Adult price
$42
Child price
$15
Family of 4
$114
Minimum age
0+
Duration
50 minutes
Rain-safe
Yes
Booking required
Yes
Family suitability
9/10
Is Driving Creek Railway Worth It for Families?
Driving Creek Railway is one of NZ's most unique attractions — a hand-built narrow-gauge railway that winds through a regenerating native forest, past pottery kilns and sculptures, to a summit viewpoint. The 50-minute return journey through tunnels, over viaducts, and around switchbacks is an adventure for kids of all ages. Built entirely by one man, Barry Brickell, over several decades.
Pricing note: Bookings essential. Departures 10:15am and 2pm daily.
What's Included
Insider Tips
- 💡 Book online in advance — often sold out, especially in December–January
- 💡 The 10:15am departure is best — catch it before heading south to Hahei and Hot Water Beach
- 💡 Kids love the tunnels and the feeling of going through native bush
- 💡 Allow 20 min early to explore the pottery gallery and garden at the base
More to Do in Coromandel
Coromandel Family Guide →
Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and some of NZ's most beautiful beaches within 2.5 hours of Auckland
Budget: $180–320/day · Best ages: All ages