Are you looking for a space for a picnic, birthday celebration or BBQ? Cornwall Park is an urban oasis with free facilities surrounded by open green spaces. See our top tips below for recommendations and guidelines on events to make the most of your time in the park.

BBQs are available free of charge and work on a first-come, first-served basis – you cannot reserve the BBQs. We have two locations in the park with 2 gas BBQs available and one location with 6 wood BBQs. Wood is provided for the wood BBQs, but you need to bring matches and kindling to get the fire going. See our map for BBQ locations, this also includes areas for parking and facilities.

For shelter, there are three small covered picnic tables and one large rotunda in the park that are suitable for small groups. The sheltered seating and rotunda cannot be reserved, availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer to bring your own shelter, one 3m x 3m free-standing gazebo is allowed. The gazebo cannot be pegged into the ground or tied to trees, the best option is to bring sandbags to weigh it down.

If you would like a map of the park, have any questions, or are looking for the location of the cows and sheep, Huia Lodge Discovery Hub is your go-to place to visit. There is also a gift shop and seasonal exhibitions. Open daily 10am - 4pm. Free entry. Huia Lodge is located on Michael Horton Drive next to the Cornwall Park Bistro.

2. Register your event If you’re planning an event with over 25+ people, registration is essential. Fill out an event submission with your details and we will get back to you and answer any questions related to your event. There is a max of 50 people per group.

3. Plan aheadCornwall Park is a large park with multiple entrances, we recommend familiarising yourself with our internal roads as some of these are closed to vehicles e.g. Twin Oak Drive is a one-way road and the end of Michael Horton Drive is a pedestrian-only road leading up to Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill via Olive Grove.

Please note that the Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill Domain is managed separately from Cornwall Park by the Tupuna Maunga Authority and Auckland Council. Any inquiries about having your event there, click here https://www.maunga.nz/events-a...

4. Top locations The Native Arboretum (#7 on the map) is a beautiful open space surrounded by native trees. This is a popular area for bigger groups as it has a large grassed area and is close to the main car park with toilets nearby. Looking up towards the memorial steps, you will also get a view of Acacia cottage and the Obelisk in the distance.

The Eastern area of the park includes the Band Rotunda (#4 on the map) and the surrounding grassed areas are great for picnics. The eastern area overlooks some of our paddocks where you will often see cows and sheep nearby. This area also includes the cafe, parking and toilets.

The area outside the Grotto (#12 on the map) is often a quieter area of the park and is great for small gatherings. It also includes a gas BBQ area, covered seating, parking and toilets nearby.

The Cornwall Park Bistro is a great indoor option for celebrations. They accept small and large groups and do high tea. Please contact them directly to enquire 09 630 2888. Please note, the Cornwall Park cafe does not accept reservations. Visit www.cornwallparkeateries.com for more information. 

5. Read our guidelines
To make sure your event runs smoothly, and everyone has a great time, we have created an event info pack to let you know about our event guidelines, how to use the facilities and other helpful information that includes a park map. Please read through this before your event and share relevant information with your group.