Winter events programme
Welcome to our winter events programme for June to August 2025.
Celebrate Waipunarangi with us!
Put on your gumboots and raincoats and join us to explore how winter weather transforms the park. Connect with friends, whānau, and te taiao (the environment) through our guided walks, workshops, trails and a brand-new seasonal scavenger hunt.
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 send us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.
Click here for a printable event programme
Exhibition: Matariki Weather
Discover how Cornwall Park connects to Matariki and Te Taiao, the environment through the whetū star Waipunarangi and the associated weather. Our Matariki exhibition is a welcoming space for whānau, friends and communities to come together.
Matariki is a star cluster that appears in our skies in the winter month of Pipiri (June-July) and marks the first month of the Māori lunar calendar. Waipunarangi is one of the stars of this cluster and is closely linked with the weather.
Mānawatia a Matariki | Happy New Year from all of us at Cornwall Park.
Saturday 14th June to Saturday 30th August
Open daily 10am - 4pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
FREE
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt: Winter
Collect a scavenger hunt from Huia Lodge or print one at home. Use it to explore the park and discover some winter wonders.
This self-led activity is suitable for the young and young at heart. Take your time and find a new wonder 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 eight different accessible locations. You will need to bring your own pen or pencil.
Sunday 1st June to Sunday 31st August
June
Workshop: Beginner Harakeke Raranga Flax Weaving
Come together with others to learn the art of harakeke raranga flax weaving this winter with kaiako (tutor) Annie Ah Mu.
During the workshop, you will be introduced to harakeke (flax), the history of its use and the tikanga for harvesting. You will learn the fundamental processes to begin weaving and create a collection of woven pieces inspired by our connection to wai (water).
The workshop is open to ages 12+ years and up. Child supervision is required.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here.
Saturday 7th June
10am - 12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).
Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
FREE
Tamariki Imagination: Farm
Our Discovery Hub team will lead this walk which encourages tamariki to use their imagination and learn about our farm in Cornwall Park.
Suitable for ages 3+, 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. Prams are suitable if they can be used on grass.
You won't be touching any farm animals during this walk but you will be guided through their paddocks.
This walk goes ahead rain or shine. We will cancel the event via email on Sunday morning if the weather is extreme. 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. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 15th June
10am - 11am
Location: Start from the Band Rotunda, near the Cornwall Park Cafe. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
FREE EVENT
July
Workshop: Sew a Softie
With colder weather drawing in, it's time to get cosy! In this workshop, you will learn basic sewing skills to make your own mini soft toy inspired by the park. We'll be making use of recycled and upcycled materials to craft your cooky creations.
All materials and equipment will be provided. Suited for ages 5+, children must be accompanied by an adult and adult participation is encouraged.Session One 10am -12pm
Session Two 1pm - 3pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
FREE EVENT
Workshop: Advanced Harakeke Raranga Flax Weaving
Return to Huia Lodge and advance your weaving skills. Learn how to create a kono or basket with kaiako (tutor) Annie Ah Mu.
Participants must have completed a weaving workshop at Huia Lodge or attended one of Annie's courses.
The workshop is open to ages 16+.
Registration is essential, and numbers are limited. To register for this event, please click here.
Saturday 12th July
10am - 2pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
FREE
Tamariki Discover: Winter
Join us on an exploratory walk through Cornwall Park, where curious minds will discover special park taonga treasures. We'll connect with te taiao the environment and see how the winter affects our ecosystem.
Suitable for tamariki kids 8-12 years old, caregivers must accompany children on the walk.
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 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 13th July
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).
Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
FREE
Workshop: Taonga Pūoro
Experience the ancient sounds of Aotearoa and join the Aotearoa Bone and Stone Carving Team to learn about Taonga Pūoro (treasures that bring sound to life).
In this waananga (workshop) tauira (participants) will learn how to create and play a basic Kōauau (Māori Flute) from bamboo and also a Porotiti (spinning wind instrument) from native timber.
This full-day workshop will break for a shared lunch. Please bring a plate of kai (food) to share.
You will be working with tools and machinery and must wear covered or closed-toe shoes.
Suitable for ages 16+, 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 26th July
10am - 2.30pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).
Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
FREE EVENT
Guided Walk: Landscape Heritage
Discover how past has shaped the park landscape we see today. Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team to explore some of the landscape icons of Cornwall Park.
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 by 8.30am on Sunday morning with notices posted on our website and the Facebook event.
No registration is required.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 27th July
10am - 11am
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
August
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. 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 3rd August
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).
Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
FREE EVENT
Guided Walk: Botany
Join botanist Ewen Cameron for a guided winter walk exploring the botanical wonders of seeds, fruits, and cones.
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 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. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 10th August
10am - 11am
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
FREE EVENT
---Your guide---
Ewen Cameron is a recently ‘retired’ Auckland botanist, after working 32 years as curator of botany at the Auckland Museum. Over the last four decades he has authored/co-authored many articles and papers on aspects of botany, ecology and conservation of northern New Zealand’s flora involving both native and naturalised plant species. He is an active member of the Auckland Botanical Society, including as president for 20 years. He served two terms on the Auckland Conservation Board, one as chair, and was awarded the Departments of Conservation’s Loder Cup in 2005.
Daffodil Trail
Wander through our self-led daffodil trail and learn more about these delightful blooms.
Discover their connection to cultures around the world, literary legends and some fun botanical facts.
Based on Twin Oak Drive, access to the concrete path is via an unpaved flat dirt track. The route is flat, and approx 800m return to the wood BBQ carpark.
Saturday 16th August to Sunday 31st August
7am - 6pm
Location: you'll find the trail alongside the pedestrian path that runs through the middle of Twin Oak Drive. The best parking is by the wood BBQs.
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.The gentle 1.2km route mainly follows pathways and travels on uneven grass in some places.
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 registration is required for this walk. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements by emailing info@cornwallpark.co.nz or calling 09)6308485.
Sunday 24th August
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 EVENT