FAQ

If you have experienced a loss, please call Harbour City Funeral Home anytime, day or night. Our caring funeral directors in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kāpiti are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support you through every step. We will promptly arrange transfer and guide you through your choices for cremation, burial, or personalised funeral planning. You can rely on us for compassionate advice, respect, and genuine care when planning a funeral.

Wellington: 04 387 8301 | Lower Hutt: 04 570 0111 | Upper Hutt: 04 528 8924 | Kāpiti: 04 298 4888

Yes. Harbour City Funeral Home offers caring, 24-hour funeral services throughout Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the Kāpiti Coast. When you call, we will arrange prompt and compassionate transfer from your home, hospital, rest home, or any public place.

We support families throughout Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kāpiti, offering modern, comfortable and well-equipped chapels in each region:

● Wellington (Kilbirnie): Cockburn Street Chapel, Cnr Onepu Road and Cockburn Street (seats 150) with an additional overflow area & our small Chapel at 56 Onepu Road which offers a more personal setting, seating up to 20 guests.
● Lower Hutt: 665 High Street (seats up to 100) with an additional overflow area
● Upper Hutt: Cnr Ward Street & Fergusson (seats up to 130) with an additional overflow area
● Kāpiti (Paraparaumu): 300 Kāpiti Road (seats up to 170) with an additional overflow area
Each chapel is equipped for live streaming, accessible parking, and on-site catering for your convenience.

Most funerals in New Zealand, including those in the wider Wellington region, take place within 5–7 days after death. We can also plan a later service to accommodate travel, family arrival, or cultural and religious needs. There is no need to rush and we are here to help you plan a thoughtful farewell at your own pace.

Yes. Many families across Wellington, Kāpiti and the Hutt Valley choose to spend quiet time with their loved one before the service. Viewings are available Monday – Friday (8:30 am – 5 pm), with after-hours by appointment. You can also have your loved one at home or another special place; our funeral directors will help make the arrangements that suit your whānau best.

Yes. All Harbour City Funeral Home chapels offer professional live-streaming so family and friends can attend virtually from anywhere in New Zealand or overseas. We can also arrange streaming for church or outdoor services.

When arranging a funeral, your funeral director will explain all burial and cremation options in the Wellington region. Each local council offers burial options at their local cemeteries, including Whenua Tapu (Porirua), Mākara and Karori (Wellington), Taitā and Akatārawa (Hutt Valley), Awa Tapu and Waikanae (Kapiti). Some Wellington cemeteries allow multiple burials in one plot, which can be helpful for families planning ahead. There are a number of public and private crematoriums in the greater Wellington region, including our own crematorium which is scheduled to begin operation mid-2026.

Yes, we arrange eco-friendly and natural burials at Mākara Cemetery in Wellington and Ōtaki Cemetery. Natural burials follow key principles of no embalming, use of sustainable untreated caskets, and burial in the active soil layer. Each plot is planted with a native tree, and the cemeteries are restored as permanent native bush parks. This option is ideal for those wishing to minimise environmental impact after death and create beautiful, natural places for remembrance in Wellington and Ōtaki.

Funeral costs vary depending on your choices. Harbour City Funeral Home provides a written funeral estimate after your arrangement meeting for full transparency. See our funeral costs guide here for details. Funeral Costs Guide

Yes. Families arranging a funeral in Wellington, the Hutt Valley, or Kāpiti may be eligible for financial support, including the Work and Income (WINZ) Funeral Grant or ACC Funeral Grant. Our team is here to guide you through the application process and take care of the paperwork.

Harbour City Funeral Home registers the death electronically on the day of the funeral. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand issues the official death certificate within about five working days. We can forward it to you or your solicitor and provide JP-certified copies if needed.

Yes. We provide international repatriation from Wellington Airport and domestic transfers throughout New Zealand. Our experienced team coordinates with airlines, embassies, and insurers to manage all documentation and care with professionalism and dignity.

Yes. Pre-planning with Harbour City Funeral Home allows you to record your wishes and relieve future stress on your family. We also offer secure pre-payment through the FDANZ Funeral Trust. Pre-planning is available at all our Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Kāpiti locations.

Yes. Every family we serve can access our complimentary bereavement support service. It’s confidential, flexible and designed to help you and your whānau adjust in the weeks following the funeral.

Yes. Our funeral chapels in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Kāpiti have comfortable lounges for after-service gatherings. We can arrange on-site catering or recommend nearby venues if you wish to serve alcohol.