Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill are two independent parks, located together in Auckland, New Zealand. They are one of the city’s most loved green spaces, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities.
Here’s a look at both parks:
Cornwall Park
Location of Cornwall Park: Cornwall Park is situated in the suburb of Epsom, southeast of Auckland’s central business district.
History of Cornwall Park
The 230 acres of land of Cornwall Park was donated to the city of Auckland in 1901 by Sir John Logan Campbell, who had been a resident of Auckland since 1840. He stipulated that the land should remain free and open to the public forever.
The park is named in honour of the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) who was visiting Auckland at the time. In fact, Campbell presented the deeds to the then Duke and asked for consent to use the name Cornwall for the park.
What to see and do at Cornwall Park:
The Farm
The park has been farmland for over a century and this continues today with two full-time farmers looking after hundreds of sheep and cows. which are part of the Cornwall Park Farm Experience, allowing visitors, especially children, to interact with farm life.
From July to September you will be able to see cute lambs and calves. The best place to see them is at the Belvedere Steps, just south of the café at the bottom of the hill. You can see some of the lambs at the start of our video above.
Walking and Hiking
There are numerous trails throughout the park, from easy walks to more challenging hikes up One Tree Hill. There is an easier sealed road that goes up to the summit that can no longer be accessed by vehicles. In the video you can see it only took us around 40 minutes to casually walk to the summit starting at the bottom of the park near the café (and the cute lambs) and follow the road.
Acacia Cottage
Built in 1841, Acacia Cottage is Auckland’s oldest surviving residential building. Initially, it was constructed on Shortland Street in central Auckland. In the 1920s, the Cottage was moved from its original site to its current location in Cornwall Park. This relocation was part of an effort to preserve historical buildings, showcasing the cottage’s significance. Today, Acacia Cottage offers visitors a glimpse into early colonial life in New Zealand, providing educational value about the living conditions and architectural styles of the time.
Huia Lodge Discovery Hub
Huia Lodge is a historic building (built in the early 1900s) where you can learn more about Cornwall Park. There is even a “Lava Cave” where kids can learn about the park’s volcanic beginnings all the way to its current use as a public park and farm. This is also the place to buy souvenirs or gifts with all proceeds going to taking care of Cornwall Park.
Picnics at Cornwall Park
There are several picnic areas, making it a popular spot for families and groups. There are also areas with BBQs available for free use though they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Places to eat at Cornwall Park
If you want to purchase food and drink, there are three places:
- Cornwall Park Bistro: Fine dining
- Cornwall Park Cafe: Dine in and take-away
- Cornwall Park Creamery: Grab and go (best for ice cream in cones on a warm day)
Flora and Fauna
The park boasts a variety of native and exotic trees, including oaks, elms, and the iconic pohutukawa, often referred to as New Zealand’s Christmas tree for its vibrant red flowers during the holiday season.
The cherry blossoms start to bloom in late September / early October every year and generally last 4 weeks unless there is some wild weather.
Wildlife includes native birds (listen to the distinct song of the Tui), and the park’s management focuses on preserving and enhancing its biodiversity.
Cornwall Park stands out not just for its natural beauty but for its deep historical roots and the generosity of its donor, ensuring it remains a public treasure for generations. If you’re visiting Auckland, this park offers a serene escape from urban life, rich with history and natural wonders.
One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Location: Maungakieki / One Tree Hill is surrounded by Cornwall Park in the suburb of Epsom, southeast of Auckland’s central business district.
Name
Its Maori name, Maungakieki, comes from before European settlement and translates to “Hill of the Kiekie Vine.”
Its English name, One Tree Hill, comes from the solitary tree that once stood at its summit, though the tree has been replaced several times due to various incidents. In 2016, nine young native trees (tōtara and pōhutukawa) were planted at the top of the hill with the idea that only the strongest of those trees will remain.
At 182m (597 ft) Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, offers panoramic views of Auckland.
History
Originally a volcano (that last erupted around 67,000 years ago), Maungakiekie once had the largest Maori pã (fortifications) in the area which can still be partly seen in the surrounding landscape. This area changed hands many times among the pre-European period that Maori inhabited this land, and it was eventually sold by Maori chiefs to Thomas Henry in 1844. In 1847 it became a Crown reserve.
The Obelisk
On the summit of Maungakieki is an obelisk with a bronze statue of a Maori warrior in front of it. It was paid for by Sir John Logan Campbell after his travels through Egypt which influenced his decision to commission the building of an obelisk at the top of this hill.
Beneath the obelisk is Campbell’s grave, a plain granite slab with a single bronze wreath. When he passed away in 1912 at the age of 94, his body was transported from his Parnell home to his burial place on the summit.
Random Facts
✅ Irish rock band U2 wrote a song called “One Tree Hill” (for their album The Joshua Tree). It was written to honour Greg Carroll (a New Zealander employed by the band) who died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin.
✅ In 1878, Sir Campbell planted an olive grove at Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill which was the only commercial olive grove in New Zealand until the 1980s.
✅ Due to the spiritual and cultural significance of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill to Māori, and for pedestrian safety, the summit road was permanently closed to most vehicles in 2019.
