1 / 3Te Whare Taonga o te Urupā - Bolton Street Cemetery Museum
📍 Wellington Central, Wellington
Bolton Street Cemetery Museum is free and set in Wellington's oldest burial ground, dating to 1840. The chapel is rebuilt from 1844 St Paul's timbers. Displays cover 9,300 burial records, colonial headstones and early Wellington history. Open daily.
I found my visit very interesting, it is only a small museum that records the history of the disinterred remains of 3,693 souls who were moved to make way for a new motorway in Wellington that began in 1968, a large indexed book records those souls and it was of interest that I found family members who now rest in the memorial garden vault close to the museum.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for history-curious families with children aged eight and up — the burial records, colonial monuments and relocated remains story are genuinely absorbing for older children and adults. The hillside cemetery paths suit confident walkers. Free entry makes it a low-commitment stop.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →12 Google reviews
John Hancock
4 years ago
“I found my visit very interesting, it is only a small museum that records the history of the disinterred remains of 3,693 souls who were moved to make way for a new motorway in Wellington that began in 1968, a large indexed book records those souls and it was of interest that I found family members who now rest in the memorial garden vault close to the museum.”
Bruce InCharlotte
2 years ago
“The former Sexton's Cottage acts as the visitor's center for the Bolton Street Cemetery. Lots of displays on the history of the burial ground including examples of headstones and maps of the different areas. The structure is open to the public and there is no admission charge. This is where you want to start your exploration of the cemetery.”
Dominic Tam
3 years ago
“Small Chapel now a museum with free admission. Was not manned when I visited but it exhibits are well preserved and have information. Good visit with lots of history.”
Giordo Deering
5 months ago
“So many styles of unique grave markers to see here. I highly suggest a visit if you find cemeteries charming and relaxing like I do.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Bolton Street Cemetery Museum occupies a reconstruction of the 1866 Anglican mortuary chapel, built from timbers salvaged from Wellington's first St Paul's Church (1844). Exhibits cover burial records for over 9,300 people, colonial maps, headstones and artefacts from Wellington's earliest decades. A large indexed book records 3,693 individuals relocated when a motorway was built through the cemetery from 1968. Over 1,300 carved monuments and colonial-era heritage roses line the hillside paths.
