Burial Services Christchurch & North Canterbury

Q: What cemeteries are available in Christchurch?

Christchurch has several active cemeteries, including Ruru Lawn, Memorial Park, Waimairi, and Belfast. We’ll explain the options, costs, and availability, and help with all the paperwork for purchasing a plot.

Q: Do we need to purchase a plot before the funeral?

Yes. A plot must be secured before burial. We can liaise with the cemetery office on your behalf and ensure everything is arranged in time.

Q: What is a committal service?

A committal is the part of the service held at the graveside, where family and friends gather for final prayers, readings, or goodbyes as the casket is lowered. Some families choose this as their only ceremony.

Q: Can we arrange a natural or eco burial in Canterbury?

Yes. Natural burials are available at specific cemeteries. These usually involve a biodegradable casket, no embalming, and a more natural setting. We’ll explain the local options and guide you through what’s possible.

Q: What about monuments or headstones?

A headstone or plaque is usually placed several months after burial, once the ground has settled. We can guide you through local stonemasons, designs, inscriptions, and council requirements.

Q: Can burial services be personalised?

Absolutely. Burial services can include music, flowers, cultural rituals, photo tributes, or livestreaming, just as cremation services do. Our role is to help you reflect your loved one’s life and traditions in a way that feels authentic.

Types of Burial Services

Traditional Burial Service

A funeral service is held at one of our chapels, a church, marae, or another chosen venue, followed by the burial at a local cemetery. Families often value the ritual of accompanying their loved one to the graveside.

Funeral Service Arrangements

Memorial Service after Burial

If the burial happens quickly — sometimes for cultural or religious reasons — a memorial service can be held afterwards, giving friends and extended family more time to gather and share stories.

View Memorial Services

Committal Only

Some families choose to have a simple ceremony at the graveside, without a separate chapel or church service. This can be intimate and meaningful, especially for smaller gatherings.

Upcoming Funerals & Livestreaming

To find details about an Upcoming Funeral, view funeral notices, send a tribute or view a video Livestream of a funeral service.

View all funeral notices

Planning a Burial

As your local funeral directors in Christchurch and North Canterbury, we’ll talk you through:

Choosing a cemetery and securing a plot.
Organising the funeral service and/or committal.
Arranging a headstone, plaque, or other memorial.
Eco-friendly burial options where available.
Cultural or religious traditions important to your family.

Every burial is unique. Our role is to help you make choices that feel right and to handle the details with care.

Talk to our team about burial services

Cemeteries in Christchurch & Canterbury

We’ll help you select a cemetery and handle all the arrangements.

Some of the cemeteries families choose in Christchurch and Canterbury include:

Canterbury Memorial Gardens – still has available plots.
Harewood Memorial Gardens – still has available plots.
Belfast Cemetery – still has available plots.
Bromley Cemetery – limited new plots, but ashes interments are available.
Diamond Harbour Memorial Gardens – natural burial area available.
Memorial Park Cemetery (Canterbury Park) – one of the main active cemeteries.
Ruru Lawn Cemetery – large, with ongoing capacity.
Waimairi Cemetery – still open for new burials.
Yaldhurst Cemetery – limited availability but still active

Green & Natural Burials

Eco-friendly choices are becoming more common, and we can support you with green burial options. These usually mean no embalming, a biodegradable casket, and natural settings where the grave blends into the landscape. Cemeteries in Canterbury that allow natural burials include: