Karori Cemetery Tours
Join the Friends of Karori Cemetery on Open Days and themed tours throughout the week.
Established in 1891, Karori Cemetery is New Zealand’s second largest burial ground, covering nearly 40 hectares. It is the final resting place of more than 85,000 people. Today, it is Wellington’s largest heritage site and a peaceful place to visit. See the activities programme below.
Family Research and Small Chapel Open Day
10am-3pm Monday 26 Oct & Sun 1 Nov
Friends of Karori Cemetery will be at the Shelter from 10.00am until 3.00pm on Monday and Sunday, to assist people searching for family plots and provide information about the cemetery.
The Small Chapel will also be open for visitors to view the interior and especially the stained glass windows which are superb examples of the work of the An Tur Gloine workshop in Dublin.
Throughout the day children can safely explore a designated area (accompanied at all times by an adult caregiver) to complete a quiz. Suitable for 5+ years, with a reward for everyone who participates.
Free. No booking required.
Introduction to Karori Cemetery
10:30am, 12:30pm, & 2pm Monday 26 Oct
10.30am Sunday 1 November
The Friends will take you on an easy walking, 1 hour long introductory tour of the cemetery.
The tours are free and do not require booking.
Off the Beaten Track
12:30pm Monday 26 Oct & 10:30am Sun 1 Nov
Explore some of the lesser known tracks around the cemetery, with stories from behind the headstones along the way. For people with moderate fitness.
$10 per person (children under 12 free), places must be booked via email friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com
Murder & Mayhem
10:30am Wed 28 Oct
This popular tour visits the graves of a number of people associated with murder and it’s aftermath.
$10 per person (children under 12 free), places must be booked via emailing friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com
Heroines & Housewives
1pm Wed 28 Oct
A selection of suffragists, educationalists, reformers and artists, as well as a few ordinary women who had extraordinary things happen in their lives.
$10 per person (children under 12 free), places must be booked via emailing friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com
First Catholics
1pm Sun 1 Nov
A new tour, being launched on All Saints Day. 1.5 hours duration, easy walking. Includes a visit to Catholic Orders (Marists, Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Compassion) as well as notable Catholic citizens buried during the first few years the cemetery was open.
$10 per person (children under 12 free), places must be booked via emailing friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com
Some tours require booking. Check the above tour programme. Email friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com to book (Remember to state the tour and time). More information provided on enquiry.
Location: 76 Old Karori Road Karori
Cost: Check price tours on the above tour programme
Contact: friendsofkaroricemeterytours@gmail.com
Accessibility: Wear walking shoes. Some walks are on steep terrain and are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with other mobility issues.