From māra kai to market gardens, the fertile volcanic soil of Cornwall Park has nourished the people of Tāmaki Makaurau for generations. Discover the stories and taste the iconic flavours of the park at our Heritage Food Festival.
Download the full event programme
Find the feast scavenger hunt
Saturday 3 - Sunday 11 October
Find the feast in our new park wide scavenger hunt! From māra kai to bustling market gardens, from wartime veggie patches to the park’s much-loved food spots today, you will uncover stories of innovation, community and the flavours that have shaped the park over time and fed generations of people.
Collect a limited-edition Cornwall Park trading card from Huia Lodge by counting all the mystery food objects hidden within the scavenger hunt trail.
Download a map and print at home or collect from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub.
Huia Lodge is open from Thursday- Tuesday 10am-4pm and Wednesday from 12-4pm
Taste Ōrākei Ragôut the Incomparable
Saturday 3- Sunday 4 October
Ōrākei Ragôut the Incomparable was created by Sir John Logan Campbell, founder of Cornwall Park, and friends in 1840. Caught in an unexpected storm and sheltering in a tent, they passed the time by inventing a dish using whatever ingredients they had on hand.
Inspired by this story, this hearty soup reimagines the flavours of the past for you to enjoy today.
$10 for a cup of soup and a roll.
Cornwall Park Creamery
Available from 10.00am to 3.00pm while stocks last.
Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October.
Scone-cert
Saturday 3 October 1-3pm
Pack your dancing shoes and picnic blanket for a scrumptious afternoon of live music, fresh scones, and springtime fun at Cornwall Park.
Scones have been enjoyed by park visitors at Huia Lodge and the neighbouring bistro since 1903. This year, we're celebrating this delicious tradition with a Scone-cert, featuring sensational live music alongside a scone market. Purchase a tasty scone, toppings, and a tea or coffee, spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy a cream tea with a difference.
Exhibition Talk: Behind the Journey
Sunday 4 October 2-3pm
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how Cornwall Park's latest exhibition, An Enduring Gift, came to life. Discover the stories, research and partnerships behind the exhibition, and learn how the UNESCO Memory of the World Sir John Logan Campbell Papers Collection helped shape this remarkable exploration of Cornwall Park's past as we mark 125 years since the signing of the Cornwall Park Trust Deed of Gift.
Tickets: $10 general admission. Community service card holders free. (conditions apply)
Book your tickets through Eventfinda.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, next to the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access via Green Lane West only.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Monday 5 October 10-11am
This guided adventure, led by our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team, will spark kid's imaginations and curiosities about the park's heritage highlights. Together we will explore snapshots of our history in a unique and fun way as we travel through time.
Suitable for ages 4 to 8, grown-up participation is encouraged. Most of this experience will take place indoors, with a short walk around our heritage buildings.
Don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. Suitable clothing and footwear are necessary. This walk goes ahead rain or shine. We will cancel the event via email on the event morning if the weather is extreme.
Tickets: $10 general admission for adults, kids go free and don't require a ticket. Community service card holders free (conditions apply)
Book your tickets through Eventfinda.
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro) access via Green Lane West.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Potato Races
Tuesday 6 October 11am-12pm
Discover Cornwall Park's Spud Paddock. During World War II, our paddocks were used to grow vegetables for the city. Today, pre-schoolers can enjoy a playful nod to this history by decorating a potato and rolling it down the hill. There are spot prizes for the fastest roll, the longest distance, and the best-decorated spud.
This free, drop-in activity is designed for tamariki ages 2 to 5, with grown-ups encouraged to join the fun.
Location: Spud paddock is next to the Cornwall Park Cricket Club Field and can be accessed via the pathway that connects to the pedestrian entrance opposite 203 Green Lane West or from the carpark nearest the cherry blossom grove.
Kono workshop
Wednesday 7 October 10am-2.30pm
Learn how to create a kono or food basket with kaiako (tutor) Annie Ah Mu.
Participants must have previous flax weaving experience.
This is an adults only workshop, open to ages 18+. Bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.
Tickets: $25 general admission. Community service card holders free (conditions apply)
Book your tickets through Eventfinda.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Olive Grove
Saturday 10 October 10-11.30am
Cornwall Park's olive groves are a dramatic vista, conjuring images of Italy but they are actually an early agricultural experiment. Discover the history of these trees and the olive oil industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This walk is led by the team from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub and will finish with an olive oil tasting at Huia Lodge.
Tickets: $10 general admission. Community service card holders free. (conditions apply)
Book your tickets through Eventfinda.
Don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. Suitable clothing and footwear are necessary. This walk goes ahead rain or shine. We will cancel the event via email on the event morning if the weather is extreme.
This walk is suitable for ages 10+, and no dogs are permitted.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Ice Cream
Saturday 10 October 2-3pm
Get the scoop on the history of ice cream in Cornwall Park and Aotearoa New Zealand. On this gentle stroll, we'll discover how we've Tip-Topped the charts in nations that love ice cream and why this sweet treat is served in Cornwall Park. This walk is led by the team from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub and will include a special guest from the Cornwall Park Eateries who will give us the inside scoop before dishing up an ice cream for everyone.
Tickets: $10 general admission. Community service card holders free. (conditions apply)
Book your tickets through Eventfinda.
Don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. Suitable clothing and footwear are necessary. This walk goes ahead rain or shine. We will cancel the event via email on the event morning if the weather is extreme.
This walk is suitable for ages 10+, and no dogs are permitted.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Dragon's Beard candy demonstration
Sunday 11 October 2-3.30pm
Discover the art of Dragon Beard Candy, a traditional Chinese sweet with a history spanning more than 1,000 years.
Watch this delicate sugar craft come to life, enjoy a free tasting of freshly made Dragon Beard Candy, and learn about the cultural traditions and stories that have been shared through generations. More than a sweet treat, Dragon Beard Candy is connected to family, celebration, hospitality and a sense of home.
Set beneath Cornwall Park's cherry blossom trees, this special experience is an opportunity to slow down, appreciate a beautiful tradition, and share in the simple joy of food, culture and connection.
Location: Cornwall Park cherry blossom grove, off Pōhutukawa Drive. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Farm
Wednesday 21 October 11am-1pm
Join our farm manager for an educational walk through our farm. You will learn about the farm's history, the livestock and what our farmers do daily. We'll finish in the woolshed for a sweet treat and FAQ with the farm team.
The walk may go through paddocks and turnstiles, it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. Suitable clothing and footwear are necessary. This walk goes ahead rain or shine. We will cancel the event via email on Wednesday morning if the weather is extreme.
No dogs are permitted on this walk.
Tickets: $10 general admission. Community service card holders free. (conditions apply)
Location: Meet at the Haha Wall. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Free tickets conditions
A limited number of free tickets will be made available to community service card holders for each event. Card holders must provide their valid card number on booking and show this card on entry to the event.
Auckland Heritage Festival: Tastes of Tāmaki
These events are part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2026, running from 26 September to 11 October.
From late August, visit heritagefestival.co.nz for the full list of events and programmes, or visit your local library for a printed brochure. For festival updates follow on Facebook @aklheritage.