Driving Creek Journal

Whats happening at Driving Creek

October 1, 2024
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 likely the green and golden bell frog, a species introduced from Australia. These frogs, with their green or yellow bodies and gold or bronze patches, are now common across the North Island. Bell frogs are the largest in New Zealand, growing up to 10 cm long with a loud call. Females can lay between three and ten thousand eggs, which hatch into tadpoles in about two days and become frogs within two months. Rare Archey’s Frog Discovery at Driving Creek Our native frogs are very different; they belong to an ancient group that has remained unchanged for 70 million years. These small, silent, and cryptic frogs include Archey’s frog, our smallest and rarest, growing up to 3.7 cm long. Archey’s frogs, typically found in damp forests 400 meters above sea level, were recently discovered on Driving Creek land—a thrilling find as they are a threatened species and extremely hard to spot! Hochstetter’s Frog Thriving at Driving Creek We also have Hochstetter's frogs at Driving Creek. These semi-aquatic, nocturnal natives are brown-green to brown-red with warty skin and dark bands. Much smaller than bell frogs, adults are less than 5 cm long. Unlike bell frogs, Hochstetter's frogs don't croak and skip the aquatic tadpole stage. They lay only about 20 eggs per season, and it takes 3-4 years for the froglets to reach full adult size. Hochstetter’s frogs are more frequently seen at Driving Creek, as they are slightly larger and have consistent habitat preferences. Protecting Our Native Frogs We are fortunate to have such remarkable creatures here on the property. To protect these rare native frogs, we actively engage in extensive trapping work to reduce the presence of introduced predators, which are a key threat to their survival. By enhancing predator control at key sites and restoring stream habitats, we strive to create a safer environment where these native frogs can thrive. https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/native/leiopelma-hochstetteri https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/native/leiopelma-archeyi
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September 22, 2024
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 extensive knowledge. Uncovering New Zealand’s Moth Diversity The exact number of moth species in New Zealand remains unknown, as new species continue to be discovered and taxonomic revisions occur regularly—identifying moths can be quite complex. The Driving Creek team learned that identifying similar species often requires a detailed inspection of moth genitalia. Additionally, the team discovered that there are approximately 1,700 described species of moths in New Zealand. The Ecological Importance of New Zealand’s Endemic Moths New Zealand’s isolation and unique environment have led to the evolution of many endemic moth species found nowhere else in the world. Moths play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for various predators, including lizards, birds, and bats. These moths inhabit a range of environments, from forests and grasslands to urban areas. While most moths are nocturnal, some species are active during the day. Certain moths are host-specific, laying their eggs only on particular native plants, meaning that understanding moth populations can also provide insights into local plant species. Future Efforts to Study and Protect Moth Populations With Tony's guidance, the Driving Creek team will soon deploy special light traps to assess the diversity and abundance of moth species at Driving Creek. The team extends their gratitude to Tony for his invaluable introduction to this captivating world.
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September 16, 2024
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 weekend away! Day 1 (Saturday): Auckland to Coromandel Town Morning: Start your journey early from Auckland, which is a 2 to 3-hour drive to Coromandel Town, depending on traffic. Consider stopping in Thames, a charming halfway point, for a quick break. If you’re up for a challenge, the Pinnacles hike offers an adventurous start to your trip. Midday: Arrive in Coromandel Town around midday. Take some time to explore this quaint town, known for its artsy vibe and charming galleries. You might enjoy visiting the Coromandel Historical Museum to learn about the area’s rich history, including its gold mining past. If the weather is warm, consider a refreshing dip at Oamaru or Waitete Bay—more beach options are available in our ‘Top Beaches’ article. Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at Driving Creek Railway, Pottery, and Zipline for a unique experience. Enjoy a scenic train ride through native forests while learning about Driving Creek’s history, or, if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, try the zipline tour. For those inclined towards creativity, a beginner pottery class might be just the thing. Driving Creek has something for everyone! For lunch, consider one of the local eateries, such as Weta or Umu. Evening: A sunset walk around the  Kauri block walk is a lovely way to end your day. This 1.5 km walk starts with a steep uphill climb that rewards you with stunning views of the sun setting over the ocean. Check into your accommodation—Coromandel Town offers a range of options, from cozy B&Bs and boutique hotels to holiday parks. For a luxurious stay, Buffalo Lodge is a great option, while both the Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park and Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park offers a relaxed family vibe. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant or pub. The Pepper Tree Restaurant or the Star and Garter Pub are both excellent choices. Day 2 (Sunday): Exploring the Coromandel Peninsula Morning: Start your day with a short 20-minute drive from Coromandel Town to Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove along the 309 Road. You’ll find a beautiful waterfall (perfect for a swim if you’re brave enough to face the cold!). Nearby, the Kauri Grove walk offers a chance to see some of the largest Kauri trees in the region. Midday: Continue along the 309 Road until you reach Whitianga. The Lost Springs Day Spa is a must-do in Whitianga, offering relaxation and calm. Afterward, stretch your legs along the Whitianga waterfront and grab lunch at one of the local spots. Blue Ginger, a popular Asian fusion restaurant, or Grace O’Malley’s, a classic Irish pub, are both excellent options. Afternoon: After lunch, begin your drive back to Auckland, aiming to arrive home in the afternoon. This will give you plenty of time to unwind and reflect on your Coromandel adventure.
