Bolton Street Memorial Park - Visitor Information
Bolton Street Memorial Park is home to Wellington’s oldest cemetery, which dates back to 1840. The Park offers a tranquil, historically interesting escape, minutes from the city centre.
There is a heritage rose collection inspired by original graveside plantings. Blooms peak in November.
Many of early Wellington’s notable figures are buried here, including New Zealand company founder Edward Gibbon Wakefield, NZ’s longest serving prime minister Richard John Seddon, shoe merchant Robert Hannah, The Evening Post founder Henry Blundell and senior chief at Pipitea Pa, Te Ropiha Moturoa (of Ngati Mutunga).
Entry is free.
Location
Entry to the Park is from:
- Bolton Street
- a sign-posted pathway off Bowen Street
- the Botanic Garden - just beyond Anderson Park
The park sits either side of the motorway. A pedestrian over-bridge links The Terrace side of the Park to the Botanic Gardens.
Hours
Bolton Street Memorial Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Bolton Street Chapel
Graves at Bolton Street Memorial Park
A replica mortuary chapel on Bolton Street tells the park’s story and displays burial information. It is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm. There are hardcopy lists of everyone buried in the park at the chapel. Records are also available at the Karori Cemetery.
Walkways
The park is as popular with lunchtime joggers and walkers as it is with visitors to the city. A sign-posted heritage trail through the grounds gives a glimpse into Wellington’s colonial history. The trail is split into two, either side of the motorway. Each trail takes between 30 - 45 minutes to walk.
Access
Some parts of the trails are unsealed and include steps. There is no wheelchair access.
Guided Tours
The Friends of Bolton Street Memorial Park run guided tours tours from time to time. Call the Treehouse Visitor Centre for details.
Special guided tours are available by prior arrangement through the Treehouse Visitor Centre.
Maintenance
In order to do grave maintenance, you must first obtain a permit from Karori Cemetery and contact the Treehouse Visitor Centre.
More Information
| Treehouse Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | (04) 499 1400 |
| Fax: | (04) 499 1903 |
| Email: | treehouse |
Karori Cemetery Office
Phone: (04) 476 6109
Related Links
- Arts and Historic Places Trust website
- Bolton Cemetery website
- Botanic Garden - Events Calendar
- Cemeteries
- Friends of Bolton Street Memorial Park website
- The Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand website
- Walkways
Department Details:
Parks and Gardens
