Driving Creek Journal | Art, Conservation, Engineering & Life

Playing with Fire: Experiments in a Fast-Fire Phoenix Kiln

By Callum Trudgeon Early in my pottery career, I found myself drawn to wood-fired ceramics. The variety of surfaces, the depth and richness of colour, and the way flame, ash,...

Apprenticeship update — Egg cups!

It’s hard to believe that I am well past my six-month mark at DCR and, in fact, it will soon be a year since I flew back to Aotearoa to...

10 Family-Friendly Activities for Easter in New Zealand

The Easter holiday provides a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together. With a long weekend and school holidays often attached, it is the perfect time to plan...

Resident Artist Introductions February 2026

February 2026 welcomes a diverse group of artists to Driving Creek, bringing together practices that span ceramics, painting, photography, film, and interdisciplinary making. Drawn by the site’s rich creative legacy...

10 Great Arts Tours Around New Zealand

New Zealand has a rich and incredibly diverse artistic heritage. For art enthusiasts, exploring this history provides a profound connection to the cultural identity of the nation. Whether you are...

Apprenticeships and the Future of Ceramics

Over the past decade, handmade ceramics have enjoyed a resurgence, with a large number of people taking up the craft as a creative outlet. With this resurgence, a growing number...

Resident Artist Introductions January 2026

The January 2026 residency brings together a diverse group of artists working across ceramics, sculpture, drawing, textiles, sound, and interdisciplinary practice. United by a shared commitment to material exploration, place-based...

5 Conservation Tours to Experience in New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife. Many travellers now seek experiences that showcase these beautiful assets while contributing directly to their protection. Conservation tourism...

Top Ways to Spend Auckland Anniversary Weekend in New Zealand

The end of January brings a highly anticipated break for many people in the upper North Island. Auckland Anniversary Weekend offers a brilliant opportunity to make the most of the...

Resident Artist Introductions December 2025

This December, Driving Creek welcomes a vibrant new cohort of resident artists whose work stretches the possibilities of ceramics. Spanning emerging talents and experienced practitioners, their practices are shaped by...

A history of community at Driving Creek: Combining Opposites, Almost to the Point of Absurdity

Driving Creek is well known in Aotearoa and abroad as a place where pottery, art, railway engineering and conservation converge. This unique fusion reflects the passions of Driving Creek’s founder,...

10 Adventures to Have in the Coromandel

The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most beloved destinations in New Zealand’s North Island, and for good reason. With its pristine beaches, lush native forests, and laid-back atmosphere, it...

Resident Artist Introductions November 2025

This November at Driving Creek, we’re excited to welcome a new group of resident artists exploring the edges of ceramics and creative practice. From emerging talents to seasoned practitioners, each...

Mud & Musings with Millie

Reflecting back on the first month of my apprenticeship at Driving Creek is like standing in the forest. It’s hard not to feel in awe of the dense ecosystem, conscious...

Ahi Kaa Exhibition

Ahi Kaa brings together members of Ngā Kaihanga Uku, the Māori Clay Artists Collective, alongside invited artists and friends. Established between 1987 and 1991, Ngā Kaihanga Uku was founded by Baye...

10 Scenic Train Rides to Experience in New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand by rail offers a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes that make this country famous. Whether you are winding through dense native forests or following a rugged...

Resident Artist Introductions October 2025

This October at Driving Creek, we’re delighted to welcome a fresh wave of resident artists pushing the boundaries of ceramics and creativity. From emerging talents to seasoned practitioners, each creator...

5 Eco-Tourism Experiences in New Zealand’s North Island

An increasing number of travellers are seeking experiences that do more than just showcase a destination’s beauty. They want to make a positive impact. Eco-tourism in New Zealand’s North Island...

New Native Plantings at Driving Creek

Our Conservation Team, with support from local nurseries, visitors, and volunteers, has added over 60 eco-sourced native plants to the entrance and sanctuary. Species like kōwhai, tī kōuka, and tānekaha...

A Warm Welcome to Millie

We’re delighted to welcome Millie as our new production pottery apprentice at Driving Creek. Returning to the Coromandel after time abroad, Millie brings a deep connection to the land and...

Resident Artist Introductions September 2025

This September at Driving Creek, we’re proud to host a vibrant collective of resident artists exploring the realms of ceramics and photography. From emerging voices to established creatives, each artist...

10 Adventures in New Zealand's North Island

New Zealand's North Island is a land of incredible contrasts. It offers everything from geothermal wonders and volcanic landscapes to lush forests and vibrant cities. It is a perfect destination...

10 Things to Do in New Zealand This Summer

Summer in New Zealand offers bright sunshine, warm weather, and long days perfect for exploring. Whether you are planning a family holiday or a solo trip, you will find endless...

Ahi Kaa: Ngā Kaihanga Uku and Friends Return to Driving Creek

Ngā Kaihanga Uku (the Māori Clay Artists Collective) will return to Driving Creek from November 2 – 9, 2025, rekindling a long-standing relationship with the site. Over the week, the...

Resident Artist Introductions August 2025

This August, Driving Creek welcomes a diverse group of resident artists working across ceramics and photography. From emerging talents to seasoned practitioners, each artist brings a unique perspective shaped by...

Beyond the Tracks: Driving Creek Conservation Park

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...

Resident Artist Introductions July 2025

This July, Driving Creek welcomes a diverse group of resident artists working across ceramics and photography. From emerging talents to seasoned practitioners, each artist brings a unique perspective shaped by...

Resident Artist Introductions June 2025

This June, Driving Creek welcomes a diverse group of resident artists working across ceramics and painting. From emerging talents to seasoned practitioners, each artist brings a unique perspective shaped by...