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September 12, 2024
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 Creek Railway (DCR).  Connected by a material, excitement built as we were about to embark on a five day Onggi Masterclass by Korean Master Kwak Kyung Tae & Marco Minetti. The class was nothing short of masterful, filled with eloquent techniques designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the ancient art of making Onggi. My hands are trained in production potting (on the potter's wheel) and each day we were challenged with new interesting skills that by the end of the course we could string together to give us a base level of training to take back to our studios to practice. Day one, this was spent making very long coils, I particularly found this step quite satisfying. Stretching otherwise solid particles of dirt and water and forming them into 8 sided faceted 'noodles' that we could carry, stack, sling and slide along our hands. Slowly. At the end of the first day, I knew that it was just the beginning and we got a glimpse into the level of detail Kwak and Marco had put into the course. I could tell from the outset that the week  was going to be challenging, fun, and inspiring.  Day two, things turned up a notch, our hands really went to the gym and I found myself dreaming about Onggi and waking up at 2am to massage kawakawa balm into my hands. We went on to making our bases, adding our first coils, and were introduced to 'taryeom jil' the art of attaching the coils. It's within this particular technique that I believe holds one of the special charms in making Onggi. When proficient, you have the ability to build forms in a day and manipulate the clay in a way that gives the work structure, height and support with a relative speed. For me, and others when I asked around - this was the most challenging step in the process. I felt very grateful to have been given the opportunity to have it broken down and spelled out. Even so, I felt like my brain couldn't connect to my hands and it wasn't until the last day that I felt a sense of ease. Maybe it was because i'd been beaten into conformity, like the wall of an Onggi pot. Onggi 1 Holly 0. The following days merged into the melting pot, our guards dropped and with a couple of social evenings cooking pizza under the starry sky, and sharing meals huddled around Barry's Kauri slab table things felt like they were just warming up. We sunk into a rhythm, and the dedication, commitment and focus was unanimous amongst our group of ten. Participants often slipped into class before the day started or skipped half of lunch to head in early to get a couple of extra coils under their belt so to speak. Attaching the coil was a complex yet visually simple motion which involves the slide and movement of both hands working in unison. Squeeze, slide, rotate, up, compress, fill, lock, attach, okay adjust, now the next 1cm. What the videos you see online don't highlight, is the generational knowledge and the sense of feeling and connection with the clay. The material that we are all so familiar with, now being used in a rhythmic dance. I wonder if Kwak ever switches off and allows his mind to wonder?  The final steps of making onggi was to use the su-rae and do-ge to shape and form the jar. When thinking back, getting the hang of this technique was largely about sound as it was how the tools were used. Steady hands grasp hand shaped tools, pop pop pop. The items had been designed by Kwaks teacher and had been soaking in water for a few weeks to add weight. pop pop pop ''Too much power' 'more power' striking a fine balance to create equal amounts of pressure to let the tools bounce and peel off the clay. A seismic meditation. Before long, voluminous bellies emerged each with the motion and essence of the creator or creators in some instances. As someone who feels comfortable exploring large round forms, I've described working away on pieces similar to these as 'therapy pots' so many tiny moments and opportunities for them to take on a life while you're spending time with them. It wasn't all smooth grooves and sunshine, there were moments when you thought that maybe things weren't going too well - and it was amazing to see what a few slaps from your hands on the walls of the vessel could do to improve the shape so you could carry on. Many in the class got to take home a couple of jars by the last day, it was so cool to see the progress. As I'm a slow hands on learner, I took my time and ended up with one larger form which I named 'hand holiday' - mostly because it was not. And to be honest, I snuck off to throw a pot at one point to make sure my hands did still remember what to do. They did - phew!  The whole process had a symbiotic rhythm and movement to it, just like wheel throwing when you get it, you can make it look easy. Fluid tai chi motions when stretching the coils, through to the transfer of energy between you and a lump of earth. It's beautiful, mesmerising and easy to let the world around you slip away. Kwak and Marco were wonderful teachers, Kwaks dedicated approach with humour and delight in the craft accompanied by Marcos' patience, kindness and lightness complimented each other and their approach. They made the participants feel at ease to make mistakes and instilled the confidence to try something completely new and out of their comfort zone. Moreover, aside from our basic Onggi training, we were shown ways for us to see how these new techniques could be used in modern and contemporary ways - re-thinking the way we approach the material. As the dust settles in a pink haze I'm enthused and excited to introduce my new tools to my studio and see what I can do from attending this course. I feel like I've been rewired, and with a small evening practising since the course ended - I can't look at coils in the same way. With the limited time that we did have, I know that the Korean ceramic history is rich and deep - while I know i've only brushed the surface, I do hope to one day make it to Korea to first hand experience Onggi in their homeland and to learn more about this ancient art.
