Casket Prices NZ – What to Know About Costs

How much does a casket cost in New Zealand?

It’s one of the many first questions families ask when they’re starting to plan a funeral, and it’s a fair one. Casket prices NZ can vary quite a bit depending on the type, material, and any custom touches you choose.

Whether you're working within a budget or looking for a casket that reflects the personality of the person you're farewelling, understanding the typical price ranges can help ease some of the pressure during an already difficult time.

What affects the cost of a casket?

There are a few main factors that influence casket prices in New Zealand:

• Material – Traditional hardwoods like rimu or oak tend to cost more, while MDF or veneer caskets are usually more affordable. Metal caskets are less common here but can also be on the higher end.

• Size – Oversized or custom sized caskets will increase the overall cost.

• Finish – Features like glossy polish, decorative handles, or lined interiors can all affect pricing.

• Personalisation – Custom artwork or printed designs (like our eco caskets) vary depending on detail and complexity.

• Delivery or location – Rural or urgent delivery may also impact the price.

  
  

Typical casket prices NZ

To help you get a sense of casket prices NZ, here’s a general guide.​Traditional solid timber caskets. These usually start from around $3,000, depending on the type of wood, level of craftsmanship, and finishing details.

MDF caskets (Medium Density Fibreboard)

A more affordable option than solid timber. MDF is a type of engineered wood commonly used for standard caskets in New Zealand. These caskets generally range from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the finish and design.

Metal caskets

Less commonly used in NZ, but when chosen, they generally start from around $4,000.

Eco cardboard caskets

Cardboard caskets are generally one of the more affordable options. They often start from around $800, but the final price can vary depending on the design, size, and how your funeral home prices their services. Your funeral director can give you an accurate quote based on what you choose.

*These prices are indicative only. They can vary depending on the funeral home, chosen design, and may change over time.

At Outside The Box Caskets, our cardboard caskets are a simple, sustainable option that’s usually more affordable than solid timber. The board we use isn’t just any old cardboard, it’s specially engineered for us, made from recycled fibres, and designed to be strong enough for casket use. Our caskets are designed and made right here in NZ and can be left plain or printed with personal designs.

Read more about Becs the designer and founder of Outside The Box Caskets.

Why more people are choosing eco caskets

Simple. Sustainable. Personal.

It’s what many families are after, and it’s what our caskets are designed for.

Our caskets are:

• Made locally from recycled and FSC-certified cardboard

• Fully biodegradable and cremation-friendly

• Weight tested to 320kg.

• Available in natural kraft or custom-printed styles

  
  

If you're looking for something simple, expressive, or eco-conscious, our caskets offer a down to earth alternative to a traditional casket.

How to buy

Outside The Box Caskets are available through funeral homes throughout New Zealand. If you’re interested in one of our caskets, just let your funeral director know you’d like to choose Outside The Box Caskets. They’ll provide a full quote based on your chosen design and arrange everything on your behalf.

The price you’re quoted from the funeral home will usually include their time and service, not just the casket itself. Funeral homes all set their own pricing, which usually includes not just the casket, but the service and care they provide as part of the funeral arrangement.

If you're not sure where to start, have a look at our Stockists page to see which funeral homes offer our caskets.

And if your chosen funeral home isn’t listed, that’s okay, you can still ask for one. You don’t have to go with whatever’s presented to you.

We’ve put together a simple guide to help:

How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket – A Simple Guide

You can also browse our current range of custom cardboard caskets here to see some of the styles available.

Every family has different needs, and every funeral is personal. Whether you're looking for a simple, affordable option or something with a personal touch, understanding casket prices NZ can help you plan with confidence.