Cremation & Direct Cremation Christchurch & North Canterbury

Q: What happens during a cremation service?

A cremation service can look very similar to a burial service. Families gather for a ceremony, which may include readings, eulogies, music, and cultural traditions. At the end, the casket is taken to the crematorium. Family may choose to attend the committal or not — it’s a personal choice.

Q: What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation is when the cremation takes place without a funeral service beforehand. Families may still choose to hold a memorial service later. It’s a lower-cost option but still ensures your loved one is treated with respect and dignity.

Q: Can we have a memorial service after cremation?

Yes. Many families hold a memorial at a chapel, church, marae, home, or outdoor location after the cremation has taken place. This can be days, weeks, or even months later, allowing time to gather family and friends.

Q: What happens to the ashes?

Ashes can be returned to you in an urn, interred in a cemetery, placed in a memorial garden, or scattered in a special place. We can show you urns and keepsake options , and guide you through local memorial regulations.

Q: Is cremation suitable for all cultures and faiths?

Cremation is widely accepted, though some faiths and traditions prefer burial. We support all cultural practices – from Christian and non-religious services, to Māori, Pacific, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and more.

Q: Can cremation be eco-friendly?

Yes. Eco-options include using a casket made from sustainable materials, biodegradable urns, and choosing local, seasonal flowers and catering. We’ll guide you through the choices available in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Types of Cremation Services

Planning a funeral is about creating a service that reflects your loved one’s life and gives family and friends the chance to come together. Whether you choose burial or cremation in Christchurch or North Canterbury, we’ll guide you through the decisions step by step.

Planning a Cremation

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

Choosing the right venue for a cremation service.
Deciding whether family will attend the committal at the crematorium.
Selecting a casket or eco-casket for cremation.
Options for ashes: interment, scattering, or keeping them in a memorial urn.
Creating a memorial service later, if that suits your family best.

We’ll also guide you through local facilities and what to expect at a crematorium in Christchurch or Canterbury.

Talk to our team about cremation

Planning a Cremation

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

Choosing the right venue for a cremation service.
Deciding whether family will attend the committal at the crematorium.
Selecting a casket or eco-casket for cremation.
Options for ashes: interment, scattering, or keeping them in a memorial urn.
Creating a memorial service later, if that suits your family best.

We’ll also guide you through local facilities and what to expect at a  crematorium in Christchurch or Canterbury.

Talk to our team about cremation

Frequently Asked Questions  About Cremation

What happens during a cremation service?

What is direct cremation?

Can we have a memorial service after cremation?

What happens to the ashes?

Is cremation suitable for all cultures and faiths?

Can cremation be eco-friendly?

Cremation followed by a Memorial Service

Some families prefer to hold a memorial after the cremation, often days or weeks later. This allows time to gather wider family and friends, sometimes in a less formal setting. Memorial services can include music, readings, photo tributes, and cultural traditions, without the time pressures of a funeral day.

Learn more

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is a simple, no-service option. It can suit families who prefer privacy, or when a memorial is planned later. Even without a service at the time, we ensure dignity and care throughout.

Learn more

Considering cremation?

We’re here with professionalism, care, and over 140 years of  experience helping Christchurch families when they need it most.

Christchurch (03) 379 9920

Kaiapoi (03) 327 7499

Local Crematoriums in Christchurch

Families in Christchurch and North Canterbury have access to two main crematoriums. We’ll help you choose the right one, and guide you through what to expect if you wish to attend the committal.

Canterbury Crematorium – Linwood

Located at Linwood Cemetery, Canterbury Crematorium has been serving Christchurch families for many years. It offers a peaceful setting, with a chapel on site that can be used for services before cremation.

Visit Canterbury Crematorium

Harewood Crematorium – Wilkinsons Road

Harewood Crematorium is set among park-like grounds in the north-west of Christchurch. Families often appreciate its modern facilities and quiet location.

Visit Harewood Crematorium

Caskets, Urns & Keepsakes

For cremation, families may choose from a wide range of caskets, eco-caskets, and urns. We’ll guide you through the options, from simple and dignified to more personalised designs. Keepsakes, such as small urns or jewellery, are also available if you’d like to share ashes among family members.

View Caskets, Urns & Keepsakes

Cremation Costs

We believe families should know costs upfront, with no hidden fees. Cremation is often one of the more affordable options, but costs will vary depending on the type of service, venue, and casket chosen. We’ll talk you through what’s involved and give you a clear, itemised outline.

View Pricing

Personal Touches

Choosing cremation doesn’t mean you have to give up on a meaningful farewell. Services can include music, flowers, cultural rituals, photo tributes, or livestreaming, just as they would for a burial.

Some families choose a simple cremation, while others create a full service or memorial. However you wish to say goodbye, we’ll help you personalise the day so it feels right for your family.