summer events programme
Welcome to our summer events programme for December 2024 to February 2025.
Discover Cornwall Park Close Up in our latest exhibition of macro photography then get outdoors and dance or play the summer away!
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 run into any trouble flick us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.
December
Exhibition: Cornwall Park Close Up
Inspired by textures in nature, Auckland-based artist Vanessa Fong explores a close-up view of Cornwall Park through a macro lens. These images invite viewers to appreciate the intricate details found in nature and remind us that art exists in every aspect of our environment if we take a moment to observe closely.
Sunday 1st December 2024 to Saturday 1st March 2025
Open daily 10am - 4pm
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.
Workshop: Clay Jewellery
Join us for a fun and creative workshop on making clay jewellery with artist Vanessa Fong from Dewdrops. This workshop will focus on using natural materials from the park (leaves, feathers, flowers) to imprint beautiful textures into clay. You will then have the option to turn your clay pieces into earrings, brooches or pendants.
Suitable for ages 16+ and any level of experience.
This workshop will include a morning tea break to allow our clay pieces to harden. Tea and coffee will be provided.
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 December 10am-12.30pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
About your tutor
Vanessa Fong is an Auckland-based artist who has previously worked in art galleries and has a background in arts education. In 2020, she established her own clay jewellery brand, 'Dewdrops,' crafting intricate designs inspired by birds and botanicals.
Vanessa has a Bachelor in Fine Arts and teaches public and private jewellery workshops in Auckland. You might also have met her at the front desk of Huia Lodge or on a guided walk as she is a member of our team.
Website: www.dewdrops.co.nz
Social Media: @dewdrops_clay
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.
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 via email.
No registration is required for this walk. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Monday 2nd December 10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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.
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!)
Tuesday 3rd December to Sunday 5th January 7am - 9pm
Location: Large pōhutukawa outside the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Walking Meditation
Join Benni Bonnin 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 Saturday morning via email. 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.
Saturday 7th December
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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 via email.
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 8th December 10am - 12.30pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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.
January
Band Rotunda Takeover: The Turing Project
Pack a picnic and your dancing shoes! The Turing Project are taking over our Band Rotunda with their mid-century to modern jazzy tunes.
The Turing Project is a 7 piece jazz band whose sparkling, jazz-infused covers of artists like Elton John, Marilyn Monroe, Amy Winehouse and more will get your feet tapping and head nodding.
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 11th January 2025 5pm - 7pm
Location: Band Rotunda. Next to the Cornwall Park Cafe.Vehicle access from Green Lane West only.
The Turing Project
https://www.facebook.com/thetu...
Listen to how they sound live https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
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.
Taught by Kia ora Tai Chi 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 12th January to Sunday 30 March. Excluding Sunday 26th January.
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 the Facebook event for cancellation notices.
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 for class one and here for class two 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.
Saturday 18th January
Class one 10-11:30am
Class two 12:30-2pm
Location: Native Arboretum below Huia Lodge Discovery Hub. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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 Cornwall Park.
Suitable for ages 4+, grown-up participation is encouraged.
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 via email.
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 19th January 10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
February
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.
“Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile”. Mary Oliver
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 via email.
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 2nd February 10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Dancing under the trees: Bollywood
Gather up your friends and whānau; it's time to learn some new dance moves this summer! Cornwall Park is hosting a Bollywood dance class perfect for beginners and all ages. Stop dancing alone in your room (even though we know how fun that is), and come join us out in the park to learn and dance together!
Dancing under the trees: Bollywood
Sunday 9th February 10am - 11am
Meet under the trees behind the Cornwall Park Band Rotunda. No registration is required.
Wear comfy clothes and sun protection and don't forget your water bottle.
In the event of bad weather, we'll post a cancellation notice on our website, on our Instagram stories and on the Facebook event page.
Meet your tutor- Anju's Cultural Studio
Bollywood dance is a fun, interactive, storytelling dance style from India. Learn the colourful culture through dancing! Your experienced dance teacher Anju Desai has performed in over 400 shows and taught many students the Bollywood dance style.
https://anjudesai.co.nz/
Guided Walk: Hospital Heritage
