A Melancholic Victorian Churchyard Tour

Join us for a unique journey through the graveyard of St John the Baptist, once part of Te Waimate Mission Station, exploring the lives, deaths, and mourning traditions of the Victorian era.

Among the weathered headstones lie stories often overlooked: women whose lives shaped the community, children taken too soon, Māori ministers who bridged worlds, and soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Ōhaeawai. Through their graves and memorials, we'll uncover a rich and sometimes poignant history of nineteenth-century life in the Bay of Islands.

Along the way, discover the customs Victorians used to confront death and remembrance. Learn why mirrors were covered after a death, the significance of mourning dress and jewellery, how families commemorated lost loved ones, and what the churchyard reveals about epidemics, infant mortality, and grief.

Following the guided tour, guests are invited to gather for a special wake-style afternoon tea inspired by Victorian traditions. The historic Mission House will also be open for viewing, offering an opportunity to further explore one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant heritage sites.

A reflective, fascinating, and sometimes surprising exploration of life, loss, memory, and mourning in Victorian times.

Your ticket includes afternoon tea and entry to the mission house.