Funerals are a part of life – a way to pay tribute to your loved ones with a final farewell. But it can be a difficult time and the emotional burden of arranging a funeral can be made that much worse by financial strain. According to the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand, the average cost of a funeral in New Zealand in 2023 was $7,5000 to $10,000. But funerals can cost more or less than this depending on the type of funeral you choose. Planning ahead could help relieve some of that pressure for your loved ones. So having an idea of how much your funeral might cost can be useful when you’re looking to take out life insurance. Let’s delve in and look at the kind of expenses you can expect from a funeral in New Zealand…
What Influences Funeral Costs in New Zealand?
Funeral costs in New Zealand are influenced by a variety of factors, including…
Location
The cost of funerals can vary significantly between regions. New figures released in 2025 by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand show how geography affects how much you could pay for a funeral, burial, or cremation. Their research showed the highest council costs for a burial were in New Plymouth and the lowest were in Taupo.
Type of Service
The choice of a traditional burial, cremation, eco-friendly funeral, or direct cremation can significantly impact costs. For example, having a burial generally costs a lot more than cremation.
Personal Choices
No two funerals are the same. From the type of casket to the venue, all the little personalisations can affect the overall cost of the service.
Types of Funerals
Funeral ceremonies aren’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are many different ways to say goodbye to a loved one. The type of ceremony someone has might depend on their faith, budget or personality. Understanding your options is an important part of funeral planning, so you can host the right send-off to honour the person’s life as well as their cultural and personal values. Below are some of the most popular services available.
Traditional Funeral
What a ‘traditional’ funeral involves will depend on whose traditions you’re honouring. For example, a traditional funeral could involve a formal service held at a church or funeral home, that concludes with a burial. Alternatively, a traditional funeral for some may be a Tangi, Putu, or Sauniga Maliu which each have specific cultural and spiritual customs.
The common feature of a traditional funeral being a gathering of family, friends and community, where guests can come together to mourn or celebrate the life of the deceased.
While traditional funerals are a popular choice, it can be more expensive than alternatives such as direct cremations or eco-friendly funerals. The specific cost can vary based on personal touches, location, and your funeral service provider.
Cremation
Cremation involves reducing the body of the deceased to ashes. This is generally more cost-effective compared to traditional burials for the following reasons…
- There’s no burial costs – cremation means there’s no need to purchase a burial plot, headstone, or pay grave maintenance fees, which are common expenses associated with burials.
- Reduced casket costs – while a casket may still be used for a cremation service, it can be less expensive than those used for traditional burials.
Overall, cremation can be a cost-effective and flexible option, but the specific cost of this service can still vary based on location and personal preferences.
Eco-Friendly Funerals
An eco-friendly funeral, also known as a green or natural funeral, is a practice that prioritises sustainability and minimises the environmental impact of the funeral. This can often result in a less expensive burial. Here’s why…
- Casket and materials – eco-friendly funerals often use biodegradable caskets or shrouds which are more cost-effective than traditional caskets.
- Embalming and preparation – minimal or no embalming reduces costs. Bodies are typically prepared using natural techniques that are gentler on the environment.
While eco-friendly funerals can save you some money, the exact impact on your costs can vary depending on personal choices and the availability of these greener funeral options in your area.
Direct Cremation
A direct cremation is a no-frills, cost-effective funeral option. The deceased is cremated shortly after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing. This is often cheaper because…
- There’s no formal service – with a direct cremation, you don’t have the expense of a formal funeral service, which could include facility rental, transportation, and ceremonial costs.
- The choice of casket – a simple, basic casket is used or in some cases, a container that is solely for the purpose of cremation. These are generally more affordable than traditional caskets.
- There’s no embalming – direct cremations often don’t require embalming, which can save you money on preparation costs.
While this can be a great cost-saving option, it’s important to note that not all funeral homes will offer this service. Beyond that, the exact savings can also vary based on your location and individual preferences.
How do individual choices impact the cost of a funeral?
There are a lot of variables and little details that contribute to the cost of a farewell or the celebration of a life. In this section, we delve into the key elements that make up a funeral service, to give you an idea of the costs involved with a funeral in New Zealand.
