Funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements in New Zealand

Updated 4 November 2026

A funeral in New Zealand usually costs between NZ$8,000 and NZ$15,000 in total, and a simple cremation can cost much less. For current prices from funeral providers in your city, send a request on BlaBlaPrice and describe what you need in your own words.

What the price is made of

The funeral director's fee is usually the largest single item. Across the figures we found it ranges from NZ$3,000 to NZ$6,500, and in Auckland the packages come to between NZ$3,330 and NZ$6,105, depending on the services you choose. Services on weekends or public holidays cost extra. Cremation fees without a ceremony at the venue are typically NZ$1,000 to NZ$3,000, and a casket on its own is around NZ$1,200.

Registration and paying for it

Registration is time-sensitive: the death needs to be registered within 3 days of the burial or cremation, so confirm early who is handling the paperwork. If the person had a pre-paid funeral, up to NZ$10,000 of it is not counted as property when Work and Income assesses eligibility for support. The family can also contact the person's bank to apply for the funeral costs to be paid.

Timing and the seasons

Summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August, so the time of year changes how an outdoor graveside service is planned. Book the cemetery and the funeral director early, especially if you need a weekend or public holiday, because those services carry an extra charge. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga each need a provider in the city where the service will take place, so search locally.

What to put in your request

Tell providers what is needed and when, and name the city or cemetery. Say whether you want a burial or a cremation, who will handle transport, and whether there will be a service or farewell at a venue. List the coffin and supplies you want, plus your budget in NZ$, so that the quotes can be compared item by item. Ask every provider to put the full price in writing.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe the funeral in your own words in a chat, and the AI looks through sellers' websites and price lists in New Zealand and shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their own offer, and your contact details stay hidden until you decide to exchange them. Start with a request on the home page, or read about funeral services and headstones and memorials.