Cost of a funeral
Chatting about funerals and money may not be your ideal conversation, but managing your expenses and ensuring your loved ones are financially secure when it comes to immediate costs if you pass away is one way to gain peace of mind.
The average cost of a funeral in New Zealand is approximately $10,000¹, but only 5% of New Zealanders have pre-planned their funerals². So who will be left with the bill?
Whether you choose to have a cremation or burial, a simple service or traditional ritual, the associated costs may be more than you expect.
Did you know?
The average funeral in New Zealand costs approximately $10,000¹, but there’s only 5% of New Zealanders that have pre-planned their funerals².
What factors influence funeral prices?
Depending on your personal style and your family’s needs, these are the most common factors that will contribute to how much a burial or funeral will cost:
- religious, ceremonial or family requirements
- being buried or cremated
- the cost of a burial plot if being buried; including digging, casket, headstone, transportation, and council fees
- the cost of an urn, flowers, and funeral director
- where and when the funeral or memorial service is held
- if food and drinks will be provided for mourners after the ceremony
- other costs such as newspaper notices and death certificates.
Did you know?
Estimated costs from online quotes and websites suggest burial fees in New Zealand jump significantly for funerals held on a public holiday ($1,033) as opposed to a weekend ($362).³
Funeral expenses breakdown
When it comes to organising a final farewell, there may be more considerations for your family at the time of planning than you first thought. Creating a funeral that honours someone’s life may present the following expenses.
| Item | Average cost for Burial⁴ | Average cost for Cremation⁴ |
| Headstone | $1,719 | N/A |
| Coffin/casket | $2,532 | N/A |
| Cemetery and grave fees | $1,350 | N/A |
| Burial plot | $808 | N/A |
| Removal of body | $1,132 | $1,043 |
| Funeral car hire | $302 | $314 |
| Clergy fees | $142 | $706 |
| Flowers | $280 | $587 |
| Catering | $1,342 | $1,038 |
| Cremation fee | N/A | $1,630 |
| Urn or other location for ashes | N/A | $88 |
| TOTAL | $9,607 | $5,406 |
These are averages and the total costs associated with a funeral will depend on the type of funeral you wish to have.
