Starts at 308-312 Manukau Road, Epsom
Discover the rich history of spectacular Cornwall Park, gifted to the people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, by Sir John Logan Campbell in 1901.
Start at the original entrance to Cornwall Park on Campbell Crescent, by Sir John Logan Campbell's statue and fountain.
Stroll along leafy Pūriri Drive on the red chip path, and cross Green Lane West at the traffic lights. Head left into the main area of Cornwall Park past the historic stone wall.
Wander along the paths through the trees and gardens of the old hospital grounds, the flagstaff in the centre of the car park is the last remnant of these structures. The hospital was constructed in 1942 for the United States Army and continued to serve the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland until 1974.
Take the loop path through the paddocks of our working farm, home to sheep and cattle. This portion of the walk will require you to climb over stiles. See if you can spot volcanic rocks, remnants of Maungakiekie’s eruption and keep an eye out for birds – over 30 different species have been identified here.
After visiting the farm, join the path again past Te Toka-i-tāwhio (labelled as Rongo Stone). This tūāhu is a taonga which was found by Sir John Logan Campbell, abandoned on the slopes of Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta Three Kings. He labelled it the Rongo stone after spending years trying to find its history and based on available knowledge at the time.
Cross Twin Oak Drive which blooms with snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells in the spring and is a much-photographed icon of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. In the nearby roundabout, look closer to find the ‘secret’ sunken garden - originally designed to be viewed from a horse and carriage.
Follow the path up Michael Horton Drive to look out from the top of the Memorial Steps. This is a great spot for a picnic or barbecue, or just to enjoy the sweeping views over the city. Stop in at Huia Lodge Discovery Hub to learn more about Cornwall Park. Built in 1903, Huia Lodge was originally home to many park caretakers and their families over the years.
Across the road you will find Acacia Cottage, one of the oldest residential wooden houses in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The building was commissioned by two pioneering early European settlers, Sir John Logan Campbell and William Brown and built in 1841. Step inside to find out more.
From here, follow the path past native trees (including kauri, tōtara and tītoki) back to the Green Lane West park exit. Cross back to Pūriri Drive at the traffic signals and return to the starting point. On your left you will see a double alley of trees, this marked the original pathway into Cornwall Park.
Cornwall Park is managed by the Cornwall Park Trust. For more information about the park visit the Cornwall Park website.
