Last updated November 2026
Some of the earliest European graves in Whanganui lie on either side of Heads Road. Heads Road Cemetery is described by Heritage New Zealand and the district council as one of the four earliest European public cemeteries in New Zealand, and it is a Category 1 historic place on the Heritage New Zealand List. Its graves include those of early settlers, soldiers of the New Zealand Wars and Premier John Ballance.
Across the road from the main cemetery are the Catholic and Jewish sections, the Jewish one now marked by a single memorial listing the names of those known to be buried there. Whanganui District Council manages the cemetery, which is closed to new burials.
Practical Information
- Location
- Heads Road, Guyton Street and Ridgway Street, Whanganui
- Managed by
- Whanganui District Council
- Burials
- Closed to new burials
- Heritage status
- Heritage New Zealand List number 7700, Historic Place Category 1
- Guided walks
- The Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust can organise guided walks for groups
- Status
- Check Whanganui District Council’s cemeteries page before you go.
About Heads Road Cemetery
The cemetery dates from the first years of European settlement at Whanganui. The first known burial took place here in 1843, and Whanganui District Council describes the cemetery as a historic site from the early 1840s.
A Catholic cemetery was set aside across Heads Road in 1853, and the Jewish cemetery lies beside it. The main cemetery was given a new layout in the late 1860s. The road still divides the site, with the main cemetery on one side and the Catholic and Jewish sections on the other.
Soldiers who died during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s are buried here, alongside many of the town’s early settlers.
The main cemetery closed to general burials in the mid-1910s. The council lists Heads Road among the cemeteries it manages and notes that it is closed to new burials.
What to See
Premier John Ballance
Among the notable graves is that of John Ballance, a Premier of New Zealand.
The Jewish cemetery
The original headstones in the Jewish section were removed and replaced with one memorial engraved with the names of those known to be buried there.
War graves
Besides the soldiers of the New Zealand Wars, the cemetery holds the official war graves of three men who served in New Zealand forces during the First World War. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records them under the name Wanganui (Heads Road) Old Cemetery.
The Cemetery Circuit
Heads Road and the streets around the cemetery are also the course of the Cemetery Circuit, a motorcycle race held on Boxing Day.
Researching Graves
The Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust notes that burial records and monumental inscriptions for the cemetery can be consulted at the Alexander Heritage and Research Library in Queen’s Park.
From locals
What marks the Jewish section of Heads Road Cemetery across the road?
Is the cemetery a decent stop with kids, or is there not much for them?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like Whanganui’s outdoors?
Explore Whanganui Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Heads Road Cemetery?
On Heads Road, Guyton Street and Ridgway Street in Whanganui, with the main cemetery on one side of Heads Road and the Catholic and Jewish sections on the other.
How old is the cemetery?
The first known burial was in 1843.
Is the cemetery still used for burials?
No. Whanganui District Council says it is closed to new burials.
Who is buried there?
Early settlers, soldiers of the New Zealand Wars and Premier John Ballance, among many others.
Is it a heritage site?
Yes. Heritage New Zealand lists it as a Category 1 historic place, List number 7700.
Can I join a guided walk?
The Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust can organise guided walks for groups.
Where can I look up burial records?
The Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust says burial records and monumental inscriptions can be consulted at the Alexander Heritage and Research Library in Queen’s Park.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Heritage New Zealand: Heads Road Cemetery: the detailed list entry, with the cemetery’s history, layout and notable graves.
- Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust: Heads Road Cemetery: a short history and how to arrange a guided group walk.
- Whanganui District Council: Cemeteries and Crematorium: the cemeteries the council manages, including Heads Road.