▻  When Someone Dies
 ▻  First Steps 
 ▻  Who to Notify  
 ▻  Burial or Cremation
 ▻  Transfers (NZ & International)
 ▻  Funeral Timing
 ▻  Embalming
 ▻  Death Registration
During your first contact with Aoraki Funeral Services, our funeral director will ask whether your loved one had wished to be buried or cremated. The preference determines the type of medical certificate we are required to obtain.

Burials

A burial can be arranged in most cemeteries either in an existing grave, for example, shared with a deceased spouse or family member, or in a new plot. Our team can arrange all the details for the proposed final resting place anywhere in New Zealand. 

Cremations

The option of cremation offers several advantages, the most significant being that it is more cost-effective. Returning the ashes of a loved one who has passed away overseas is easier and less expensive. Those wishing to be buried in a family plot when there is insufficient space for a casket can have ashes interred.​

Frequently asked questions

  • When will the ashes be returned to us?        Generally, the cremation will take place on the day of the service and the ashes will be available within 48 hours.
  • What does “private cremation’ mean?                Only the funeral director, alone or with family members, goes with the hearse to the crematorium. Talk to your funeral director about whether this is the best option for your family. The choice is always yours.
  • How do I know the ashes are our loved one’s ashes?                                                                          Only one casket with one deceased person is placed in the cremator, so you can be assured that the cremated remains are only those of your loved one.
  • Are the handles removed from the casket?          ​If required by local body by-laws some crematoria will remove the handles before cremation. This is to comply with the control of emissions standards in that area.
​​Our Funeral directors are always available to help you should you have any questions. You are always welcome to contact us ​