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June 25, 2024
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 unique item in your pottery class at Driving Creek, to your pottery being delivered to your home. Drying the Clay After your class, and once you have moulded the clay into its final shape, the pottery is left to dry to ‘leather hard’. The initial drying process can take up to one week but varies based on how thick the clay is and even what the weather is like. Once the pottery reaches this semi-hard level, it is then trimmed by one of our Pottery Tutors to remove excess clay from the bottom and is then set aside to dry fully.  Bisque Firing When the pottery is fully dry it is ready to be bisque fired in a kiln. A bisque firing is where the pots are fired, or more simply baked, in a kiln at 950°C. This firing removes any remaining moisture, which reduces the size by approximately 15%, and makes the pottery more durable and porous enough to absorb glazes.  The bisque firing also makes the pottery pieces stronger and more convenient for handling during the glazing process. The firing takes around 12 hours, and is then left for another 12 hours to allow the pottery to cool slowly. The Art of Glazing Once the pots are out of the bisque kiln they are ready to be glazed. Glazing is a truly amazing process where pottery comes to life by adding colour, texture and depth to the surface.  Glazes are made using minerals and oxides that add colour through colouring oxides such as cobalt, copper, iron, chrome, manganese, rutile, nickel, vanadium, and rare earths which are used in our range of pottery class glazes you were able to choose from. You can even change the way a glaze appears through different combinations, layering and techniques.  The glazing process is both a science and an art with many ways of applying a glaze from brushing and dipping, to spraying and pouring, each method alters the final result. The firing temperature, viscosity (thickness) of the glaze and atmosphere inside the kiln all play a role in the final outcome. Glaze Firing After the pottery is glazed it is then fired in the kiln for a second and final time. The second firing is called a ‘glaze firing’ and is where your pottery is fired for approximately 8.5 hours to slowly reach 1220°C. The specific temperature is to ensure the clay is vitrified (becomes a glass like substance) and the glazes are melted, creating a durable and beautifully finished piece of pottery. The pottery is then left in the kiln for 2 days so it slowly cools before opening it to prevent cracking the pottery due to a sudden change in temperature. The Unveiling While the pottery cools the anticipation builds and the moment of truth arrives- the unveiling of the finished piece. What was once a ball of clay has been transformed into a work of art, rich in colour, texture and character. Each piece being uniquely handcrafted in your pottery class.  The pieces are then carefully packaged by our Pottery Tutors and picked up by the courier to be delivered to you to enjoy in your very own home!
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June 18, 2024
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 Engineering Team have converted Elephant to a diesel-hydraulic powered motor alongside Gavin Brickell, Barry’s brother and mechanical engineer. Elephant was originally built by Barry as a workhorse in 1979, using salvaged and reconditioned parts. The original motor was repurposed from a Fordson diesel truck and had a 4-speed gearbox from an old Bedford truck. The gearbox was later switched to a Paragon marine gearbox that connected to a driveshaft and spline universal, allowing the same 4 speeds forward and reverse to better traverse the unique railway. During the early years and as the train tour became more popular, an open-side passenger carriage was made to be towed by Elephant, allowing more visitors to experience the railway. Although Elephant is not used for rail tours anymore, it is still used for track work and as a towing vehicle in case of breakdowns. Its powerful engine and small size allows it to fit in the switchbacks, alongside the larger trains when towing. Maintaining this system became very difficult and costly with the need to replace the old worn gearbox. After searching for a replacement paragon gearbox and compatible hydraulic drive to the Fordson motor proved fruitless, it was decided a complete engine replacement was necessary. As Driving Creek’s other trains have been designed or converted to a diesel hydraulic system to more effectively operate on Driving Creek’s mountain railway, it was also decided to use this opportunity to convert Elephant to hydraulics. The recent conversion included replacing the old Fordson motor with a reconditioned Perkins engine which the engineering team converted from 24 volts to 12 for the injector and start motor. A purpose-built hydraulic tank, built in the workshop, a new hydraulic pump, hydraulic drive and sprocket were also installed. Other modifications made to Elephant over the years have included Barry’s handmade exhaust manifold, which was adapted to fit the new engine to keep the same original aesthetic. Elephant also was upgraded with a new radiator so all three ‘big trains’ are interchangeable with one another. *Pictures show Elephant in the workshop with Gavin, Beran and Jade, the engineering team.
