If you’ve ever taken a train ride through the forest at Driving Creek, soared through the treetops on the zipline, or had fun getting messy in a pottery class, then you’ve already experienced a bit of what makes this place so special. But there’s a bigger story behind the tracks, trails, and clay.

Barry Brickell’s Vision

Back in 1973, the late Barry Brickell, renowned potter, conservationist, and engineer purchased a piece of rough, rundown farmland on the edge of Coromandel Town. From the very beginning, Barry’s vision was to restore the area to a thriving native ecosystem, a place where the native forest could regenerate and the wildlife that once called it home could return.

Today, that vision is being realised through ongoing conservation work from a dedicated Conservation Team working in what we now call the Driving Creek Conservation Park.

So, what exactly is the Driving Creek Conservation Park?

If you’re wondering what lies beyond the rail tracks and pottery wheels, let me explain. Driving Creek is more than just a fun day out. It’s a leading eco-tourism destination and a thriving conservation park. Every train ride, zipline adventure, and pottery purchase directly supports our team of passionate conservation staff and contractors working to restore the surrounding native forest.

The Conservation Park covers not only Driving Creek’s own 24 hectare QEII covenanted property, but also extends across another 320 hectares of neighbouring private land and public conservation land. That’s a huge area of native bush just outside of Coromandel Town that is being actively cared for and brought back to life. Heck Yeh!

Predator Control and Native Wildlife

One of the key focus areas for conservation work is predator control. Possums, rats, stoats, and other introduced mammals have done a lot of damage to our native wildlife over the years. But with ongoing efforts and collaboration with local community groups and neighbours, these pests are being removed and controlled. 

Our impact so far:

The result? A safer home for hundreds of species of precious native plants and animals.

The Coromandel brown kiwi have returned to the Driving Creek Conservation Park, and the forest is once again full of birdsong. There have even been sightings of the teeny tiny Archey’s frogs! One of the world’s rarest frog species.

A visit that gives back

So next time you visit Driving Creek, whether it’s for a pottery class, a rail tour, or a zip through the canopy. Take a moment to really enjoy what’s around you. That stunning native forest you’re gliding through has been carefully nurtured and protected.

Take a walk along our Nature Trail and learn about the plants and animals that live here. Stop by the predator-proof fenced wildlife sanctuary and see the native geckos. If you’re up for a bit of exploring, check out the old mine tunnel where you can spot cave wētā and glow worms. And most importantly, pause for a moment and listen. The forest is alive again.

A Living Legacy

What started as one man’s dream is now a living legacy. Barry Brickell may be gone, but his passion for the land lives on through the dedicated work of the conservation team here at Driving Creek. Every bird call, every green shoot, and every curious visitor is a quiet reminder that his vision is still growing strong.

And the best part!? Simply by visiting here, you’re helping make that happen. Your visit supports real, local eco-tourism and helps protect a truly special part of Aotearoa. You can plan your visit, book your activity or explore our pottery store at drivingcreek.nz