Welcome to our summer events programme for December through to February 2024.
This season we are highlighting summer and recreation, offering a range of events where you can learn and explore. Our seasonal exhibition celebrates 120 years of Cornwall Park as your backyard through photographs, past and present.
For those of you who were saddened by our Heritage Day being rained out in September, we have good news, it's back! This February come along to celebrate the heritage of hospitals in the park on the old hospital grounds.
All our events a FREE to attend, though some may need you to register as we have limited numbers. All registration links are provided, but if you run into any trouble flick us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.
Click here for a printable event programme
December
Exhibition: Cornwall Park - 120 years as your backyard
Since Sir John welcomed the first visitors 120 years ago, Cornwall Park has become a place of respite, recreation and relaxation for all. Our paths have supported generations of your first steps, our trees have shaded your walks, and our grass has been your lounge. We’ve seen you play games, hold events and come together as a community here. This exhibition celebrates your place in our history with photos from past and present. You can even add your own images to this exhibition.
Saturday 9th December - Sunday 3rd March 2024
Open daily 10am - 4pm (closed 25th & 26th December 2022 and 1st & 2nd January 2023)
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub can be found next to the Cornwall Park Bistro in the middle of the park. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Geology
Join Dr Bruce Hayward for a guided walk and delve into his wealth of knowledge about Maungakiekie geology. The walk will slowly ascend Maungakiekie via the road and circumnavigate the crater rim, reaching the summit for views over the whole volcanic field before returning to Huia Lodge. The guided walk will explain how this volcano erupted and how the various features and rocks were formed.
This walk is crafted for people who are new to the world of geology. It is suitable for all ages who can walk up Maungakiekie via paved roads and walkways. Note: the terrain is steep and uneven underfoot in some places where we will go off-road - prams and wheelchairs are not suitable for this walk. Children must be accompanied by caregivers and dogs are not permitted.
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 3rd December
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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Your guide:
Bruce Hayward is a semi-retired Auckland research geologist. He has authored/co-authored 25 books on aspects of New Zealand’s fossils, geology, marine ecology, conservation, archaeology and history including a field guide to Auckland and two books on Auckland’s volcanoes. He is a past President of the Geological Society of New Zealand, and a former member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, the Auckland Conservation Board and the Auckland Institute and Museum Council. His studies and conservation advocacy have been recognised in Fellowship of the Royal Society of NZ and Member of the NZ Order of Merit. He has presented over 300 talks for the public and led over 400 field trips around Auckland and to all parts of New Zealand.
Holiday Tree Trail
Follow our self-led Holiday Tree Trail this December to learn about a range of trees and different festive traditions from around the world. It is a busy time of year, so why not take time, slow down and admire the trees?
While wandering through the trees, it is a great time to reflect on the past year and create dreams for the year to come. (The trees make great listeners!)
Friday 8th December to Sunday 7th January
7am - dusk
Location: Large pōhutukawa outside the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Ecology
Join ecologist Lauren for a gentle stroll through some highlights of Cornwall Park's ecology. We'll explore the park together and discover our natural taonga (treasures).
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 10th December
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Guided Walk: Heritage
Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a gentle stroll through some highlights of Cornwall Park's heritage with a holiday twist. Walk away with a DIY holiday card inspired by Sir John's holiday greetings.
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Monday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Monday 11th December
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
January
Bicycle Pitstop
Get on your bikes and get ready for summer! Drop into our free bike pitstop outside Huia Lodge to get your wheels rolling.
Josca Bicycle Repairs will be setting up outside Huia Lodge for free bicycle safety checks at our park pitstop! Drop in between 11am and 2pm; no registration is required.
Sunday 14th January
11am - 2pm
Location: outside Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro, vehicle access via Green Lane West.
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Josca Craig-Smith
Has a background in the creative arts industry, studied BFA at the University of Auckland and worked in TV props, theatre and public spaces. All the while in the background he also worked in bike shops and for friends, rescuing, repairing, customising, upgrading, personalising and recycling/rehoming bikes.
Six years ago he started using his garage as a woodcraft shop, signwriting studio and bike repair space. It quickly evolved into a bicycle-dedicated workshop space operating full-time.
Tai Chi
Escape from the hustle and bustle and tune in to your body in our natural playground.
The class is suitable for all skill levels, especially beginners! It’s fun, free and you don’t need special clothes or equipment.
Bring your water bottle, and a sun hat/sunblock plus wear comfy clothing and footwear. Registrations are not required, just show up 10 minutes before class starts!
Every Sunday 9-10am and Tuesday 6-7pm from 21st January to 26th March 2024
Location: Middle of Pōhutukawa Drive on the left when entering from Green Lane West (look for the signs).
In the event of bad weather please check our Facebook event for cancellation notices.
Workshop: Abstract Flowers
Dive into the world of abstract floral watercolour art. Come bloom with us and watch your artistry flourish!
Cornwall Park is full of natural wonders and taonga (treasures), take inspiration from the park to create your own abstract masterpiece.