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May 26, 2024
Best Free Activities in Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town has a range of attractions and activities visitors can do for free we would love to share with you. Coromandel Town is a historic town known for its mixture of coast, native forest, history and artistry. It is a haven for talented artists and craftspeople inspired by the land and seascapes. Along with its broad range of paid tourism experiences, there are free attractions that draw people here too. Here are some of Coromandel Town’s best must-do’s, hidden gems and local favourites to add to your Coromandel escape. Please remember to care for these incredible places by leaving them as pristine as you found them and keeping to the Tiaki Promise.  Waiau Falls Along the 309 Road lies the entrance to the Waiau Falls trail. You can walk through a beautiful lush bush to the stunning waterfall and deep pool below. If you’re feeling adventurous and keen on a refreshing plunge, this is the perfect adventure for you. The waterfall is a popular local swimming hole, so don’t forget your towel! Getting there: Waiau Falls is 10km from Driving Creek. To get there from Coromandel Town, head up the 309 Road towards Whitianga. Travel 7km along the 309 Road until you reach a parking space on the left hand side of the road where the track to the waterfall starts. You can also click Waiau Falls to open it in Google Maps. Waiau Kauri Grove The Waiau Kauri Grove is a spectacular stand of Kauri trees that soar above the surrounding native forest, with the walkway starting 1km further along the road past Waiau Falls. These Kauri are of special significance to The Coromandel, being the largest easily accessible grove of mature Kauri in the region- they are truly magnificent.  The track is very well formed with footbridges and boardwalks, which take you close to the trees while protecting their roots. An excellent walk for nature lovers. If you are planning on walking through the Kauri Grove, please be sure to use the wash stations and keep to the tracks to protect these ancient natural taonga from kauri dieback disease. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes each way and is a must-do experience. Getting there: The Waiau Kauri Grove is 10.2km from Driving Creek. To get there from Coromandel Town, head to the 309 Road. Travel 7.2km along the 309 Road, 200 metres past the waterfall, until you reach a parking space on the right hand side of the road. You can also click Waiau Kauri Grove to open it in Google Maps. Kauri Block Walk The Kauri Block offers you a fantastic panorama of land and sea with a variety of uphills and down. The walk follows a ridge through regenerating bush and native plantings beneath the Te Kauri Pā. The track forks 10–15 minutes in.  If you head up the right-hand fork, you will reach the highest point- an old pa site that offers spectacular 360° views of ocean, islands, township and surrounding ranges. The left fork will keep you on the main track following the ridge through the bush until it emerges at Harbour View Rd. The entire walk takes one and a half hours at a gentle pace. Getting there:  The Kauri Block Walk is 3.4km from Driving Creek and close to the Coromandel Town centre. You can access the track from Harbour View Road. Park opposite the Kauri Block Walk sign in the gravel car park, and be sure to clean your footwear at the station provided to protect the Kauri trees. You can also click Kauri Block Walk to open it in Google Maps. Long Bay Walk Another favourite walk of ours in Coromandel Town is from Long Bay, through Tuck's Bay and onto another Kauri Grove track. The walk is an easy 1-hr return loop along the coast with stunning ocean views and through beautiful bush, including a 1200-year-old kauri tree and many younger kauri. The walk is best done at high tide to encompass the best of both beach and bush, and offer the opportunity to cool off in the ocean afterwards. The Long Bay walk is also a spectacular sunset spot looking out across the Hauraki Gulf. Getting there: The Long Bay track is 5.5km from Driving Creek and starts by the Long Bay Campground. Parking is on the left hand side of the road by the beach. You can start the walk from either the north end of the beach or opposite the beach towards the forest. Clean your footwear at the easy to use shoe-cleaning station at each end of the bush section to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease. You can also click Long Bay to open it in Google Maps. Pump Track and Bike Park If you’re a keen biker or have a need for speed, then the Ride Coromandel Bike Park and pump track is the place for you with options for all levels. Using the network of mountain bike trails, flow trails, downhill and gravity jumps and pump tracks is free for all bikers.  The family skills area is suitable for all levels of riders. There are also grade 2, grade 3 and grade 4 descent trails and two intermediate single tracks in the Kauri Block: Ara Tuatahi at 5.5km long and Rickers Return at about 1.8km. To protect against kauri dieback disease please pass through the wash station before you ride. You can take your own bike or rent a bike from Hike & Bike Coromandel, based in Coromandel town. Getting there:  The bike park is 4.1km from Driving Creek and based just a kilometre out of Coromandel town. You can either bike or drive there with parking available on site. You can also click Ride Coromandel Bike Park to open it in Google Maps. Going to the Beach! The Coromandel peninsula is most known for its golden beaches and picturesque bays that make for the perfect summer’s day. A few of our favourite beaches within an hour of Coromandel Town include Little Bay, Opito Bay, Crayfish Bay, New Chums Beach, Waitete Bay, Port Jackson and Otama Beach. Check out our previous article about the Top 6 Beaches in The Coromandel for more information. Looking for even more activities in The Coromandel? Head over to The Coromandel to find even more awesome activities, both free and paid, that you can experience while visiting The Coromandel to make your trip even more incredible.
