About cemeteries in Nelson

Cemeteries are places of remembrance and reflection, where families can honour loved ones and connect with stories that shape our community. Nelson’s cemeteries provide peaceful spaces for grief and commemoration, as well as quiet places to visit, walk, and reflect throughout the year. They hold our shared history and heritage, marking significant moments in the lives of individuals, whānau, and our wider community.

Nelson City Council manages four active cemeteries and maintains several historic cemeteries that are no longer open for new burials and runs the crematorium at Wakapuaka Cemetery. All cemeteries are open to the public year‑round and are cared for to ensure they remain welcoming, respectful, and accessible places for everyone.

These cemeteries are closed to burials on Sundays, and to all funeral services during Public Holidays (unless exceptional circumstances prevail).

Please note all Nelson City Council facilities are smokefree.

If you require further information regarding cemetery services,
please phone 03 546 0200 or email interments@ncc.govt.nz.

For information on the regulations governing activities within Nelson’s cemeteries, please refer to Part Nine – Burial and Cremation of the Urban Environments Bylaw

Cemeteries in Nelson

The following cemeteries are administered by Council:

• Hira Cemetery
• Marsden Cemetery
• Seaview Cemetery
• Wakapuaka Cemetery

Find information on our historic cemeteries here.

Search cemetery Records

Use the cemeteries record search to find information on burials, interments, cremations, and plot purchases.

Plot Purchase

To use a cemetery plot for burial or ash interment, an Exclusive Right of Burial must be purchased. Many people also choose to pre‑purchase a plot for themselves or family members for future use.
More information on plot types and how to purchase a plot can be found here.

Burials, Ash Interments, and Ash Scattering

To arrange a burial, ash interment, or ash scattering in a Nelson cemetery, a Warrant of Interment is required. This is usually arranged by a funeral director, although ash interments and scattering may also be organised privately.
Details on the process, requirements, and how to make arrangements can be found here.

Cremations

Detailed information about the cremation process, and about the crematorium and chapel at Wakapuaka Cemetery, can be found here.

Headstones and Plaques

Information on headstones and plaques, including installation requirements, can be found here.

Fees & charges

Find the full schedule of fees and charges for our cemetery and cremation services here.