This is a really unique rail journey – often one of the highlights of an Oceania coach tour in the North Island.

Located in Coromandel Township, the narrow-gauge mountain railway starts from a working pottery and wildlife sanctuary and climbs through replanted kauri forest to the aptly named Eyefull Tower – 172m above sea level.

From here visitors can enjoy wide panoramic views over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf and native forest.  The rail track includes spirals, tunnels, reversing points and viaducts.

Fast Facts:

–       Driving Creek is New Zealand’s only narrow gauge mountain railway

–       The first tracks were laid by Barry Brickell in 1975 to give all-weather access to clay and pine wood to fuel his pottery kiln

–       The railway took 15 years to build and was licenced to carry members of the public in 1990

–       Three specially-designed passenger trains have been built: The Possum is the original 14-seater twin-bogie diesel rail-car, The Snake (built in 1992) and The Linx (built in 2004) are both double-articulated three-bodied trains.

–       The Snake and The Linx carry 36 passengers sitting two abreast – or one tour coach load each!