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.
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.
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.
February
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
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.
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 on the Facebook event.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
No registration is required.
Sunday 16th February 10am - 11am
Location: Start from the Band Rotunda, near the cafe from the left of the main roundabout. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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 16 February, 23 February, 2 March and 9 March 2025. (Weather permitting)
Location: Under the trees, half-way up Pōhutukawa Drive on the left when entering from Green Lane Road West.
Cancellation: In the event of bad weather please check our Facebook event page or phone/text on 027 493 9851
Kia ora Tai Chi
Workshop: Macro Photography
Cornwall Park is filled to the brim with interesting animals, structures and nature waiting to photograph. Get up close and personal with them in this macro photography workshop. This workshop will help you to understand your camera settings, use macro lenses and give you the basics for creating high-quality photographs of your park adventures.
This workshop is open to people who have a general to good knowledge of their camera and would like to learn more about how to work the manual functions and photo composition.
For best results students will require a macro lens. It is for digital cameras only, smartphone photography is not included. The workshop will be run by Sonja Gardien.
Sonja owns Studio 541 whose mission is to support, inspire and encourage emerging and established artists, and create an environment for learning and discussions in the area of photography and fine art. www.studio541.co.nz Workshop numbers are limited so registration is essential.
You will be asked to answer the following questions:
1. Make and model of your camera.
2. Lenses that you use and will be using.
3. Any things of interest in the park you would like to photograph.
4. Your skill level.
To register for this event please email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
This workshop is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. In the event of hazardous weather it will be cancelled on Saturday morning via email.
Saturday 22nd February
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Auckland Tree Climbing Competition
Drop by Cornwall Park to watch some of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's best arborists in action! Admire their daring and agility as they race around our giant specimen trees, competing for a spot at the National Tree Climbing Competition. Pack a picnic, watch the experts compete and learn what an arborist is! Suitable for the whole whānau.
Kids Climb - there will be limited places available to learn to climb a tree like an arborist. Suitable for ages 4-14. This free activity is managed by New Zealand Arboricultural Association and will be first come first served.
Saturday 22nd February (rain date; Saturday 1st March)
10am - 3pm
New Location: Under the trees on the left hand side of Pōhutukawa Drive as you enter from Green Lane West.
Vehicle access from Green Lane West. The Auckland Tree Climbing Competition is open to registered industry participants and run by the New Zealand Arboricultural Association.
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, 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. (ENTER EVENTBRITE LINK HERE) or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Monday 24th February10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Free event