Karori Cemetery
Karori Cemetery: A sprawling historical landscape, final resting place for thousands, and a poignant walk through Wellington's past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Karori Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Karori Cemetery: A sprawling historical landscape, final resting place for thousands, and a poignant walk through Wellington's past.
"A fascinating cemetery, a walk through Wellington's history, complete with beautiful native bird visitors."
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be sensitive. Avoid disturbing graves or being intrusive.
🗺️ Use a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific plots and navigating the vast grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

War Service Sections
Various locations within the cemetery
Neatly laid out headstones honoring those lost in war, offering a poignant glimpse into history.

Tangiwai Disaster Memorial
Near the main chapel
A solemn tribute to the 151 lives lost in the tragic 1953 railway bridge collapse.

SS Penguin Memorial
Near the main chapel
Commemorates the 75 lives lost when the inter-island ferry sank in 1909.

Harry McNish & Mrs. Chippy's Tribute
Specific plot (research needed)
A unique memorial to an Antarctic explorer and his cat, a testament to enduring stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be sensitive. Avoid disturbing graves or being intrusive.
🗺️ Use a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific plots and navigating the vast grounds.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🐦 Birdwatching Opportunities
Keep an eye out for native birds like tūī and kererū. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be sensitive. Avoid disturbing graves or being intrusive.
🗺️ Use a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific plots and navigating the vast grounds.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🐦 Birdwatching Opportunities
Keep an eye out for native birds like tūī and kererū. :bird:
🌧️ Be Prepared for Weather
Wellington weather can change quickly; bring layers and an umbrella. :umbrella:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Karori Cemetery is a vast and historically rich site, offering a poignant journey through Wellington's past. Visitors appreciate its scenic beauty, the well-maintained war service sections, and the unique memorials. However, some find navigation challenging in older, overgrown areas, and the sheer scale can be overwhelming for those seeking specific graves without a map.
"New Zealand's second largest burial ground, Karori Cemetery is the final resting place of about 83,000. It was established in 1891 and replaced the Bolton Street Cemetery as the primary burial ground. It was an interesting walk. The cemetery operates Australasia's first crematory which opened in 1909.
Where some cemeteries are "lawn-style" and some are "park", this one has some park-like features but some of it towards the middle are simply jungle. You'll find a number of war service sections, headstones neatly laid out with areas to sit.
There is a prime minister, a number of mayors and high level judges, explorers and social reformers. I was specifically here to visit the grave of Harry McNish who participated on Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914–1917 and the tribute to Mrs. Chippy, his cat that joined on the journey.
Not all pathways are marked and since I entered from one place and wanted to leave through the main entrance, it was a bit of reckoning to find the way.
Don't miss the memorials to those who were killed in the Tangiwai disaster (a railway bridge collapse in 1953 that killed 151 people) and the SS Penguin (an inter-island ferry that sank in 1909, causing 75 deaths)."
Bruce InCharlotte
"Fascinating cemetery... a walk through Wellington’s history, complete with beautiful native bird visitors (tūī, kaka and kereru) and a visual insight into the amount of the community lost to war and the Spanish flu (relevant graves marked). Worth visiting - thousands come and never leave."
Clementine Connor
"I've seen lots of cemeteries and this one has to be the most scenic one and very well maintained ( in the new parts )"
The Dude Behind The Camera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Karori Cemetery is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options include buses that run near the cemetery, though direct routes might require some walking. If you're looking for alternatives to driving, research local bus schedules or consider ride-sharing services.
Yes, several Wellington bus routes service the Karori area, with stops a short walk from the cemetery entrances. Check the Metlink website for the most up-to-date route information.
Cycling is possible, but be aware of Wellington's hilly terrain. There are no dedicated bike paths directly to the cemetery, so road safety is a consideration. :bike:
The main entrance is typically off Karori Road. There are also other access points, particularly if you are exploring specific sections or using different routes. A cemetery map is helpful for identifying these.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds, especially near the main chapel and administrative areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Karori Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. It's a public space for remembrance and reflection. :free:
The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific event closures or holiday hours. :clock:
While the cemetery is open until dusk, visiting after dark is generally not recommended due to safety and respect for ongoing services. Some visitors have noted a spooky atmosphere on Halloween.
Access to the grounds is free. If you are attending a service at the Karori Crematorium Chapel, there are no separate entry fees for visitors. :ticket:
For specific grave searches, you can utilize online resources like 'Karori Cemetery search' or 'Karori Cemetery find a grave' tools. A physical cemetery map is also available and highly recommended for navigation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Karori Cemetery offers a walk through Wellington's history, featuring war service sections, memorials to disasters like the Tangiwai disaster and SS Penguin sinking, and the final resting places of notable figures. You'll also find beautiful natural landscapes and native birdlife.
Yes, it's a popular spot for photography, especially for those interested in gothic or historical aesthetics. Remember to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
While official guided tours may not always be available, local historical societies or 'Friends of Karori Cemetery' groups sometimes organize events. Check their websites for schedules.
The terrain varies. Newer sections are often lawn-style and well-maintained, while older areas can be more overgrown and jungle-like, with unmarked pathways.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors can find quiet spots for reflection. However, it's important to be mindful of ongoing services and the respectful nature of the cemetery. :picnic_sun:
📸 📸 Photography
The war service sections offer striking symmetry, while the older, overgrown areas provide a more atmospheric, gothic feel. The memorials to the Tangiwai disaster and SS Penguin are also visually impactful.
The main restriction is to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during services, and be mindful of not disturbing graves or the solemnity of the site.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and privacy of visitors and to avoid disturbing wildlife. It's best to check with cemetery management or local aviation authorities before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures, but be mindful of navigating uneven terrain. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the more accessible and visually interesting sections, like the war graves, and perhaps the memorials to the Tangiwai disaster or SS Penguin. Engaging children with stories of the people buried there, like Harry McNish and Mrs. Chippy, can make the visit more relatable. Ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit. :child:
📸 Photographers
Remember to be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive setups, especially if services are ongoing. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the grounds, while a macro lens can highlight intricate carvings and inscriptions. Consider visiting on a misty or overcast day for that classic gothic cemetery aesthetic.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Genealogists
Don't miss the memorials to significant historical events like the Tangiwai disaster and the SS Penguin sinking. These provide a broader context for understanding the challenges and tragedies faced by past generations. The presence of war service sections also offers a direct connection to those who served their country.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through Wellington's History
Visitors can explore various sections that tell compelling stories. The war service sections are particularly poignant, with neatly arranged headstones honoring those who served. Beyond military tributes, the cemetery also commemorates victims of significant local tragedies, such as the Tangiwai disaster (1953) and the sinking of the SS Penguin (1909), offering a tangible connection to the community's shared history of loss and remembrance.
Among the notable figures interred here are prime ministers, mayors, judges, explorers, and social reformers. One unique point of interest for some visitors is the grave of Harry McNish, a participant in Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, and the tribute to his cat, Mrs. Chippy. These individual stories, set against the backdrop of thousands of lives, make Karori Cemetery a deeply moving place to explore.
Navigating and Experiencing the Grounds
The cemetery is also a haven for native New Zealand birdlife. Visitors often report sightings of tūī, kaka, and kererū, adding a unique natural dimension to the experience. This blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes Karori Cemetery a place of quiet contemplation and discovery.
For those interested in photography, the cemetery offers a wealth of opportunities. The atmospheric conditions, especially on misty or grey days, can create a dramatic and spooky ambiance, as noted by some visitors. However, it's crucial to approach photography with sensitivity, respecting the solemnity of the site and avoiding any actions that could be perceived as disrespectful to the deceased or their families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit