Water Cremation

Q: Are there ashes resulting from the process?

Yes, families receive the ashes to treasure as they wish, in the same way they would with a traditional flame cremation. Water Cremation results in about 20-30% more ash.

Q: Why would I choose water cremation?

Water cremation is considered by many to be a gentler way to be cremated, and an eco-friendlier way of caring for the bodies of our loved ones. No carbon is emitted in the resomation process itself, using water instead of flame, to reduce the body to ash. Water cremation offers another choice for people.

Q: Can there still be a funeral?

Yes, you can still choose to farewell your loved one how you wish. The water cremation would follow after the farewell has taken place.

Q: Do I need a casket for Water Cremation?

No, a casket is not used. Instead, a bio-degradable shroud is used.

Q: Can I still have a casket at a funeral?

Yes, talk to one of our funeral directors for your options.

Q: Does water cremation cost more than flame cremation?

Yes, however the overall cost is not hugely different. Water cremation is still very new in New Zealand therefore the only facility is located in Christchurch so there is often additional travel costs.

What is Water Cremation?

Water cremation is a modern alternative to flame cremation. It has been used by funeral homes over the world since the early 21st Century.

Instead of using flame, water cremation uses water and an alkaline solution (potassium hydroxide) under pressure to mimic the natural process the body goes through when buried.

The device that is used is called a ‘Resomator’. This is commonly referred to as the “gold standard” of water cremation technology. Using the Resomator, the processes that occur during burial take hours, instead of decades.

The benefit of this process is that it is a much gentler and more environmentally friendly form of cremation than using flame. There is no carbon emitted in the Resomation process.

There is currently only one Resomator in New Zealand, located in Christchurch.

Water Cremation Aotearoa

Water Cremation Aotearoa opened its first Water Crematorium in Christchurch on June 6, 2025.

Available now for the first time in New Zealand, the process itself produces zero carbon emissions and is an environmentally friendly choice.

Water cremation or Resomation, is currently permitted in parts of Canada, more than half of the United States, South Africa and Ireland.

Water Cremation FAQ's

Here are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions we get about water cremations.

Are there ashes resulting from the process?

Why would I choose water cremation?

What happens at the end of the Resomation process?

Bones are left behind and returned to the family as white bone ash. Anything that is not of the body, such as implants and pacemakers, remain behind – clean and intact – and can be recycled. A DNA-free combination of sugars, amino acids and soap also remains, and this is returned to the local water system. Any Metals are sterilised and sent for recycling. Proceeds from this are donated to local charities.

Can there still be a funeral?

Do I need a casket for Water Cremation?

Can I still have a casket at a funeral?

Does water cremation cost more than flame cremation?

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