Cornwall Park is Auckland’s great green space, a spread of pasture, mature trees and walking paths in the south of the city, wrapped around the foot of Maungakiekie One Tree Hill. It is free to enter and open from 7am to 8pm every day, and it is still a working farm, so visitors share the fields with sheep and cattle. Please do not approach or touch the animals, particularly during lambing and calving, which runs from 17 July to 10 September. The park was gifted to the people of Auckland by Sir John Logan Campbell, and its historic features include Acacia Cottage, built in 1841 and the oldest remaining wooden cottage in Auckland, which can be viewed from outside from 7am to dusk daily. Huia Lodge is the discovery hub, with interactive displays, helpful staff and a small gift shop, and there are three eateries, the Cornwall Park Bistro, the Cornwall Park Cafe and The Creamery, so it is easy to turn a walk into a long, relaxed day.
Getting around
The park’s main vehicle entrance is the Green Lane West gate, and the Kenneth Myers gate is on Manukau Road. Most paths are easy, and the eastern side is more accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The park borders Maungakiekie One Tree Hill Domain, the volcanic cone with the summit views, but road works have closed some vehicle access to the domain, and paid parking applies in selected areas of the park, so check the park’s website for current notices before you set out. Gates are locked outside opening hours.
Rules
Dogs must be on a lead at all times, and there are no off-lead areas. Drones, remote-controlled planes and metal detecting are not allowed, and commercial activity such as paid tours and classes is not permitted. Barbecues are free and first-come, first-served, so bring food for a picnic and clean up after use. Nothing may be pegged into the ground or tied to trees, and groups of thirty or more must register in advance.
Making the most of it
This is the place to slow down. It suits families with children who like animals and open space, picnickers, walkers and runners, and anyone who wants a break from ticketed attractions. A Tree Trail Map can be downloaded from the park’s website for a self-guided look at the trees.
Combine it with Maungawhau Mt Eden for two of the city’s volcanic viewpoints, or pair it with the Auckland Museum and the Domain for a day of free sights. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a rain jacket, and allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to a working farm park around a volcanic cone, with historic Acacia Cottage, a discovery hub and cafés.
Best time
Fine days from spring to autumn; check for lambing and calving restrictions from 17 July to 10 September.
How long
Two to three hours for a relaxed visit.
Tips
Keep dogs on a lead, do not touch the animals, check the park website for parking and access notices, and bring a picnic.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, walkers and picnickers who want a free green escape in the city.
- Families
- Children enjoy the sheep, cattle and open space, as long as they keep a respectful distance.
- Couples
- A slow walk, a picnic and a café stop make an easy afternoon.
- Pair with
- Maungawhau Mt Eden and the Auckland Museum in the Domain.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is Cornwall Park free?+
Yes, entry is free. Paid parking applies in selected areas, so check the park’s website for current details.
What are the opening hours?+
The park gates are open from 7am to 8pm every day, including public holidays. Gates are locked outside those hours.
Can I touch the animals?+
No. It is a working sheep and cattle farm, and visitors should not approach or touch the animals, especially during lambing and calving.
What is Acacia Cottage?+
Built in 1841, it is the oldest remaining wooden cottage in Auckland and can be viewed from 7am to dusk daily.
Can I bring my dog?+
Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead at all times, and there are no off-lead areas.
