The Marsden Valley Cemetery is an attractively planted, picturesque area with well laid out pathways, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Near the gate in the Marsden Valley, there is a Marsden Cemetery Memorial Walk with plaques laid out on pathways under large redwoods and larches.
Marsden Valley Cemetery – STOKE
The mature redwoods and larches are older than the cemetery being planted in the 1930s. An attractive short Marsden Memorial Walk to the Marsden Valley starts at the redwood tree line. Follow the redwoods into a grove of English oaks and out to a lawn planted with standard roses.
Walkers will spy a seat with a rural view up the valley over farmland. Return on the same path through the redwoods. There is additional seating surrounded by standard roses to contemplate and enjoy the view.
Mardsen cemetery grounds cover 14.04 hectares. The land was purchased by the Superintendent of Nelson in 1859, and opened as a cemetery two years later. Most of it was administered by Trustees, but it was handed over to Nelson City Council in the 1880s. A remaining small area, administered by Church of England Trustees, was transferred to the Council in 1999.
MARSDEN CEMETERY LOCATION
Explore a historic cemetery where the early settlers of Nelson story is told on tombstones.
There are spectacular views from Wakapuaka cemetery, a beautiful walk through hundred year old redwoods in Marsden, Stoke and an intriguing park with historic graves peeping out from under bushes in Fairfield Park.
Nelson cemeteries is part of nzjane series on Cemeteries of New Zealand – Best Bits where to go and the odd ghostly story.
In Nelson’s Golden Bay the Collingwood’s historic cemetery is where headstones narrate stories of shipwrecks, floods, epidemics and early childhood deaths are a frequent story.
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The ornate wrought iron fences invite photographers inside to amble through the atmospheric grounds.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY MARSDEN, STOKE CEMETERY, NELSON?
Nearby Nelson’s Marsden cemetery explores (summer hours only) Isel House & Garden. Pack a picnic for a wander through Washbourne Gardens, a photographer’s spot.
Burial records for all Nelson cemeteries can be accessed on the Council’s website. A detailed map of plot layouts can also be downloaded if you are searching for anyone in particular.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
