Understanding cremation costs in NZ: What you need to know

There’s a question waiting for all of us: Burial or cremation? 

For approximately 70% of Kiwis, the answer is cremation. It’s a hugely popular choice in New Zealand for a multitude of reasons, from being able to be released back into nature, to being an eco-friendly option, to being more affordable than a traditional burial. 

While cremation is often the more affordable option, there are a few factors that can influence the overall cost. Here’s what you need to know. 

How much does cremation cost in New Zealand? 

According to our research for our New Zealand Seniors Cost of Death report, cremation costs an average of $5,177 around the country for a basic funeral. 

Keep in mind that the cost will vary greatly depending on the type of funeral you wish to hold, and your region. For example, the cost of cremation for a basic funeral in Auckland can be as low as $2,624, whereas the cost of cremation for a premium funeral in Wellington can be as high as $9,089. 

Costs can also vary depending on whether you opt to use your local council cremation service (if there is one) or if you go with a private company. 

That said, even if you’re opting for a premium funeral in a more expensive area, a burial is usually more expensive. 

What’s included in a cremation service? 

In most cases, you don’t just pay for cremation by itself – you usually buy a cremation package. 

This typically includes: 

  • The cremation itself
  • A funeral service or ceremony
  • Transport of the deceased
  • Document organisation 
  • A basic coffin 
  • Friendly service to guide you through the process 

With that being said, it is also possible to purchase just the cremation. This is known as a direct cremation, but also goes by many other names, including ‘basic’, ‘bare’, ‘simple’ or ‘no service no attendance’, so keep an eye out for those terms on a website if that’s what you’re looking for. 

A direct cremation is usually the cheapest option and only includes the bare minimum cremation. So keep in mind you may need to take care of the documentation yourself, and organise a separate memorial or farewell if you wish to have one. 

Extra costs to consider 

There are many costs that can quickly inflate the price of a funeral, even if you are opting for a cremation. 

Be sure to include any extra services or inclusions you want to add to the day so you can account for the price and budget accordingly. 

These additional costs can include: 

  • Flowers and floral arrangements
  • Live streaming of the funeral service
  • An urn
  • Arrangements to distribute ashes
  • Newspaper notices
  • Catering

It can be time-consuming and costly to try to estimate the overall price of a funeral. Use our Funeral Cost calculator to quickly gain an idea of how much a funeral might cost. It includes options to factor in for your region, whether you’re planning a burial or cremation, and optional extras such as presentations, flowers, and more. 

Planning ahead to ease the financial burden 

Even though the cost of a cremation is lower than that of a burial, it’s still important to think about how you’ll pay for yours ahead of time. 

That money can of course come from your savings, which is known as your estate after you pass away. However, if you were hoping to give all of your savings to a loved one, you might be looking for an alternative option to cover your funeral costs. Keep in mind that alternative ways will likely mean a dip in your overall savings.  

New Zealand Seniors offers funeral insurance for Kiwis aged 18-79 looking to make arrangements to cover the costs of their funeral. You can request a quote online to find out more about how funeral insurance could help cover your funeral costs and ease the financial burden on your loved ones.


30 Jul 2025