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April 8, 2024
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 very popular. However, The Coromandel is full of other hidden beaches that allow you to escape the crowds, so here are Driving Creek’s top 6 hidden beaches to give you a few ideas of places to visit. While we love to share our beautiful beaches, please remember to care for them by leaving them as pristine as you found them and keep to the Tiaki Promise.  Little Bay Little Bay is a small 660 metre long beach located in between Tuateawa and Waikawau. Its charming character includes a mussel buoy with books to read and swap hanging from a pohutukawa tree, and usually a pontoon floating in the water to relax on. The bay also allows freedom camping- how unreal would it be to wake up with such a stunning view right on the water?! Getting there: From Coromandel Town head towards Waikawau, the drive is approximately 55 minutes. The bay is located where Tuateawa Road meets Waikawau Beach Road. Directions are available on maps too. Opito Bay & Crayfish Bay Opito Bay is a sandy beach with a gorgeous cove tucked just around the corner. Crayfish Bay is the perfect spot to go exploring and climb over the unique rock formations that make this bay special. The water is clear and the rockpools make it an ideal spot to swim and snorkel. The rocky ledge also makes for the perfect jumping spot. There is a small ladder attached to the sides of the rocks to help you climb back up; however, be aware of the swell and the sharp rocks while getting out of the water.  Getting there: From Coromandel Town, Opito Bay is a 45-minute drive. To get around to Crayfish Bay, walk along Opito Beach towards the Pa- roughly 100 metres before the end of the beach, you will see a faint track marked with a sign pointing you over the fence to Crayfish Bay. Climb over the fence and follow the grassy path across the farmland to Crayfish Bay.  New Chums Beach New Chums, or Wainuiototo, is a secluded beach only accessible by foot. New Chums can be busy over the peak of summer but are mostly remote the rest of the year. The journey is a combination of rock hopping and walking through native bush including an impressive grove of Nikau, New Zealand’s native palm. When you reach the beach you are greeted with insane views, white sand, clear water and shade offered by an abundance of lush pohutukawa trees. Climb up the rugged and steep track off the small saddle between Whangapoua and New Chums to the viewpoint for unforgettable coastal scenery. Take along a ball to have a friendly game of volleyball, a book to read while soaking up the sun or a hammock to sway in the trees. The waves here are thrilling so be sure to be a confident swimmer if the swell is up; however, plenty of fun is offered by this hidden gem.  Getting there: From Coromandel Town, drive to the nearby Whangapoua beach (roughly a 25-minute drive). Drive to the far end of Whangapoua and park in the signed area. Head along the beach, cross the stream and continue to follow the rocky shoreline until it meets the path. Follow along the track and into the bush, then down onto the beach. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes, but it is worth it for the reward waiting at the end. Waitete Bay Looking for a short trip out of Coromandel Town? Waitete is the perfect spot for a swim or a small escape from the town. Waitete Bay is a beautiful sandy beach hidden away from the masses. A classic Kiwi beach, great for quiet days when you want to enjoy some peace. Getting there: From Coromandel Town, head towards Amodeo Bay and turn left at the old sign. There's a gravel road about 200 metres long that will take you to the beautiful bay. Port Jackson Port Jackson is at the northern tip of the peninsula. It is where the Coromandel Coastal Walkway is based, so if you are a fan of mountain biking or hiking, this beach is for you! The incredible coastal walk takes 3.5 hours one way to Port Charles and encompasses the full beauty and remoteness by capturing the bush, farmland and coastline of the upper Coromandel Peninsula. Be prepared for an easy gradient to begin followed by short steep sections into and out of bays along the way. Stony Bay and Fletchers Bay mark the start and end points of the track and are great places to cool off after your adventures. Getting there: From Coromandel, follow Colville Road north to Colville Bay. From there, take Port Jackson Road to Fletcher Bay or Port Charles Road for 20 km to Stony Bay.For more information, head to the DOC website. Otama Beach If you are in search of the perfect spot for a beach day, Otama is the place: glorious golden sand, pohutukawa trees offering shade and tame waves to swim or surf in for hours. Pack a picnic and take your hammock along for the ideal beach day. There is an estuary nearby for families with younger kids to splash in the shallow waters and sand perfect for building sand castles. It is one of the more accessible beaches and very family-friendly or ideal spot for a relaxed beach day. Getting there: Otama is located 35 minutes from Coromandel Town. Wind your way over the hill towards Whitianga and turn off onto Blackjack Road, in Kuaotunu. Keep heading along Otama Beach until you reach the far end where you can turn off into a car park and head down the beach access. If you’re looking for more beaches go and check out https://thecoromandel.com/activities/beaches/ for a comprehensive collection of The Coromandel's many beaches.
