Welcome to our summer events programme for December 2025 to February 2026

Cornwall Park is going to the dogs in the best kind of way! Bring your pooch along to Aotearoa's first exhibition for dogs - Pup Culture at Huia Lodge Discovery Hub. Music is back at the Rotunda with two fabulous concerts and you can enjoy the sunshine at Tai Chi or on one of our regular guided walks. 

All our events are FREE to attend, though some may need you to register as we have limited numbers. All registration links are provided, but if you need help send us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.

Seasonal Scavenger Hunt: Summer
Collect a scavenger hunt from Huia Lodge or print one at home. Use it to explore the park and discover summer curiosities

This self-led activity is suitable for the young and young at heart. Take your time and find a new curiosity each time you visit the park or race your friends and whānau to see who can find them all the fastest. The clues will lead you all around the park to different accessible locations. You will need to bring your own pen or pencil.

Pupculture: an exhibition for dogs
Take your dog for a stroll through Cornwall Park and discover Aotearoa’s first exhibition created especially for dogs!
Inspired by a dog’s-eye view of the park, this playful and sensory experience is designed to delight your four-legged friend.
Dogs, please keep your hoomans on lead at all times.

Monday 8th December to Sunday 1st March 
10am-4pm Thursday to Tuesday 12-4pm Wednesdays

Pet enrichment with Auckland Zoo

Join Auckland Zoo these school holidays where we’ll be learning how to look after ourselves and our whānau, the animals at the Zoo pick up expert tips in caring for your furry friends.

We will be experimenting with recycled and repurposed materials to create engaging enrichment items for animals to use. Whether you’re a pet owner or zoo fan, there will be something for everyone to get their paws stuck into!

There will be two one hour drop in sessions on Thursday 18th December. No registration is required. Suitable for tamariki ages 5+ caregiver attendance is required.

Session 1: 10-11am
Session 2: 1-2pm

Guided Walk: Volcanoes

Join Dr Bruce Hayward for a guided walk and delve into his wealth of knowledge about Maungakiekie's deep volcanic past.

Calling all budding volcanologists! This guided walk will explain how the volcano erupted and how the landscapes and rocks were formed.You'll also learn more about Tāmaki Makaurau's volcanic field.

Crafted for people who are new to the world of geology and volcanology. It is suitable for all ages who have the ability to walk up Maungakiekie using a mixture of dirt and gravel tracks and 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.

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 Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 14th December
10am - 12.30pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

FREE EVENT

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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.

Band Rotunda Takeover: Summer Select presented by 5AM

Summer Select is a free, all-ages community music event at Cornwall Park presented by FIVE 5AM. Featuring rising kiwi artists Emerson, Liberty, Imani-J, Adam Snow and KENZY.

Pack a picnic and join us at the band rotunda for an afternoon of family friendly entertainment.

Public transport, walking, cycling and carpooling are highly encouraged due to limited parking.

Sunday 10 January
4pm - 8pm
Location: Band Rotunda. Next to the Cornwall Park Cafe.
Vehicle access from Green Lane West only.

Rain date Saturday 17 January

Meet the artists:
Emerson - https://www.instagram.com/they...
Imani J - https://www.instagram.com/iman...
Liberty - https://www.instagram.com/libe...
Adam Snow - https://www.instagram.com/adam...
KENZY - https://www.instagram.com/look...

Tai Chi

All welcome for our popular summer tai chi sessions. Enjoy the park as a natural playground and escape from the hustle and bustle.

The class is suitable for all skill levels, especially beginners! It’s fun, free, family-friendly 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 morning, 9-10am, and Tuesday evening, 6-7pm, from Sunday 11th January to Tuesday 31st March. Excluding Sunday 8th February

Location: Half-way up 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.

Tamariki Imagination Insects

Can you march like an ant or chirp like a cicada? Let's go on an adventure in the park and imagine we are insects.

This guided walk, led by our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team, will encourage tamariki to use their imagination and explore in Cornwall Park.

Suitable for ages 4+, grown-up participation is encouraged. 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 Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

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.

Sunday 18th January
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Guided Walk: Hospital Heritage

Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a walk exploring the highlights of Cornwall Park's hospital heritage.

Cornwall Park was home to three different hospital units, the United States Army 39th General Hospital, National Women's Hospital and Cornwall Hospital Geriatric Unit. It served the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland until 1973.

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 a notice on our website on Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

Registration is not required for this event. 

