Nelson cemeteries and crematorium

Please note: Maps are progressively being developed for the Nelson City Council cemeteries to help with plot location (plot numbers and more importantly for location sake, the cemetery block number can be obtained from the cemetery records database). Those with maps are marked.

Marsden Valley

Situated in the Marsden Valley, behind Stoke, this is the main cemetery in Nelson city. It caters for burials and has a Memorial Walk of plaques for those who have been cremated.

Marsden Valley Cemetery was opened in 1952, but many of the large trees, including the redwoods on the Memorial Walk, were planted over 90 years ago.

People who opt for cremation may still decide to purchase a burial plot so they can have a full sized headstone, rather than a smaller plaque on the Memorial Walk; or you can have a name added to a family member¹s headstone in the burial area.

Marsden Valley is a lawn cemetery and there are guidelines about the size and type of headstone which fit in with the concept of a mown park.

There is an RSA section which is limited to service members and to the standard memorial plaque which is provided by the Department of Internal Affairs. The RSA can supply more information about arranging these plaques.

There is a children's area at Marsden Valley. A flowering cherry tree has been planted in an area set aside for people to leave toys and flowers in memory of their little ones. This keeps these items clear of the mown lawns.

The way we deal with the death of babies is a lot more informed these days, but unfortunately the Council does not have records of babies buried in an area formerly set aside for stillbirths.

The Marsden Valley Cemetery is mown regularly. Mowing times are advertised in the days before Christmas, so flowers placed at that time do not have to be removed.

Seaview Cemetery

(click here to view map of cemetery)

This cemetery, in Seaview Road Stoke, allows for memorials other than small plaques and headstones, although most people choose traditional headstones.

Hira Cemetery

There is space in this cemetery which is mainly used by families with a burial plot or local connections.

Wakapuaka Cemetery

(click here to view map of cemetery)

The Wakapuaka Cemetery dates from last century and is almost full, including the RSA section. Space is limited to family burial plots, however there is some space for cremation plaques on the lawn area near the main entrance and a children's area for burials alongside this.

Wakapuaka Crematorium

The Council owns the crematorium and contracts out its operation. There are two cremators and a chapel which is leased to the Nelson Genealogical Society. The terms of the lease allow for families to use the chapel for committal services, but most people in Nelson opt for services in churches or funeral directors' chapels.

There are some myths and rumours about what happens at crematoriums. It is helpful to know the facts about our Nelson crematorium:

• Cremations are held on the same day of the funeral service, or by arrangement immediately after the service.
• The entire coffin is burnt, handles are made of combustible material.
• Ashes are available immediately if the family requires them.
• The cremators burn at a very high temperature and are cleaned out between cremations.

The crematorium is open weekdays and Saturday mornings, but can be opened at other times by request. Wherever possible people's requests are met, for example some ethnic groups routinely attend the actual cremation.