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April 4, 2024
Coromandel Striped Gecko
Driving Creek is home to the threatened Coromandel Striped gecko also known as the Northern striped gecko. The species is threatened and nationally vulnerable. For a while, northern striped geckos were so rarely encountered they were considered to be the 'rarest geckos in the world.' More recent survey efforts have confirmed they are on the northern Coromandel Peninsula and can be locally abundant at sites with good pest control. (NZ Herpetological Society). Early in 2023, a Driving Creek Conservation Team member discovered a Coromandel Striped gecko just outside of the Driving Creek boundary. This prompted a visit from the Auckland Zoo herpetological team to survey the habitat of this rare native species. Luke from the Driving Creek Conservation team guided the Auckland Zoo team through a tour of the property and discussed the conservation efforts of the team. Luke also was able to show the Zoo team where he first spotted the Coromandel Striped Gecko. The group discussed habitats and survey methodologies while viewing the Driving Creek Gecko enclosures.  The Coromandel striped geckos have slender bodies and can grow up to 95 mm in size (from snout to vent) plus their tails which are longer than their body length. The geckos have tan stripes covering their length and may have fine flecks of spots. Male striped geckos have three large pointed scales on each side of the tail base that differentiate them from the females. The geckos have brown or grey eyes and have a distinctive mouth with a pink lining and orange-coloured corners. The striped gecko is similar to the Pacific gecko and goldstripe gecko however, the orange in the corners of the mouth differentiates them. (“Toropuku Inexpectatus | NZHS”) The striped geckos are arboreal meaning they live in trees and are nocturnal- active at night. They are found inhabiting coastal forests and shrubland. In the Coromandel, they have been seen sun basking on branches and tree trunks, often with their limbs parallel to their bodies. Captive Coromandel striped geckos have been observed leaping with force and speed as a form of escape technique rather than dropping like other native geckos. (“Toropuku Inexpectatus | NZHS”) References: “Toropuku Inexpectatus | NZHS.” www.reptiles.org.nz, www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/native/toropuku-inexpectatus. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024. Driving Creek Conservation Park Update and Work Plan 2024/2025
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March 5, 2024
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 in the forest that surrounds Driving Creek and overlooks Coromandel Town.  Our Conservation Team has been trapping pest animals and expanding traplines to target mustelids, possums and rats since 2019; working to protect forest on surrounding Public Conservation Land as well as our own property. The conservation department seeks to create a safe habitat for the Coromandel Brown kiwi and other native species. Our Conservation Team uses various methods to gage kiwi numbers in our area, including a trail camera network. The cameras are triggered by movement and capture images of kiwi or other animals that pass through key points in the project area. This allows the Conservation Team to track not only the presence of kiwi but also pest species.  Region-wide Kiwi call survey: Tracking progress yearly In late 2023, Driving Creek was again part of a region-wide kiwi call survey, the second year in a three year survey organised by Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust. Kiwi call surveys are one way to determine the presence of adult kiwi in different areas, with a positive bias towards male kiwi due to females calling less frequently. They can also be used to estimate and compare the relative abundance of kiwi populations, and are useful for understanding long term trends.  Simply put, a kiwi call survey is performed by walking to a high ridge late at night, sitting quietly, and listening for the kiwi distinctive calls for three hours in the dark over three consecutive nights. When the Conservation Field Ranger hears a kiwi call, they record the time, direction, estimated distance of the call (distance from the listener) and the gender of the kiwi, which is identifiable by the type of call, and record it on a data sheet.  “We want to stress that our kiwi listening emphasises minimal intrusion," says the Driving Creek Conservation Team. "Our aim is to let the kiwi live as naturally as possible while we learn more about their abundance and habitat preferences in our area." Positive Results and Expansion Plans Based on two years of our kiwi survey data, we can estimate there are two breeding pairs of kiwi plus an additional male bachelor in the area. We think this is the case, as kiwi only call when they are of breeding age and searching for a mate. When a male and female kiwi call in a repetitive pattern in close proximity, we identify these as “duet calls,” which is an indicator of courting pairs of kiwi.  Even more good news is that the recent kiwi survey data shows a dramatic increase from 1.38 calls an hour in 2022 to 5.75 calls an hour in 2023. This increase highlights the positive impact of Driving Creek’s Conservation work in trapping pest animals, removing environmental weeds and protecting the local wildlife.  We are ecstatic about this result and are planning to further expand the area which is covered by traplines to remove pest animals, expanding across more Public Conservation Land. We hope that the two pairs of kiwi will breed and their chicks will make it into adulthood to continue increasing our kiwi population.  Heartfelt Encounters: Building Trust with Wildlife While the survey results alone are incredible, our Conservation Team also experienced a rare, heartfelt encounter with a young inquisitive male kiwi, now affectionately named ‘Squeaky.’ The young male approached a Field Ranger during a kiwi listening survey, to within touching distancing and was seemingly unfazed by the rangers presence. "This is a brilliant example of the  vulnerable nature of young inquisitive kiwi, and how important it is to keep pest animals and pets such as dogs and cats out of our forests" says the Field Ranger who had the chance to share this unforgettable moment with the young kiwi. A Shared Success Supported By Tourism As we celebrate this milestone at Driving Creek, we would not be able to perform our conservation work without the support of other local conservation groups such as Moehau environment group, our relationship with Te Papa Atawhai and the financial support from Waikato Regional Council to buy traps for Public Conservation Land. We also must thank all of those who visit Driving Creek’s railway, zipline and pottery activities. As a not-for-profit we are continually expanding our conservation work to better protect and enhance our native environment and wildlife, with the evidence of a thriving kiwi population being an incredible outcome that we can share with visitors to Driving Creek.