If the weather cooperates we'll sit outdoors and tutor Chloe Lam will guide you to unleash your creativity as you paint vibrant blooms in unique, imaginative ways.
Suitable for adults and older children aged 12+, all materials are supplied. This workshop is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle. In the event of bad weather, we will move inside to Huia Lodge.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 21st January
10am - 12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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Chloe Lam is an Auckland-based art educator who has a cross-cultural background. Besides her bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication (Graphic Design), she is also a holder of a master’s degree in Art and Education from Birmingham City University.
She holds a variety of art projects in different schools and studios in Auckland. Using multidisciplinary and innovative art activities to elicit a student's talent and express feelings, emotions and ideas. She is passionate about encouraging people to develop their art skills through observation and exploration.
Tamaiki Imagination: Bird
Can you flit like a pīwakawaka, waddle like a pūtangitangi paradise shelduck and sing like a tūī? Let's go on an adventure in the park and imagine we are birds.
This guided walk, led by our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team, will encourage tamariki to use their imagination and adventure in Cornwall Park.
Suitable for ages 4+, grown-up participation is encouraged. Please dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy shoes and bring a drink bottle as we will be leaving pathways behind.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this guided walk please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Monday 22nd January
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Guided Walk: Walking Meditation
Join us on a restorative, nourishing and restful walk through the beauty of Cornwall Park. Enjoy arriving with each step. Nurturing inner calm, peace and happiness.
"Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the earth with your feet"
- Thich Nhat Hahn
What to expect on the day:
- A round of introductions
- Gentle warm-up exercises/ loosening up
- Slow, gentle and silent walk
- Sharing in a circle a few words for those who wish, about what they noticed in the inner and outer environments
“And forget not that the earth delights in the touch of your feet, and the wind longs to play with your hair “
- Khalil Gibran
This experience would suit ages 7+ and adult accompaniment is required. This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning. No dogs are permitted on this walk.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here, or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 28th January
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
January
Band Rotunda Takeover: The Turing Project
The Turing Project is a seven-piece group including vocals and horn players. Initially, set up before lockdown, as a straight jazz group but transitioned into more modern hits as they learned to write their own arrangements. Artists covered range from Marilyn Monroe to Elton John and Amy Winehouse and more.
Bring a picnic, drinks, friends and whānau with you, and enjoy an afternoon of good company and good tunes.
Public transport, walking, cycling and carpooling are highly encouraged due to limited parking.
See you there!
Saturday 10th February 2024
5pm - 7pm
Location: Band Rotunda. Next to the Cornwall Park Cafe.
Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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The Turing Project - Facebook
Guided Walk: Native Trees
Discover our native trees: visit our native arboretum, plantations, avenues, mixed groves, historic trees, and rock forest, and learn about their identity features, growth habits and ecology.
This guided walk is led by local tree expert Dr Mike Wilcox - come along with your tree questions at the ready!
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 11th February
10am - 11am (Walk may run longer than one hour)
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Taonga takaro: Traditional Māori games
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and have some fun learning taonga tākaro traditional Māori games. Kaiako (tutors) from AKTIVE He Oranga Poutama ki Tāmaki Makaurau will teach you poi toa and rākau in the shade of our Native Arboretum.
There are two one-hour classes, both classes are the same so you only need to register for one class.
This class is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. In the event of bad weather, the class will move indoors to Huia Lodge.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
There will be a limited number of spaces available for walk-ups on the day.
Sunday 11th February
Class one 1pm - 2pm
Class two 2pm - 3pm
Location: Native Arboretum below Huia Lodge Discovery Hub. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Heritage Day: Hospital
After the weather postponed our event last September we're delighted to be celebrating our heritage of healing this February. Cornwall Park was successively home to the 39th General United States Army Hospital, National Women’s Hospital and Cornwall Geriatric Hospital. Discover the pioneering medicine and people who served at these hospitals.
Join us for a day filled with displays, fun activities and entertainment perfect for the whole whānau.
Saturday 24th February
11am - 2pm
Location: Eastern Area of the park by Cornwall Park Cafe
Rain date: Saturday 2nd March
Vehicle access from Green Lane West gates. Please consider using public transport to access the park as limited parking is available on site.
Image: Whites Aviation 44295, National Library NZ
Kōrero & Kaputī
Huia Lodge served tea to thirsty park visitors from 1903 to 1909 when tea in the park became so popular a dedicated kiosk was built next door.
To celebrate 120 years of kōrero and kaputī (cups of tea) at Cornwall Park we are delighted to be joined by Helen Paul-Smith (Tapuika/Ngaī Te Rangi) Co-Founder of ŌKU New Zealand. In this informal talk, delve into a sensory world exploring the flavours, smells and remarkable healing properties of Aotearoa’s native plants. Many of these rākau (plants) have a rich history of traditional use, helping to maintain ora (well-being).
The session is suitable for ages 12+ and ends with a Q&A and the chance to sample ŌKU tea.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 25th February
10am - 11am
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.