How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral can vary significantly, depending on the choices you make, just like building a house or dining at a restaurant. Some families choose something simple; others include more elements such as flowers, service sheets, catering, etc. Council fees for burial or cremation also vary by region.
At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we believe in being upfront about pricing because it’s the right thing to do. You deserve to know exactly what to expect - no hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Grief is hard enough without financial uncertainty.
We also take care to ensure your budget is respected. If we see costs heading beyond what was discussed, we’ll let you know and offer thoughtful recommendations to bring things back in line, without compromising what matters most to you.
funeral price guide
We’ve created a clear and transparent price guide. It includes options for:
Cremation and burial without a funeral service
Full funeral services for 50 or 100 guests
If cost is a factor, please talk to us. We’re here to help you find a solution that’s both respectful and manageable.
Funeral costs & pricing guide
Helping your family plan with confidence.
We understand that planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unexpected. Our goal is to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.
Sometimes, certain services are needed early on, even before we’ve had the chance to meet or complete paperwork. The information below outlines the costs for those early services.
Once we’ve spoken with you and understand your family’s wishes, we’ll provide a full written estimate with all expected costs.
If you decide not to proceed with the funeral after early services have been carried out, we’ll issue an invoice for any upfront costs incurred.
Transportation
A transfer completed during business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) is included in the Professional Service Fee.
After-hours transfer (includes weekends):
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: $172.50 incl. GST
8:00 pm – 8:00 am: $287.50 incl. GST
Home Transfer – Private viewing at home (if requested, each way): $172.50 incl. GST
Mileage (outside Palmerston North): $3.00 per KM incl. GST
Care & Preservation
Embalming (standard preparation for viewing or service)
Embalming (after hours)
Post-mortem case preparation
Post-mortem case (after hours)
Short-term care without embalming (temporary preservation - no viewing)
SERVICE
PRICE (incl. GST)
$839.50
$943.00
$950.00
$1,100.00
$460.00
Embalming is a process that helps slow the natural changes that occur after someone has passed. It allows us to care for your loved one in a way that supports a peaceful, natural appearance, which is especially important if you’re planning a viewing or need time for extended family to come together.
It also gives you the time and space to make arrangements without feeling rushed, while ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity and care throughout. In some cases, embalming also supports hygiene and peace of mind during extended viewings or when time is needed before the service.
Additional Charges for Weekend and Public Holiday Funerals.
Saturday Funeral $400.00 incl. GST
Monday Funeral (Applies when the funeral is held on a Monday following a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday passing, with no business day available to make arrangements.) $400.00 incl. GST
Statutory Holiday Funeral $650 incl. GST
Professional Service Fee
From the moment we’re engaged, our team is available around the clock to guide and support your family—whether it’s during the day, in the middle of the night, on weekends, or public holidays.
This fee is a fixed charge that not only covers the professional support and coordination we provide, but also the overheads required to maintain a responsive, high-standard funeral home. These include staff salaries and ongoing training, rent, rates, vehicles, insurance, and the systems that ensure we can deliver consistent, dependable care whenever it’s needed.
It does not include third-party costs such as the casket, cremation or cemetery fees, or death certificates.
Full Funeral $4,128.50 incl. GST
Direct Cremation $2,070.00 incl. GST
The professional service fee enables us to offer families the following care and coordination, ensuring nothing is overlooked during this important time:
24/7 access to our funeral director team
Transfer of your loved one into our care (during business hours)
Meeting with the family to receive instructions
Liaison with celebrants, clergy, venues, and musicians
Coordination of medical documentation and legal requirements
Full funeral planning in line with the family’s wishes
Preparation and placement of newspaper notices
Crematorium or cemetery booking
Use of vehicles and viewing facilities
Aftercare support as needed
Why It Matters:
When you engage a funeral director, you’re placing your trust in professionals to guide you through one of life’s difficult moments. This fee ensures:
Your family is supported by qualified, experienced staff
You receive consistent, high-quality care
Our business remains equipped, trained, and responsive
Unregulated Industry, Trusted Standards
New Zealand’s funeral industry is not regulated—there are no compulsory training standards. That’s why we choose to be members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Embalmers Association, upholding best practices at every level.
It’s not the cheapest part of the funeral. But it’s the part that ensures everything else goes right.
Palmerston North City Council - Burial and Cremation fees
To assist with planning, we’ve included the current Palmerston North City Council burial and cremation fees below. These council-set charges apply to services at Terrace End, Kelvin Grove, Ashhurst, and Bunnythorpe cemeteries.
While many of these fees—such as plot purchase, cremation costs, or interment charges—are already factored into our full funeral price guide, we provide them here separately for families who wish to understand specific details like the cost of a double-depth plot or ashes interment.
These fees are set by the Council and are GST inclusive. For those living outside the Palmerston North City boundary, additional fees may apply.
