Funeral costs and paying for them
Funerals are bittersweet. They’re an outpouring of love, a chance to share and cherish memories, and celebrate the life of a loved one or friend. Yet they’re also solemn and often heartbreaking.
With so much emotion, we tend to overlook a major part of a funeral: the cost.
Even relatively simple funerals can cost thousands. Some families may also choose cultural or religious traditions - such as Māori tangihanga customs - which can influence the format, length, and associated costs of a funeral. So, here’s a breakdown of funeral costs in New Zealand, and your options for covering the expenses.
The average cost of a funeral in New Zealand
The average cost of a funeral in New Zealand can be as much as $10,000 or more, and some people may not have the money handy to pay for this in full. So, like any other big expense, you may wish to consider budgeting or making plans for your funeral, to assist your family at an already difficult time.
Burial vs cremation
Burial costs
Burial plot costs can vary, and it’s all dependent on the location and style of plot you purchase. For example, a standard quiet plot tucked away in the countryside will be more affordable than a scenic plot in or close to a city. The cost will also increase if you’re looking to bury two people on the same plot (as is common for couples or family members).
The plot itself can therefore cost anywhere from around $1,000 to $8,000. For example, Christchurch City Council charges $2,009 for a full-size (adult) plot. Costs vary by location, so it’s important to do research into your area and be prepared ahead of time.
One important thing to remember here is that it’s common for there to be a time limit on plots. That’s to say, you can pre-purchase a plot, but if it’s not used within a certain time frame (usually around 60 years), then it goes back to the city council. This isn’t usually an issue when pre-purchasing as an adult, unless you’re planning to break a lifespan record, which is currently 113 years and 109 days in New Zealand.
As well as paying for the burial plot, you’ll need to pay for the actual burial itself. The price here changes depending on the cemetery, and on the plot - it will cost more for extra depth if you’re planning to bury two on the same plot. Internment or “digging fees” vary from council to council. As an example, Dunedin City Council charges $1,896.60 for interments.
Cremation costs
Cremation is another cost that simply depends on the location and who’s facilitating it. Typically, city cremations by private companies are the most expensive, whereas rural cremations by councils tend to be cheaper. According to Consumer NZ, using a council-owned crematorium means that the cost of cremation can be between $600 and $1,100. However, private crematoriums typically charge more, so the average cost of a basic cremation around New Zealand can be as high as $5,177, according to the New Zealand Senior’s Cost of Death Report.
Urns are a more cost-effective choice when compared with traditional burials, which might be part of the reason why many Kiwis are turning to this option. An urn by itself can cost roughly $50 up to $500, depending on the material, size, and detailing.
A breakdown of common funeral costs
A coffin or casket
From the simple and standard, to elaborate and even hand-painted, coffins and caskets can be as personal as you want them to be. One source suggests that a casket will cost anywhere from $1,200 up to $5,000, with some priced even higher for premium fixtures and styles.
It all depends on the material, detailing, handles, lining, and finish. You may also be able to get a cheaper price when you purchase from a funeral home as part of a larger funeral package deal.
A headstone
Headstones can be understated plaques, large ornamental pieces, or even big statues. On average, people pay roughly $1,000 upwards for a headstone, with a more intricate headstone costing upwards of $5,000. It all depends on the materials, size, and details you think is best. This includes everything from a photo of your loved one, to a lengthy inscription, to a sculptural piece that reflects their life.
Transporting the body (including hearse fees)
Transporting the body to the funeral home, and from there to the burial site, all takes special care. Usually, your funeral director will make arrangements, and all you have to do is pick your favourite hearse.
The costs will all depend on the company you work with, and how they charge for these services, including the cost for hiring a specific hearse or if you would like a different kind of transportation vehicle.
In fact, in New Zealand, anyone can transport a body without a special license, but it’s worth noting that there are some special requirements for transporting a deceased person. This could be an option for those who wish to save on costs.
Embalming and other preparations
Embalming, and other preparations such as hair and makeup, and burial clothes, will add to the overall cost. Embalming itself starts at approximately $700, whereas other preparation costs will be anywhere from $100 up to $1,500, depending on what’s needed or preferred.
Note that embalming is not legally required in New Zealand – something to keep in mind!
Cool room services and storage
Between the passing and the actual funeral, you’ll need to pay for storage and care of the deceased. This is usually charged at a daily or nightly rate, so will depend on how much time it takes to organise a funeral. Some funeral homes will include this in their package, but you can expect a mortuary fee to be charged on a daily rate.
Funeral home or church fees
Another relatively large cost for funerals is the fee from the funeral home, venue, or church.
These fees usually include a number of items, from the service itself, to meeting with the family, coordinating all requirements, directing the funeral, registering the passing, and administration. Be sure to speak to your venue to see what they offer, as they might cost more, but include services such as hearse hire, storage, or celebrant fees within their overall package. The cost of a funeral can vary depending on several factors, so it’s important to know what you’re getting as part of a package.
Celebrant or minister’s fee
A celebrant or minister will lead the funeral service, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $800 or more for a celebrant, or the price may be included in the package if you choose to use a funeral home or funeral director service.
This person can work personally with the family or funeral director to help oversee the funeral arrangements, which can be a huge help when grief makes it difficult to make decisions or plans. That said, having a celebrant lead a funeral is entirely optional. You can lead it yourself or ask a cherished friend or family member to take a leadership role in the proceedings.
Catering food or drinks at the reception
If you’re hosting a gathering after the funeral, you may want to offer guests food and drinks so they can mingle, share stories, and settle their nerves with a nice cuppa.
It will depend on the number of people you expect to attend, but catering can cost around $30 - $60 per person, so $750 to $1500 for around 25 people, if hosted in your home or a similar private space. You may be able to save on costs if you DIY the catering or ask friends and family to pitch in.
Smaller costs
There are also a number of smaller costs that can add up to a few hundred all together, so keep these in mind as well:
- Flowers
- A death certificate
- Doctor’s fee
- Medical referee
- Death notice in the paper
- Printing the funeral program
Paying for a funeral in New Zealand
There’s no two ways about it - funerals can be costly. While there are definitely areas where you can try to keep costs down either by opting for the simpler version (such as with headstones and coffins), or by your family doing part DIY such as acting as a celebrant or hosting the reception at your/their house, you can still expect some money be required to be spent. Not to mention, if you feel all the bells and whistles are what’s required, then why not pull out all the stops?
Anyway, there are some options for paying for these expenses.
Often, costs come out of the deceased’s estate - their savings, assets etc.
In some cases, low-income earners can receive financial assistance from Work and Income New Zealand. This is capped at just over $2,600 and can go towards the most necessary parts of a funeral.
Another option is to consider funeral insurance. This lets you pay a regular premium in return for a lump sum benefit amount that’s paid to your family, nominated beneficiary, or estate when a claim is made.
With OneChoice Funeral Insurance, your loved ones can use the money as they need, and claims are usually paid within one business day of the insurer receiving all the required paperwork, so there’s no waiting around when it’s needed most.
31 Jul 2025