Collingwood Historic Cemetery
A Walk Through Time: The Historic Collingwood Cemetery
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Station House Motel lies one of Collingwood’s most atmospheric heritage sites — the Collingwood Historic Cemetery, also known as the Old Cemetery. Perched on a quiet hillside overlooking Golden Bay, this resting place tells the story of the town’s early days, from the gold rush of the 1850s through to the turn of the 20th century.
A Cemetery Born in the Gold Rush
The first burials here date back to around 1857, when Collingwood (then called Gibbstown) briefly looked set to become a booming centre of New Zealand’s first South Island gold rush. Life on the frontier was tough: disease, mining accidents, and river drownings were tragically common, and many of those early settlers now rest on this slope above the town.
Stories in Stone
Wandering among the headstones, you’ll find tales both sad and inspiring. Many graves belong to children, a reminder of how fragile life once was. Others are of miners, farmers, and families who braved this remote corner of New Zealand in search of a new beginning.
One of the most significant burials is Tamati Pirimona Marino, a respected Māori chief from Aorere and a signatory to the Treaty of Waitangi. His presence here highlights the rich cultural connections between Māori and Pākehā in Golden Bay’s early history.
A Place of Reflection
The cemetery was used until 1902, when George Boggis — who wished to rest beside his wife Eliza — became the final person laid to rest here. Many plots remain unmarked, but a memorial plaque lists known burials to honour those whose stones have not survived.
Today, the site feels peaceful and slightly wild, with weathered fences, springtime snowdrops, and sweeping views across Collingwood and the coastline. It’s a place for quiet reflection and a chance to step back into the past.
Visiting Today
The cemetery is easy to reach: just head up Orion Street from the Collingwood township, or take the short walking track from Gibbs Road. Allow 20–30 minutes to wander slowly among the graves, read the inscriptions, and take in the view. Please treat the site with respect — it’s both a historic landmark and a sacred resting place.
Why We Love It
For our guests, the Collingwood Cemetery makes a perfect short outing — close to the motel, rich in history, and offering beautiful views over Golden Bay. It’s not just a cemetery; it’s a living storybook of Collingwood’s pioneering days.
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