First Burials - an introduction to the oldest parts of Karori Cemetery

From 1840 to 1900 Wellington went through an extraordinary period of development and change. A small rugged beach under cliffs was transformed into NZ’s major port, NZ’s largest commercial centre and the seat of government. The Friend’s walking tour 'First Burials - an introduction to the oldest parts of Karori Cemetery' visits the graves of the industrialists, merchants, artists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, engineers, architects and scientists who made all this happen. We bring to life the early history of Wellington by telling the story of their experiences and exploits. The tour visits the old Public, Anglican, Catholic, and Servicemens Cemetery sections that lie at the centre of the Cemetery. This is a relatively compact area and the tour, though taking up to 2 hours, does not involve any difficult terrain.

Please note: This tour contains content and stories from two of our previous tours City and Nation Builders.

Each tour is $10 per person (plus non-refundable booking fee). Children under 12 are free.

Our tour has a maximum capacity of about 15 persons. If there are insufficient tickets remaining for your party, please email us at info@friendsofkaroricemetery.co.nz to check if we can accommodate you.

Please note:

If we have to cancel a tour due to inclement weather or sickness, we will notify you on the day 1 hour before the tour starts by email and on our Facebook page. The booking fee is non-refundable.

This tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long.

Please dress appropriately for the conditions. While we do our best to guide you on a safe walking route, during the winter months the ground can become slippery in places.

Some of our walks require a moderate degree of fitness and are not suited for those with limited mobility.

There is only one toilet which is located by the cemetery office at the main entrance.

If you have purchased tickets for other people can you please pass our tour information on to them as well.

Please meet us at the shelter (shown as the Historic Chapel on the map at the main entrance)

We look forward to welcoming you to Karori Cemetery.

Contact the host of Friends of Karori Cemetery: First Burials (June 2026) CANCELLED