Nelson City Council

Nelson City Council manages four active cemeteries, maintains the grounds of four historic graveyards which are now closed for further burials and runs the crematorium at the Wakapuaka Cemetery. All cemeteries are open to public visitors every day of the year.

Opportunities for the commemoration of loved ones are provided for at Marsden Valley Cemetery, Seaview Cemetery, Wakapuaka Cemetery and Hira Cemetery.

These cemeteries are closed to funeral services on Sundays and mostly during Public Holidays (unless exceptional circumstances prevail).

Marsden Valley Cemetery

Marsden Valley Cemetery is the main cemetery for Nelson and caters for most burials in the city. Find out more about Marsden Valley Cemetery.

Wakapuaka Cemetery

The historic Wakapuaka Cemetery is now closed for the purchase of burial plots, so only those with pre-purchased plots can be buried in the grounds. Find out more about Wakapuaka Cemetery.

Seaview Cemetery

The Seaview Cemetery in Seaview Road Stoke is a smaller cemetery that allows for memorials other than small plaques and headstones, although most people choose traditional headstones. Ashes plots are also available.  Find out more about Seaview Cemetery

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. Find out more about Hira Cemetery.

Wakapuaka Crematorium

The crematorium is comprised of two cremators and a chapel. Find out more about Wakapuaka Crematorium.

Booking Interments

Normally arrangements for an interment are made just before burial. Funeral directors can arrange the plot and make interment bookings on your behalf, as part of their service.

All burial plots other than natural burial plots are dug to a double depth unless otherwise specified. This allows for later burial of another loved one in that plot.

Standard interment hours are between 10.00am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Interments requested outside of these hours will incur an additional charge.

Bequests and donations

Council gratefully accepts bequest or donations for the development and maintenance of Nelson cemeteries. Please contact Nelson City Council for more information.

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.