building and sculpting in the Driving Creek pottery studio.

Driving Creek Two Days of Pottery Classes

Morning sessions run from 10am to 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday which gives you a nice slow start to enjoy breakfast and a coffee before heading to the studio. The classes are designed to be fun and a great way to explore hand-building and sculpting techniques. Iona will guide you through every step, from shaping and forming the clay to bringing your finished piece to life. No experience is needed. All materials, tools, and aprons are provided. At the end of your sessions, you will have the option to have two of your favourite pieces glazed, fired, and delivered to you at an additional cost.

Buffalo Lodge lounge at sunset with panoramic views over the Coromandel coastline.

Buffalo Lodge Two Nights at Buffalo Lodge

Your accommodation is at Buffalo Lodge, a boutique retreat set on two hectares of beautiful land above Coromandel town. With four uniquely styled rooms, panoramic sea views, organic bed linens, and a continental breakfast each morning, Buffalo Lodge offers the kind of comfort that makes a creative weekend with friends and loved ones feel genuinely restorative.

Forest canopy at Driving Creek with zipline tours and walking tracks through the surrounding hills.

Coromandel Free Time to Explore

With classes finishing at 2pm each day, your afternoons and evenings are entirely your own. The Coromandel township is just minutes away, with local cafes, galleries, and boutique shops to explore. Driving Creek also offers zipline tours through the forest canopy and a historic narrow-gauge railway tour if you would like to make the most of the property. For those who prefer something quieter, the surrounding hills offer beautiful walking tracks.

Plan your days

Your Weekend at a Glance

Friday Evening

Arrive at Buffalo Lodge, settle into your room, open a bottle of wine and enjoy the views over the Coromandel coastline.

Saturday

Enjoy a fresh breakfast at Buffalo Lodge before heading to Driving Creek for your first pottery session (10am to 2pm). Spend the afternoon exploring the township, taking a zipline tour, or simply relaxing back at the lodge.

Sunday

Another morning of pottery (10am to 2pm), followed by a free afternoon to explore, walk, or enjoy a lazy afternoon.

August 28–30

Secure Your Spot This August 28-30th

Spaces for this weekend are limited. With small pottery class sizes and just four rooms at Buffalo Lodge, this experience is intentionally kept intimate. If a weekend away that combines creativity, laughter, and the beauty of the Coromandel sounds like exactly what you need, we would love to have you.

Reserve your spot