Funeral Director's Fees
Funeral directors play a central role in planning and coordinating all aspects of the funeral service, and their fees significantly impact the cost of a funeral. These fees cover a range of services including…
- Administrative Services – funeral directors handle paperwork, legal documentation, and logistics. They ensure all aspects of the funeral process run smoothly.
- Embalming and Preparation – preparing the body of the deceased for burial or cremation is a process that requires the unique skills of a professional funeral director.
- Transportation – funeral directors oversee the transportation of the deceased, including arranging for hearse services and other transportation needs.
The expertise and support provided by funeral directors can be invaluable when it comes to organising the perfect send-off for a loved one, but these professional services can come at a cost. The fee will depend on the location and the services chosen, and this is usually a significant factor in the total cost of a funeral.
Caskets
A casket is both a significant expense and a necessity for any funeral service and they come in many types and sizes. Here are some of the factors that might influence the cost of a casket…
- Material and Design – caskets can be made from wood, metal, or various other materials. The type of casket you choose will significantly influence the price, with high-end materials and intricate designs being more expensive.
- Interior Features – the interior lining and features of the casket, including padding and decorative elements, can also add to the overall cost.
The good news is that there are plenty of options. When planning a funeral, loved ones can choose from a wide range of caskets, from basic and affordable models to high-end, luxurious designs.
Transportation
The body of the deceased will need to be brought to the funeral home, and sometimes to a burial site or crematorium. Depending on your choices, there may also be a need for transportation for loved ones or other attendees on the day of the ceremony. This can add to the cost depending on the type of transportation you choose and who provides this service – for example, a funeral director.
Venue
The venue you choose for the ceremony can have a significant impact on the cost of a funeral. It’s common for families to host a gathering before or after the burial, which can add additional venue costs, particularly if you decide to include catering.
Burial vs. Cremation
As outlined above, there can be a significant difference in costs between a ‘traditional’ burial and a cremation, but there are other differences to consider too.
| Burials | Cremations | |
| Cost | Typically more expensive due to casket, cemetery plot, and headstone costs. | Generally more cost-effective as it doesn't involve purchasing a burial plot. |
| Timing | Depending on the type of burial, this requires timely arrangements and immediate decisions. | Allows for more time to plan memorial services, making it a more flexible choice. |
| Accessibility | Provides a specific location for loved ones to visit and pay respects. | May not offer a dedicated physical presence for remembrance. |
| Environmental Impact | May require land use and resources for cemeteries, potentially impacting the environment. | Considered more environmentally friendly as it doesn't consume land or resources in the same way. |
It's important to note that the decision between burial and cremation is highly personal and influenced by the individual, their culture or religion, and budget.
Administrative Costs
In the emotionally turbulent time of funeral planning, the cost of documentation and legal procedures can often be overlooked or forgotten. These costs can include fees for death certificates, burial permits, and important paperwork.
Unlike the more tangible aspects of a funeral, such as the casket or venue, legal and documentation costs are typically handled behind the scenes by funeral directors or other professionals. When planning a funeral, families may focus on the emotional or more visible aspects of the service, often underestimating the impact of these other essential expenses.
These costs are necessary and can add up, so it's important to be aware of them when the time comes to begin planning.
Paying for a funeral
In New Zealand, some government and private programs offer financial assistance for funerals, particularly for those in need. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary, so it's a good idea to research these options ahead of time.
If you’re thinking about your own funeral and the costs your loved ones will face, you could consider a life insurance policy. With Golden Life Insurance, you could secure a benefit amount of up to $250,0001 depending on your age and personal circumstances when you apply. This sum can be paid out to your loved ones after you pass away, which could help to reimburse your end-of-life expenses. You can find out more about the product here.
Peace of mind made simple
Funeral costs in New Zealand can vary widely, so it's important to plan thoughtfully and consider all of the various options. By understanding what might influence the cost, you can make informed decisions, saving yourself or your loved ones some stress during a difficult time.
If you’re interested in Golden Life Insurance, our team of specialists are on hand to answer any questions you might have and help you get your policy sorted. To find out more, give us a call on 0800 110 038, Monday to Friday from 10am - 6pm, excluding public holidays.