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November 27, 2023
Patricia Brickell - Colour Impressionist Exhibition
Here’s to a beautiful life, fill your glasses, be merry. Here is what I want to share with you. It is how I paint: My talk at Driving Creek Gallery Exhibition 7th Dec 2023 - 3rd Jan 2024 The third Eye is the opening to your creativity your inner creative power it is a crystal energy. This energy is quite hard to hold you most likely feel you need to make a cup of tea, sort of do anything to escape it. If you do feel this way. Breathe it in. Do a little deep breathing helps it to stay put in the body If you can hold it -it is another dimension of yourself. The creative vibration on a higher vibrational level than you are possibly used to. When the creative energy comes in its possible to feel it Its quite hard to hold as your creative dimension comes to you, You will feel you are holding something strange Be open hold it, don’t run away. Consider yourself a crystal being Be in a none judgmental space of the self, In other words seeing through your crystal soul eye there is a knowingness that when you look at a coloured tube of paint use it and know it to be so at that moment It is the colour to use or the thing to do in this moment one step at a time One next moment following the next Moments keep coming one after the other they come Now here is where you need to trust the self completely trusting the self-feeling. One needs to be in a state of unconditional love non-judgment and a kind of knowingness ancient wisdom Importance to be happy and loving with the self-more To learn to love and love the self-more. Teach Colour Wheel The primary colours are the parents Red Blue Yellow the children are the colours on either side purple green orange the cousins are the colour on either side of the children and they are your neutrals To create drama, use dark and light Black and white are space holders used in the design and they needs to be broken up and softened in the spaces they are holding. A painting comes into existence when it is being viewed and created at the same time It’s the experience of the creator and the viewer at the same time, that’s important. Painting the canvas is the experience, created out of curiosity wanting to know what happens next in Imagination vast. Keep putting on the paint be aware of the design conformation the 2/3 rule Zig zag oval round shapes and distance recession your layout of the divisions especially your style unfolding. The canvas has a title, knows what it wants to be, like a short story, a piece of music, poem etc. There is a rhythm and it has a title which is your expression If you find yourself in a bit of chaos’s go back to the principle of good design define your spaces, colour and stay with the experience. You will be in the creative mind that also swings between the logical one and feel yourself in another dimension Paint the work from all directions etc. e.g. upside down sideways take risks see what happens what is the dominant colour to be in the final editing. Put warm colours over cool colours e.g. hot reds over cool reds etc. Colours in separate places on canvas- With colour group hots over cool hots and cool blues under warm blues. The editing stage it is easier than the initial creative stage of holding the expressive energy and you a bit off the planet and if disturbed your feel yourself drop back- fall back in your body The inner voice leads a merry dance There is a conversation between you and the canvas Work is finished when the voice of the canvas is silent the painter and the viewer satisfied Never wipe out a work to start again but trust and keep going the answers never fail to come even if it is days or weeks later as new ideas come forth skill level increases but staying with it you will learn to trust the process yourself, come to new learning. Paint a number of canvas at the same time.
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April 13, 2023
The Coromandel's 2nd Pestival
For the second year, Driving Creek will host The Coromandel Pestival on Saturday 6th of May from 10am to 6pm at the Driving Creek Gallery in Coromandel Town.  The Coromandel is home to beautiful coastlines and beaches, and precious forests and wildlife. This free all-day educational and networking event will focus on our native species and what we can do to protect them. The Pestival is open to anyone interested in conservation, hard-working volunteers, local community groups and organisations involved in The Coromandel's effort to become pest-free. The event will be an ideal opportunity for networking, learning about new innovations and best practice methods, and listening to insightful presentations from environmental experts such as Dr. Trevor James, Dr. Andrew Veale, Danilo Hegg, Doug Ashby, Richard Johnson and Benson Lockhart.  With workshops, exhibits, stalls, kids activities and guided tours throughout the day, it will be an educational day for the whole family.  The Pestival is a free event but a koha is much appreciated. Download Schedule
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March 3, 2023
Elementa 5 with Peter Augustin, Di Caton, Peter Muller, Anett Pilz and Verena Tagmann
This April 14–23rd at the Barry Brickell Gallery, Driving Creek, Coromandel, Five Artists exhibiting as 'Elementa 5. Come along to view their works.
