The Tararu Historical Cemetery is located just north of Thames on a hill high above the Pacific Coast Highway which provides an idyllic resting place for the gold miners and early settlers of the Grahamstown area.

The first burial was recorded in 1873, however, there were four internments noted that year before records began. The cemetery is now not in use, the last records show three internments that were made in 2006-7.

The staff at the Treasury have done some wonderful exploration of the history of this Cemetery, which you can read in full here.

‘The people of Tararu were immensely proud of their cemetery at Tararu and letters to the Editor, often remind the people of Shortland what they have managed to achieve. Almost a challenge to Shortland to take better care of their cemetery. Mention is made of the ornamental lodge at the entrance gates, where the Minister could take shelter and see the funeral procession coming; also that it was the most ornamental cemetery in the Province of Auckland. Although the Borough Council contributed some money to upkeep and improvements it was the families of those buried there that helped financially develop the cemetery.’ – from The Treasury.

The Tararu Cemetery is owned by the Crown (Department of Conservation) and informally managed by the Thames-Coromandel District Council.

The Tararu Cemetery is officially now a ‘disused cemetery’ rather than ‘closed’. There are however no new plots available at the Cemetery. Road access to the cemetery is now managed by the NZTA. (New Zealand Transport Authority).

If you’re into cemeteries, don’t forget to also check out the Shortland Cemetery in Thames.

Tararu Historical Cemetery Location
This is an easy place to miss so you need to pay attention! Drive north of Thames and head 300m past Tararu where there is a small access road on the opposite side of the road. Park here and walk up a steep flight of stairs to the cemetery.