Makara Cemetery - Introduction

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Makara Cemetery.

Makara Cemetery

Makara Cemetery, set on 84 hectares of semi-rural land in the Makara Valley, is Wellington's principal cemetery.

Location

Makara Road, Makara, Karori.

Open Hours

Monday - Friday:  7.30am - dusk

Office Hours

Monday - Friday:  8.00am - 4.30pm

Brief History

In 1940 as Karori Cemetery edged towards full capacity, the Board of Health required Wellington city to find another burial site for the population.

Makara was the chosen location. Land was bought under the Public Works Act in 1951 and 1955, and the first burial occurred in 1965. The cemetery is currently about one third full.

In 2008 Makara Cemetery became the first New Zealand cemetery to offer natural burials. An open grassy area of the cemetery has been set aside for this service. A native tree is planted on each plot.

More Information

Karori Cemetery Office

Phone: (04) 476 6109
Fax: (04) 476 8242

Related Links

 

Department Details:
Cemeteries (Parks & Gardens)