Dunedin Northern Cemetery facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dunedin Northern Cemetery

Memorial to Thomas Bracken at Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.
Details
Established	1872
Location	Signal Hill, Dunedin
Country	New Zealand
Size	8-hectare (20-acre)
No. of graves	>13,000

An aerial view across Dunedin North, taken in 1955, showing Otago Harbour and Logan Point Quarry (top), Logan Park (centre), and the Northern Cemetery (bottom). The Larnach mausoleum is clearly visible.

The mausoleum of William Larnach and family is a miniature replica of the First Church of Otago. It was designed by Robert Lawson, who was also later buried at the cemetery.

The Dunedin Northern Cemetery is a very old and important cemetery in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. It sits on a hill near the Botanic Gardens and the suburb of Opoho. From here, you can look down over Dunedin North and Logan Park.

This cemetery covers about 8 hectares (20 acres) of land. It was first set up in 1872. The last burial plots were bought in 1937. The cemetery is part of Dunedin's "Town Belt," which is a green area around the city. Unlike many old cemeteries, the Dunedin Northern Cemetery does not separate people based on their religion. Its beautiful landscapes and tree-covered slopes make it a key part of Dunedin's history.

Exploring Dunedin's Historic Cemetery

The Dunedin Northern Cemetery is a special place. It holds the graves and tombs of many famous people. It is known for its unique design and important history.

Famous Graves and Tombs

One of the most well-known structures here is the mausoleum of William Larnach. A mausoleum is a building that holds the remains of a person or family. This one was designed by R.A. Lawson. It looks like a tiny version of the First Church of Otago, which is a famous church in Dunedin.

Other important people buried here include:

• Thomas Bracken, who wrote New Zealand's national anthem.
• Vincent Pyke, an early politician and explorer.

War Graves and Memorials

The cemetery also has graves for soldiers who died in wars. There are 17 graves for Commonwealth soldiers from World War I. There are also 3 graves for soldiers from World War II. These graves remind us of their sacrifice.

Visitor Information and Views

At the entrance to the cemetery, you will find a small building called the sexton's cottage. This building now has a visitor's centre. It can help you learn more about the cemetery.

At the southern end of the cemetery, there is a special viewpoint called the Bracken Lookout. This lookout offers amazing views. You can see across Logan Park, the University of Otago, and the central city of Dunedin.

Recognized Historic Site

The Dunedin Northern Cemetery is officially recognized as a very important historic place. It is listed on the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Register as a Category I Historic Place. This means it has very high historical and cultural value.

Notable People Buried Here

Many notable people are buried at the Dunedin Northern Cemetery. Here are a few:

• Thomas Bracken
• Alfred Henry Burton
• Thomas Hocken
• W. M. Hodgkins
• William Larnach
• Robert Lawson
• William Mason
• George O'Brien
• Ada Paterson
• Alfred Hamish Reed