Cornwall Park offers something for everyone, from expansive grassy areas perfect for picnics and ball games to grazing cattle, sheep, and native birdlife. The park showcases both New Zealand’s natural heritage, with stunning pohutukawa and golden-flowered kowhai trees, and beautiful introduced species like oaks and eucalyptus.
Each season of the year can be enjoyed in this park – from the lambs and daffodils in the spring to the autumn colours in April through to pohutukawa flowers in December. Even when the leaves have dropped from the old oak trees in winter, the trees still look majestic.
Tree lovers may like to read this NZ Herald article: Growing our heritage
| Walk time: | approx. 60 minutes |
| Distance: | about 5.14kms |
| Parking: | Carpark, Manukau Road entrance. |
| Track : | A mix of mainly level paths, and a few steep paths. |
| Difficulty: | Suitable for users of all ages and abilities |
| Buggies/Wheelchairs: | Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. |
| Highlights: | City views, harbour views, trees, Volcano, farm animals, observatory. The Park is home to many birds ranging from Native Pigeon, Fantail to California Quail, White-faced Heron and Paradise Shelduck. |
| Facilities: | Picnic tables, Barbecues, Children's Playground |
| FREE Map: | Download your FREE map of this walk |
Visit the information centre beside Cornwall Park Restaurant for detailed leaflets about the park’s trees and other features.
“One Tree Hill gives you nature, history, and a view of every part of Auckland in just one walk. It’s the perfect micro-adventure,” says Sandra.
One Tree Hill is an ancient volcano offering spectacular 360-degree views from its summit. You’ll see Auckland’s other volcanic cones (Mt Eden, Mt Hobson, Mangere Mountain, Rangitoto Island, Mt Wellington, and Mt Roskill) plus both the Waitematā and Manukau harbours stretching into the distance.
The park includes well-equipped picnic areas with barbecues, a charming bandstand, colorful flower beds, and safe cycling paths for children on bikes and scooters. Don’t miss the children’s playground and the fascinating Stardome Observatory Planetarium.
If you’re choosing between Auckland’s volcanic highlights: One Tree Hill offers a larger park experience with farm animals, café facilities, and excellent views, while Mt Eden features a dramatic crater and stunning city vistas.
For entertainment, check out the quirky 12-part video series “Steve McGill of One Tree Hill” about a loveable farmhand and his misadventures with sheep and gumboots.
Date of walk: May 2025
Weather and track conditions:
Clear skies, mild breeze, slightly damp grass
What I personally loved:
The peacefulness of sunrise over the harbour, the hum of the city below, and the sheep doing their best to pretend I wasn’t there
Any unexpected moments:
A spontaneous brass band rehearsal happening in the park made for an unexpectedly dramatic soundtrack!
Tips I’d give based on doing it myself:
Skip the summit road and take the pedestrian path, more scenic and peaceful
I like that tree!! pretty big for me 😀
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