Gillespies Beach Cemetery

Overview

A small, windswept burial ground tucked behind the dunes, the Miners Cemetery is one of the most atmospheric stops at Gillespies Beach. It’s a quick stroll from the road end, but it feels a world away—part memorial, part time capsule of the 1860s gold rush.

What You'll See

Expect a handful of marked graves (with others unmarked) dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Names here trace the story of early miners and settlers—many from Catholic communities—and the hardships of a remote coast. The cemetery sits near the original settlement, with the Tasman Sea on one side and forest and wetlands on the other.

A Bit of History

Gold was found in April 1866 and the beach exploded into a boomtown. Life was tough: supplies came along the coast, and miners even cut a tunnel through Gillespies Point to pass tidal bluffs. The cemetery was officially established in 1896 after earlier burials, and it stands as a simple tribute to those who worked these sands.

Planning Your Visit

There are no amenities at the gravesite. Use the toilets and parking at the Gillespies Beach recreation area/campsite near the car park, then follow the short track to the cemetery. The access road to the beach is unsealed and narrow—take it slow. Dogs aren’t permitted on the Miners Cemetery Walk.

Pair It With

Make this a thoughtful add‑on to other short walks at Gillespies Beach. Nearby you can see rusting gold‑dredge remains or continue north toward the historic miners’ tunnel; farther on, Galway Beach hosts a New Zealand fur seal haul‑out—observe quietly from a distance.

Conditions to Expect

Weather changes fast on this coast; heavy rain and westerly gales are common. Sandflies are notorious here, especially in calm conditions—bring repellent and cover up. The Tasman Sea is powerful and unsafe for swimming; stick to the tracks and dunes.

Best Time to Visit

Come in daylight hours on a clear day for the most evocative setting and wider views. A breeze helps with sandflies, and the experience is generally quieter than the glacier valleys. If you plan to continue beyond the cemetery toward the miners’ tunnel or Galway Beach, check tides before you go.