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 25th January
10am - 11am
Location: Start from the Band Rotunda, near the cafe from the left of the main roundabout.  Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Tamariki Discover Summer

Join us for a whānau-friendly guided walk where kids will explore the beauty of the park and discover how nature sparks creativity with guides from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub.

Perfect for curious minds and creative hearts, this event is a great way to connect with nature and Cornwall Park.

Suitable for tamariki (kids) 8-12 years old and caregivers must accompany children on the walk.

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 Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 1st February
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates. 

Free tai chi for adults and young people who are blind/have low vision

Free, accessible tai chi sessions for adults and young people who are blind/have low vision and who want to be more active.

Tai chi is gentle on your joints and is designed to improve balance, mobility, strength and fitness.

Ideal for beginners. An accompanying support person is also welcome to attend.

The sessions are taught by Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi, an experienced instructor with specialist skills in teaching anyone who is blind/has low-vision.

Bring your water bottle and a sun hat/sunblock. Wear comfy clothing and footwear. Registrations are not required, just show up 10 minutes before each session starts.

Date and time: Sunday mornings, 10.15 – 11am on 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March. (Weather permitting)

Location: to the left of the Cornwall Park Cafe.

Cancellation: In the event of bad weather please check our Facebook event page or phone/text on 027 493 9851

Guided Walk: Forest Bathing
Relax with Benni Bonnin and experience forest bathing in Cornwall Park.

Take some time for yourself. Pause. Breathe. Connect with Nature. Simple, light and uplifting time – with guided meditation -in the good company of trees and birds.

“Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile”. Mary Oliver


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 Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 8th February
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

FREE EVENT

Taonga Tākaro : traditional Māori games

Nau mai haeremai ki te ako o ngā taonga tākaro. Come along and learn traditional Māori games from exploring our connection to te taiao and the many layers of matauranga.

Kaiako (tutors) from Sport Auckland will teach you in the shade of our Native Arboretum.

This class is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle.

There are two one hour classes, both classes are the same so you only need to register for one class.

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 15th February
Class one 10-11:30am
Class two 12:30-2pm
Location: Native Arboretum below Huia Lodge Discovery Hub. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

FREE EVENT

Band Rotunda Takeover: Opera Prince Orlofsky's Ball

Sing to Love! Dress up in your favourite evening attire, bring a picnic and a blanket, and join us for Prince Orlovsky's fabulous masquerade Ball.

Meet the Prince and his intriguing guests, none of whom are what they appear to be, and enjoy the beautiful music of Strauss's Opera Die Fledermaus. Discover the intriguing world of 'The Bat', a mysterious Countess (who might just be his wife in disguise), an ambitious young actress (or is she actually their chamber maid?) and various other guests as they are drawn into a complicated world of love created by the conniving Dr Falke.

Bring your dancing shoes as there may even be some waltzing.

This will be a wonderful evening of Opera performed by current voice students and alumni of the University of Auckland's School of Music, Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Pack your inner diva with your picnic picnic, drinks and bring friends and whānau with you to enjoy an evening of good company and enchanting music.

Public transport, walking, cycling and carpooling are highly encouraged due to limited parking.

Saturday 21st February
5pm - 7pm
Location: Band Rotunda. Next to the Cornwall Park Cafe.
Vehicle access from Green Lane West only.
Rain date Saturday 28th February.

Guided Walk: Sir John's Footsteps

Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a meander through Cornwall Park and our heritage, focusing on Sir John Logan Campbell. Let's walk in his footsteps together.

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 a notice on our website on Sunday morning if the weather is extreme.

No registration is required for this walk.

Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 22nd February
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Guided Walk: Summer Gardens

Discover the amazing work of our horticulture team and learn how they create colourful bursts of blooms in Cornwall Park's historic and modern garden beds and plantings.

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. We will cancel the event via email on Monday morning if the weather is extreme.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Monday 23rd February
10-11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

FREE EVENT

Ulti-mutt Doggie Playground

To celebrate the end of Pupculture: an exhibition for dogs treat your playful pooch to a morning adventure on the ulti-mutt doggie playground.

See your dog tackle a number of agility obstacles in action-packed play that’s a load of fun for you and your furry friend.

Bookings aren’t needed, just pop on down!

For the comfort of the dogs attending, all dogs must be with an adult and on a lead at all times. Please note, there may be a wait during busy times.

Saturday 28th February
8am – 12pm
Location: Native Arboretum, near the large roundabout below the Memorial Steps. Vehicle access from the main gate at Green Lane West.

FREE EVENT