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
Transfer completed during business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) are 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
These fees cover the professional services we provide and do not include essential items such as the casket, cemetery or cremation fees, death certificate, and other third-party costs. Once we understand your wishes, we’ll provide a full written estimate outlining all expected expenses.
The Professional Service Fee is a fixed charge for engaging Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors. It also contributes to the essential overheads of running our business, including staff wages & training, rent, vehicles, insurance, rates, and the systems we rely on to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
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 enormous trust in the people who will guide you through one of life’s most emotional and difficult times. This fee ensures that the team supporting you is experienced, professionally qualified, and available whenever you need them.
It matters because the funeral industry in New Zealand is not regulated. Not all providers are trained or held to any formal standards.
At Robert J. Cotton, we choose to be members of both the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Embalmers Association because we are committed to best practice at every level.
It also matters because quality care doesn’t happen by accident. While this fee helps cover the day-to-day costs of running our business, its purpose is to ensure your family receives the level of professional service, dignity, and care you deserve.
It’s not the cheapest part of the funeral. But it’s the part that ensures everything else goes right.
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.
