Cemeteries in Nelson

The Nelson City Council operates four cemeteries, maintains a park-like setting in four historic graveyards which are now closed and runs the crematorium at the Wakapuaka Cemetery.

Please note: Maps are progressively being developed for the Nelson City Council cemeteries to help with plot location (plot numbers and more importantly for location sake, the cemetery block number can be obtained from the cemetery records database). Those with maps are marked.

Marsden Valley

Situated in the Marsden Valley, behind Stoke, this is the main cemetery in Nelson city. It caters for burials and has a Memorial Walk of plaques for those who have been cremated.

Marsden Valley Cemetery was opened in 1956, but many of the large trees, including the redwoods on the Memorial Walk, were planted over 90 years ago.

People who opt for cremation may still decide to purchase a burial plot so they can have a full sized headstone, rather than a smaller plaque on the Memorial Walk; or you can have a name added to a family member¹s headstone in the ashes burial area.

Marsden Valley is a lawn cemetery and there are guidelines about the size and type of headstone which fit in with the concept of a mown lawn park.

There is an RSA section which is limited to service members and to the standard memorial plaque which is provided by the Department of Internal Affairs. The RSA can supply more information about arranging these plaques.

There is a children's area at Marsden Valley. A flowering cherry tree has been planted in an area set aside for people to leave toys and flowers in memory of their little ones. This keeps these items clear of the mown lawns.

How we deal with the death of babies is a lot more informed these days, but please note that the Council does not have records of babies buried in an area formerly set aside for stillbirths.

The Marsden Valley Cemetery is mown regularly. Mowing times are advertised in the days before Christmas, so flowers placed at that time do not have to be removed.

For ease of locating graves, a computerised touchscreen is available at the Cemetery Office near the main entrance. Simply tap in the name of the deceased person/s on the screen and you will be provided with the burial plot and area. A brochure with a map is available next to the touchscreen to assist with locating the grave. Please note that this service is available to the public during Cemetery Office after hours.

View a map of Marsden Valley Cemetery (177KB PDF)

Seaview Cemetery

The Seaview Cemetery in Seaview Road Stoke allows for memorials other than small plaques and headstones, although most people choose traditional headstones. Ashes plots are also available for purchase. View a map of Seaview Cemetery (132KB PDF).

Hira Cemetery

Hira Cemetery is available for ashes and burials and is mainly used by families  that have an existing burial plot or local connections.

Wakapuaka Cemetery

The Wakapuaka Cemetery dates from last century and is almost full, including the RSA section. Space is limited to family burial plots, however there is some space for cremation plaques on the lawn area near the main entrance and a children's area for burials alongside this. Planning is underway for a natural burials section, which will be sited at the top eastern end of the Cemetery. View a map of Wakapuaka Cemetery (15MB PDF).

A number of heritage trails are set in the Wakapuaka cemetery, including:

Wakapuaka Crematorium

The Council owns the crematorium and contracts out its operation. There are two cremators and a chapel. Families are able to use the chapel for committal services, but most people in Nelson tend to opt for services in churches or funeral directors' chapels.

There are some myths and rumours about what happens at crematoriums. It is helpful to know the facts about our Nelson crematorium:

  • Cremations are held on the same day of the funeral service, or by arrangement immediately after the service.
  • The entire coffin is burnt, handles are made of combustible material.
  • Ashes are available immediately if the family requires them.
  • The cremators burn at a very high temperature and are cleaned out between cremations.

The crematorium is open weekdays and Saturday mornings, but can be opened at other times by request. Wherever possible people's requests are met, for example some ethnic groups routinely attend the actual cremation.

The phone number for Wakapuaka Crematorium is 03 545 1139.

Historic cemeteries

There are two historic cemeteries in Nelson with heritage information available, the Quakers cemetery on the Wellington Walkway, and the Hallowell cemetery near Shelbourne street. These are noted on the routes of the Heritage Walks.

Who to contact

For information about burial or cremation services, contact your local funeral director. They also keep copies of the Council's Cemetery Bylaw and can explain them to you. For all information about cemeteries, location of graves and Council bylaws and regulations relating to the operation of the cemeteries and crematorium, contact customer services on +64 3 546 0200.