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…
Is About
Art
Conservation
Engineering
And Life
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…
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…
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…
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 and immersive natural environment, these residents arrive with a shared desire to slow down, experiment, and respond deeply to place. Their projects explore themes of landscape, material knowledge, history, community, and identity — from working with local clays and ash, to reimagining historical narratives, merging disciplines, and honouring lineage through form. Together, the March residents contribute to a dynamic and collaborative residency period grounded in curiosity, process, and connection to whenua.
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…
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…
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 making, and creative inquiry, these residents will immerse themselves in Driving Creek’s unique landscape, ceramic legacy, and collaborative environment.
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.…
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…
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 nature’s rhythms, lived stories, and bold creative exploration.
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…
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…
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 brings a distinct perspective inspired by nature, personal narratives, and bold experimentation.
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…
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 Riddell, Manos Nathan, Colleen Waata-Urlich, Paerau Corneal, and Wi Taepa to forge a uniquely Māori approach to clay, fostering collaboration and connection among indigenous clay artists.
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…
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 offers a unique perspective shaped by the rhythms of nature, personal stories, and bold experimentation.
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…
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 will help restore biodiversity, enrich our spaces, and thrive within our predator-proof fence.
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 a love of making. She looks forward to learning the craft of clay under the guidance of our team.
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 brings a distinct lens shaped by the natural world, personal journeys, and fearless experimentation. Come meet the makers cultivating this month’s dynamic studio community.
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…
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…
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 rōpū will host public workshops, talks, and a major exhibition. Founded in the late 1980s, Ngā Kaihanga Uku has worked to “awaken and raise a Māori ceramic tradition,” drawing inspiration from ancestral clay narratives. Their upcoming exhibition, Ahi Kaa, curated by Chantel Matthews, opens November 8 at the Driving Creek Gallery, celebrating the kaupapa of keeping the fires of clay artistry burning.
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 nature, personal history, and experimentation. Meet the creatives shaping this month’s vibrant studio community.
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…
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 nature, personal history, and experimentation. Meet the creatives shaping this month’s vibrant studio community.
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 nature, personal history, and experimentation. Meet the creatives shaping this month’s vibrant studio community.
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…
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…
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, these artists contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Driving Creek's community, fostering innovation, collaboration, and a deep connection to the environment.
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…
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…
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 natural beauty and creative legacy of Coromandel, each developing work that reflects their unique styles, backgrounds, and philosophies. From wheel-thrown vessels to slab-built ceramics and experimental glaze techniques, the April residents contributed to the dynamic artistic community at Driving Creek.
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…
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 the rich natural surroundings and creative legacy of Driving Creek, each developing work that reflects their unique styles, backgrounds, and philosophies. From wheel-thrown vessels to slab-built ceramics and experimental glaze techniques, the March residents brought vibrant energy and innovation to the studio.
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…
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…
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 artistic journeys and see what they're creating during their residency.
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…
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 stories and discover the inspiration behind their work.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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 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.
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…
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…