24/09/2025. Northern Cemetery-Botanic Garden. Grade 1.5. Hikers. Leaders: Wendy Langley and Linda Partridge
On a beautiful sunny blue sky spring day 28 happy hikers gathered in the upper botanic garden carpark
ready to visit the Northern Cemetery to hear a bit of history of early Dunedinites buried in this cemetery which was opened in 1872 and has about 17000 burials.
We set off on the Lovelock Bush track which took us through to the upper gates of the cemetery. We walked around the various parts of the cemetery stopping to look at the graves of about 38 people of interest and to hear Wendy give us a brief summary of the history of the person interred. The graves included people who have left a lasting legacy to Dunedin and its people, among these people were William Larnach, R A Lawson, Charles Begg, Robert Glendining, Richard Hudson, William Gregg, Arthur Beverly and Emily Seideberg.
Some sad stories were also relayed on those who lost their lives in tragic circumstances due to several shipwrecks, a stage coach accident, a fire in the Octagon and a Kaitangata mining disaster. Another grave of interest was Oscar Balk who was the first president of the Otago Tramping Club in 1923 and had some connection with the naming of the Pineapple track after a tin of pineapple left by trampers was found on the track. The other grave we looked at was of Ada Massey a 10 week old baby who was the first burial in 1872.The last grave we visited was for a Samuel Bastard.!
We stopped for morning tea at the sextons cottage where some took a look inside, there is a lot of information there for anyone looking for family connections or have an interest in the heritage roses planted throughout the cemetery.
By 11.30 it was time to return to the gardens, we stopped briefly to look at the birds in the aviary before having lunch in the very colourful azalea garden, everything was looking lovely in the sunshine and the magnolias made a wonderful display.
After lunch we headed down to the lower garden walking through the cherry walk,
certainly looking its best at the moment, then continued down through the Mediterranean garden, stopping at the Mediterranean terrace to admire the views.
Once in the lower garden we took a leisurely stroll around then headed back up the hill, one steep section on the path called for a rest at the lookout before we continued our way back to the carpark.
A lovely day out in the sunshine was enjoyed by all. We had our well earned afternoon refreshments at Emersons.
Thanks To Jenni W for assisting as tail end charlie for us at the Northern. Wendy and Linda
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.