Driving Creek Railway

 Zane is still in recovery mode today but generated enough strength to go on the Driving Creek Railway for a few hours. It's only a 5min drive from Shelly Beach where we are staying. So around 10 am we headed out as our tickets were for the 10:30 train. 

Zane struggling for a smile.

The Driving Creek Railway  (map) is a narrow gauge track two car train that zigzags its way up the hillside through a series of bridges, tunnels, switchbacks and stunning views of the countryside. All of what you see was designed and mostly built by Barry Bickell, who apparently was one of New Zealand's foremost potters. Judging by what I've seen and heard on his grounds he was much much more. The "train station" also includes a full classroom full of potters wheels dedicated to teaching the art. Across from that it appears he built all the necessary machinery to pulverize rock minerals to mix with clay from which he made ceramic by firing it in his homemade kilns. Past that is a workshop a mess with train parts and tools. Did I mention that the train runs right through the middle of all this? Careful it's slippery I was drooling a bit at all the tools. The original purpose of the train was to bring down clay from high on the hillside to make pottery.

Also, I forgot to mention that there is a zip line tour available, it looked like you took a smaller train up the hill to the first launch, how cool! The loop ended back at the train station. We didn't attempt it with Sicky Mc. Z but it looked like fun for sure.

The train ride up and back was stated at ~1.25hrs, I didn't time it though sorry. It's a very mellow ride with a max speed of about 8km/hr. However, if you don't like heights just keep your eyes on the horizon for the few spots they suggest.  There were two stops along the way. The first is just past a tunnel where the conductor gathers everyone to elaborate on the details of the retaining wall features that are dedicated to those who helped build the railway. The other is at the top of the hill where you'll see an amazing view all around and out to sea. I would have liked more time at the viewpoint but understand they are on a schedule and Zane was getting heavy anyway. He fell asleep in my arms on the way down, poor dude. 

Sick kid and all Driving Creek Railway is a must if you're in the area.

Uncle David this one is for you.

Question: How does a train listen?

 

 

Answer: Through it's engine-ears.

We drove straight back to Shelly Beach where Z sleep until early afternoon. Later I went down to the beach for some exploring and when I got back I found Mom and Zane at the giant pillow. Children's Ibuprofen is amazing! He's smiling and getting back to his usual self.