Text and photography by Isabella Kemp (Paranormal NZ)
Tararu Cemetery is located 3kms north of Thames and was established in 1873.
To access the cemetery there is an area next to Sunset Motel where you can leave your car. Walk 2 minutes up state highway 25 where you will see an entrance track on your right. You will be at your destination once you make it up approximately 150 stairs on a steep hill. The cemetery has the most beautiful views of the Firth of Thames, which is a prime location to be buried! The final burial was in 1997.
These days, the cemetery is overgrown with weeds, and you can find a dead bird or two nestled next to the graves. Unfortunately, many of the graves have broken fences and headstones, with some headstones found in random places near where they came from. The area is in a state of ruin and requires care to walk around, which adds to the whole interest of the site.
One of six cemeteries in the area not in use.
