Give the wheel a whirl
Join a creative 1 hour and 30 minute pottery class and learn wheel throwing from a professional potter in a place filled with inspiration, innovation and creativity. This is a unique pottery class in New Zealand and a perfect all weather activity in The Coromandel.
We provide everything you need for your class, including clay, the wheel and aprons to keep your clothes clean. You will also have the opportunity to have your pieces glazed, fired and delivered in a range of colours for an additional cost.
If you want to develop your skills further or explore new techniques, visit out our workshops page.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your class time.
Studio 1
Studio 2
Connecting with nature
Our pottery class connects you with the land in a hands-on way. Each piece begins with local clay and is shaped on the wheel in a studio surrounded by regenerating native forest. This forest is part of Driving Creek’s ongoing conservation mission. Through pest control, habitat restoration, and environmental research, we are working to protect and enhance biodiversity across the property and surrounding area, supporting species such as kiwi and native gecko.
If you’d like to explore this unique natural environment further, our Zipline Tour offers an unforgettable journey through the canopy. Along the way, you will learn more about the land’s environmental history and see the results of our conservation work from a new perspective.
Before You Arrive At Driving Creek Pottery
All materials, including clay, tools and a protective apron, are provided. No prior experience is necessary. This class is perfect for complete beginners or those with experience wanting to create their own pottery.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with essential details, including check-in instructions and directions. Please arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to settle in and prepare for your session.
On the Day of Your Class
The class begins with a short demonstration by your expert instructor, showing you the basics of how to throw clay on a wheel. After that, it’s your turn to get hands-on! You'll learn how to centre the clay and shape it into a vessel using the tools and equipment provided. Your tutor will be available throughout the session to offer guidance and hands-on assistance if needed.
Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little messy but aprons are provided to help protect your clothes.
Creating and Customising Your Work
This is a unique opportunity to learn a traditional craft, guided by experienced artists, in the heart of Driving Creek’s creative environment.
Class Size and Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
We also offer a range of workshops for those keen to explore more, check out our workshops page.
Pottery at Driving Creek
Driving Creek began with a working potter and a simple problem. Barry Brickell needed to move clay and firewood down from the hillside to his kilns. To solve it, he built a narrow-gauge railway by hand. It was practical, low impact, and served the needs of his growing pottery studio.
The surrounding land was bare at the time. Years of logging and grazing had taken their toll. Barry began replanting the hills with native trees, restoring the forest one tree at a time.
Over the decades, his vision took shape. The forest grew. The pottery studio expanded. And the railway became more than a tool. It became a part of the story.
Today, you can walk into that same studio, learn to shape clay, and be part of the creative legacy that started it all. The railway still runs, the forest continues to regenerate, and the pottery continues to inspire.