"We were lucky to be included in B’s first tour of Karori cemetery, and had a very informative and entertaining time. B chose a strategic route that encompassed a combination of macabrely entertaining “accidentally killed” graves, local celebrities and political figures. Although we had often walked through the sprawling cemetery, B brought it to life with the human stories that lie beneath (and beyond) the mere masonry work. With humour she related the information she had researched relating to individual characters and to New Zealand’s history. Thoroughly enjoyable!"
Linda
Linda
WHY YOU SHOULD TOUR
KARORI CEMETERY
A guided tour is an effective way to become familiar with the main points of interest, accompanied with pertinent and interesting information presented by someone who has done thorough research and is able to present the information in an appropriate way.
Cemeteries are packed full of history and heritage values, and the graves, memorials, symbols and inscriptions tell stories about the lives of individuals, their families, and events happening in society over time. Karori Cemetery represents and reflects the development of Wellington city from 1891onwards, through two world wars, the 1918 'flu epidemic, and the economic depression of the 1930's. It was in the forefront of the movement away from burial to cremation, and the crematorium built in the grounds in 1909 demonstrates this strikingly, being the first in the southern hemisphere.
Karori cemetery is vast and set in a rolling landscape, which posed its own challenges for gravediggers, undertakers, and mourners. This tour will set the cemetery in its historical context, illuminate all sorts of interesting aspects of funeral rites and procedures, and bring to life - so to speak - some of those who were buried in the period 1891-1940. The focus will be on the earlier period of cemetery development when the cemetery was expanding rapidly. Various themes will be covered - including national memorials, Prime Ministers, notable women, the 1918 'flu epidemic, and those identified as "accidentally killed".
There are three structures in the cemetery which are registered with the Heritage New Zealand/Pouhere Taonga, and two national monuments.
To make a booking email
karoricemeterytour@gmail.com
or call me
021 0653 778
KARORI CEMETERY
A guided tour is an effective way to become familiar with the main points of interest, accompanied with pertinent and interesting information presented by someone who has done thorough research and is able to present the information in an appropriate way.
Cemeteries are packed full of history and heritage values, and the graves, memorials, symbols and inscriptions tell stories about the lives of individuals, their families, and events happening in society over time. Karori Cemetery represents and reflects the development of Wellington city from 1891onwards, through two world wars, the 1918 'flu epidemic, and the economic depression of the 1930's. It was in the forefront of the movement away from burial to cremation, and the crematorium built in the grounds in 1909 demonstrates this strikingly, being the first in the southern hemisphere.
Karori cemetery is vast and set in a rolling landscape, which posed its own challenges for gravediggers, undertakers, and mourners. This tour will set the cemetery in its historical context, illuminate all sorts of interesting aspects of funeral rites and procedures, and bring to life - so to speak - some of those who were buried in the period 1891-1940. The focus will be on the earlier period of cemetery development when the cemetery was expanding rapidly. Various themes will be covered - including national memorials, Prime Ministers, notable women, the 1918 'flu epidemic, and those identified as "accidentally killed".
There are three structures in the cemetery which are registered with the Heritage New Zealand/Pouhere Taonga, and two national monuments.
To make a booking email
karoricemeterytour@gmail.com
or call me
021 0653 778
