Question 1

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. We keep the package clear and will explain anything outside the standard service before anything is agreed. Extra costs may apply in some situations, such as transfer distance, after-hours collection, medical document fees or specific requirements outside the standard package.

Question 2

Is direct cremation cheaper than a traditional funeral?

Accepted Answer

Direct cremation is usually a lower-cost option because it does not include a funeral service, viewing, venue hire, catering, flowers, printed materials or other service-related extras. It is not a lesser choice. It is simply a simpler one.

Question 3

Why does the price vary by region?

Accepted Answer

Direct cremation costs can vary by region because transport, staffing, crematorium fees, supplier costs and travel distances differ across New Zealand.

The package inclusions stay consistent, but the final price depends on the location and arrangements needed.

Question 4

How much does direct cremation cost in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Direct cremation with Value Cremations starts from $1,945, depending on your region.

The package price can vary across New Zealand because transport, staffing, crematorium fees and supplier costs are different from region to region. The best place to check the current price for your area is the Cost page.

Direct cremation cost

Question 5

What is included in the direct cremation price?

Accepted Answer

The standard package does not include a funeral service or viewing, catering, flowers, newspaper notices, venue hire, memorial plaques, cemetery fees, ashes interment, an urn or decorative ashes container, doctor’s fees for medical documents, transfers outside the included distance or outside standard business hours, or oversized casket requirements if needed.

Question 6

Is a coffin or casket included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A basic cremation casket is included as part of the direct cremation package. You do not need to organise this separately.

Question 7

Is transport included?

Accepted Answer

Transport is included within the covered service area for your region. If the person has died outside the covered area, or if extra travel is required, additional costs may apply. We will explain this before anything is agreed.

Question 8

Is paperwork included?

Accepted Answer

We help organise the required documentation and certificates needed for the cremation. Some medical document fees, such as doctor’s fees, may be charged separately. If this applies, we will explain it clearly.

Question 9

Are ashes returned as part of the package?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Returning the ashes is included as part of the direct cremation package. We will explain how this works during the arrangement process, including what happens after the cremation and when the ashes are ready.

Question 10

Do I need to buy an urn?

Accepted Answer

An urn is not included in the standard direct cremation package. Ashes are returned to you in a simple container, and you can choose to buy an urn later if you would like one. There is no need to decide this straight away.

Question 11

Can we still have a memorial if it is not included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Direct cremation does not include a funeral service or memorial as part of the standard package, but you can hold a memorial later if you choose.

Question 12

Are flowers, catering or venue hire included?

Accepted Answer

No. Flowers, catering, venue hire and similar service-related extras are not included in the standard direct cremation package. This helps keep the service simple and affordable.

Question 13

What is not included in the price?

Accepted Answer

To keep the service simple and affordable, the standard package does not include:

A funeral service or viewing.
Catering, flowers, newspaper notices or venue hire.
Memorial plaques, cemetery fees or ashes interment.
An urn or decorative ashes container.
Doctor’s fees for medical documents.
Transfers outside the included distance or outside standard business hours.
Oversized casket requirements, if needed.

If you are unsure whether something is included, call us on 0800 825 832 and we can talk it through.

Question 14

When do we pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is made after the Application for Cremation forms have been filled in and we have confirmed the details with you for the collection location of your loved one.

Question 15

Can WINZ help with cremation costs?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to get help through a Work and Income Funeral Grant, depending on your circumstances.

A Funeral Grant can help with some funeral, burial or cremation costs, but it may not cover the full amount. Eligibility and payment amounts can change, so it is important to check the official Work and Income website for the most up-to-date information.

View WINZ Funeral Grants

Question 16

Can ACC help with cremation costs?

Accepted Answer

ACC may be able to help with funeral, burial or cremation costs if the person died because of an accident.
Eligibility, amounts and application steps can change, so check the official ACC website for the latest information.

View ACC financial help

Question 17

Can you provide an itemised account for a Funeral Grant application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are arranging a direct cremation with Value Cremations and need an itemised account for a Funeral Grant application, call us on 0800 825 832 and we can talk you through what is usually needed.
Work and Income or ACC will decide eligibility and payment. Value Cremations can provide information about the cremation cost, but we do not decide whether a grant is approved.

Question 18

How do I know which regional price applies?

Accepted Answer

Each location page explains the local package price, where we can collect from, and what happens next. If you are not sure which location applies, call us and we will help you choose the best location for collection of your loved one.

View all locations

Question 19

What if the person died outside a main centre?

Accepted Answer

We may still be able to help, depending on the location, timing and collection arrangements.

Call us on 0800 825 832 and we will explain what is possible and whether any extra travel costs may apply.

Cost and inclusions FAQs

Direct cremation costs

What is included

What is not included

Payment and financial help

Choosing the right location price

Still have questions about cost?