The cemetery lies on a ridge at the south of the Auckland isthmus, overlooking the Manukau Harbour.

[1] The cemetery is split in two by a large forested valley, adjacent to the Hillsborough Reserve.

[2] The cemetery is a part of the Waikōwhai Walkway,[3] which extends for 10 km (6.2 mi) linking Onehunga to Lynfield Cove.

[2] During the first six years of operation, very few burials were undertaken at the cemetery, primarily of paupers along the eastern section along Goodall Street.

Agreement was reached with Mount Roskill Road Board about access, though further discussed in 1923[8] and 1935.