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March 3, 2023
Connections with Kay Ogilvie, Erica Lyons, and Yvonne Szabo Read More
March 3, 2023
Two • Birds
Anneke Borren + Caitlin Moloney Ceramic Collaboration Exhibition You are warmly invited to attend the exhibition of Anneke Borren and Caitlin Moloney's collaborative works at Driving Creek Railway and Potteries Gallery in Coromandel town between Friday the 24th March and the 9th of April.These ceramic pieces have been two years in the making, each taking up to two months to create. This journey has been a labour of love and commitment to the integrity of each other's work.  Official opening Friday the 24th at 5:30pm. All are welcome.Open 10am - 4pm daily. The exhibition Two Birds by Anneke Borren and Caitlin Moloney is a collaboration grounded in a respect for the mastery of each other's work.  These forms have been two and a half years in the making speaking to the slow and methodical process of Caitlin's creative practice. Anneke and Caitlin met at Driving Creek briefly during the summer of 2019, where Anneke was attending an artist residency and Caitlin was working while still maintaining her creative practice.  One day, while stacking a kiln, Anneke handed Caitlin one of her porcelain forms and said, "Here, decorate this"!  The results were so stunning that from this one pot the collaboration formed. Both makers are inspired by social anthropology, of how humans are shaped by and connected to the natural world.  Much of their time working together was in conversation around these topics, feeding into the development of these works. Caitlin is unique in her approach to Anneke's forms showing an understanding of their structure, of how to enhance them through her surface treatment and ceramic embellishments while retaining the integrity of the pieces.  While working, Caitlin was reminded of the regal nature of birds, their natural beauty and grace being a source of wonder and connection, in turn inspiring the ceramic embellishments on some of the forms. This collaboration has been a stunning journey of bringing Anneke's forms from the world of domestic ware into decorative sculptural pieces, of seeing how far they could be pushed. About | Anneke Borren Ceramiste M.N.Z.M If ever there was someone born to be a potter it is Anneke Borren. Since she was 12 she has passionately pursued that single course, improving, changing, experimenting and growing. Born in Holland and now resident in New Zealand, her early career saw her working as an artist potter at "De Porceleyne Fles" the Delft-Blue factory in Delft, Holland. Later she was to take up ceramics and glass studies at the Konstindustri Skolan in Gothenburg, Sweden. Anneke Borren met Barry Brickell in 1970 when they were both members of the N.Z.Potters Guild set up to promote professional potters careers in this country.  All the top names of the small but active group of potters making a living solely from clay, were part of this group.  The Guild quietly reintegrated into the N.Z. Potter's Society at the end of 1976 because actually, we were all too busy making a living.  But it created a strong bond between us all. and over the years that grew.   DCR became one of our focus areas.  Decades later, Barry became part of the N.Z.Ceramic Heritage Collection group, custodians of the evidence of the standard N.Z Potters set themselves in the 1980s and 90's.  We were up there with Mino, Japan, hundreds of years of clay culture, Faienza, Italy and Auckland N.Z, 30 yrs via Fletcher Brown Build Challenge creating the three top exhibitions in the world!!  The N.Z Ceramic Heritage Collection is now housed at DCR.  Anneke was part of all that, and more. So while Caitlin and Anneke were collaborating at DCR, Anneke was also creating her own clay memories there. All the pots Anneke made , for herself, called the " kauri Bark Series,"during her collaboration period, to celebrate Barry's conservation contributions, will be part of the collaboration exhibition, as these works are made of Barry's Coro gold clay, and his stoneware, on site at DCR. It's also acknowledging Barry's huge generosity in fostering international and local potters careers. We raise our dinner glass of wine, each night at DCR, with a toast to Barry, in remembrance, in affection, and in celebration of his iconic stature in the Ceramic world.In 2022 N.Z. New Years Honours list Anneke was made a Member of the N.Z.Order of Merit, for services to Ceramic Art. About | Caitlin Moloney Caitlin Moloney is an Australian born multidisciplinary artist of Celtic, Iberian and north west European descent. Her early exposure to multiculturalism, community care and social justice has instilled in her a deep curiosity to explore an integrated culture in a colonised world. What is our language of connection to place and to each other? In her making Caitlin turns repeatedly to the rhythm and shapes found in nature, our plants and animals - and their constant renewal.Caitlin studied at Queensland College of Art in Brisbane, Australia where she touched on her interest in sculpture by majoring in metal work.  Caitlin has always been a maker, whether she was drawing, working with paint, textiles or metal, the need to create has always been there.  Finding the Coromandel clay community at Driving Creek Railway and Potteries in 2005, Caitlin was taught skills by local and international artists.  Over time Caitlin found herself creating sculptural forms integrating clay and metal, revisiting her earlier interests in bringing materials together.  Caitlin is excited to see how far she can take her ideas and by how far she can push the development of different mediums.Driving Creek is an environment shaped by living so close to the earth, in rhythm with the land. This has formed a community of unconventional makers, supporting Caitlin's creative growth with grassroots learning.
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