How to Celebrate Father’s Day in New Zealand

Father’s Day is a special occasion to show appreciation for the dads, grandads, and father figures in our lives. Instead of the usual socks and ties, why not create a...

Monique Robinson's - Driving Creek Pottery Artist Residency

In this thoughtful conversation, ceramic artist Monique Robinson invites us into her world—one shaped by earth, fire, and a deep sense of presence. Interviewed by Urth during her residency.

Resident Artist Introductions May 2025

Driving Creek welcomes its May 2025 resident artists, a diverse group of creatives who have immersed themselves in the natural beauty and artistic heritage of Coromandel. Through their unique practices,...

Why Driving Creek is the Perfect Winter Getaway in New Zealand

Winter in New Zealand offers a unique charm that you simply cannot find during the warmer months. While many people flock to the ski slopes, there is a quieter and...

10 Great Rainy Day Activities to Do with the Family Within 3 Hours of Auckland

A rainy forecast does not have to ruin your weekend plans or school holiday trips. When the weather turns wet and grey, it is the perfect opportunity to seek out...

Resident Artist Introductions April 2025

Driving Creek is delighted to present its April 2025 resident artists—a vibrant group of ceramicists and sculptors from Aotearoa and beyond. During their residency, these artists immersed themselves in the...

Off the Rails: An Exhibition by Driving Creek Staff & Friends

For decades, Driving Creek has been a place where art, craft, and community intertwine—where creativity runs parallel to the tracks, shaped by the people who call this place home. Off...

Resident Artist Introductions March 2025

Driving Creek proudly introduces the March 2025 cohort of resident artists—an inspiring group of ceramicists and sculptors from Aotearoa and abroad. Over the course of their residency, these artists explored...

5 Unique Mother's Day Experiences in New Zealand

Finding the perfect gift to show your appreciation for your mother can often feel like a difficult task. While chocolates and flowers are traditional favourites, many people are now choosing...

Visitor enjoying a New Zealand zipline experience at Driving Creek, gliding through native bush with a guide in the foreground.

5 Thrilling Zipline Tours in New Zealand’s North Island

For those with a sense of adventure, there are few things more exhilarating than soaring through the air on a zipline. New Zealand’s North Island, with its incredible native forests...

Resident Artist Introductions February 2025

February 2025 welcomes a new wave of resident artists at Driving Creek! Discover Jacopo Cucci's raw clay creations, Ellie Woods' functional stoneware, and Neeti Gokhalay's nature-inspired ceramics. Dive into their...

NOTTAPOTTA: An Exhibition Honoring Barry Brickell

Exhibition curated by Karl Fritsch The NOTTAPOTTA exhibition at Driving Creek Gallery is a tribute to the visionary artist, potter, and conservationist Barry Brickell. More than just a showcase of...

Resident Artist Introductions January 2025

Meet the talented resident artists of January 2025 at Driving Creek! From Andrea Gaskin's community-driven ceramics to Cindy Huang's immersive installations, each artist brings unique creativity and vision. Explore their...

Driving Creek’s 50th Anniversary: A Memorable Celebration

Driving Creek’s 50th Anniversary was a weekend to remember, bringing together our community to celebrate the legacy of Barry Brickell and the enduring impact of Driving Creek. The event offered...

Kauri Trees in the Coromandel: A Connection to Driving Creek

The Coromandel Peninsula, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to one of New Zealand's most iconic trees: the Kauri. These magnificent giants showcase the region's natural...

Discovery of Rare Frogs

Did you know there are three types of frogs in The Coromandel? Two are native, and one is an introduced species. The frog you often see in the garden is...

Moth Monitoring at Driving Creek

Recently, the Driving Creek conservation team had the opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of moths. Local moth enthusiast Tony Steer visited our team and generously shared his...

Weekend Trip from Auckland to Coromandel

A weekend trip from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. We’ve created an itinerary to help you make the most of your...

5 Day Onggi Master Class with Kwak Kyung Tae & Marco Minetti

By Holly Morgan Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush trees in the coromandel, a group of eager clay workers from around the country gathered at the iconic establishment Driving...

Driving Creek’s Mini Guide to Glazing and Firing

Have you been wondering what journey your pottery encounters after you leave your pottery class? This article describes the incredible process your pottery goes through from when you make your...

The Conversion of Elephant

Elephant, one of Driving Creek's beloved trains, is undergoing an upgrade. Elephant was Barry Brickell’s favourite train and holds a very special place in Driving Creek’s history. The Driving Creek...

Best Free Activities in Coromandel Town

Coromandel Town has a range of attractions and activities visitors can do for free. Coromandel Town is a historic town known for its mixture of coast, native forest, history and...

Brickell's life captured by photos

Providing the story of Coromandel’s Driving Creek creator Barry Brickell in digital form will come to fruition in November. This is 51 years after Barry established his pottery which is...

Driving Creek’s Top 6 Hidden Beaches in The Coromandel

The Coromandel is renowned for its picturesque golden sand beaches. Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Whangamata and Hot Water Beach are world-famous and popular. However, The Coromandel is full of hidden beaches...

Coromandel Striped Gecko

Driving Creek is home to the Coromandel Striped gecko also known as the Northern striped gecko. The species is threatened and nationally vulnerable. For a while, northern striped geckos were...

Conservation Work Pays Off: Driving Creek Home to a Thriving Kiwi Population

The hard work and dedication of Driving Creek’s Conservation Team is producing great results for our beautiful native forest and wildlife. We now have evidence of a thriving kiwi population...

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