Water Cremation2026-08-05T10:56:18+12:00

A Gentler Farewell Honouring Life and the Environment

Bell, Lamb & Trotter proudly leads the way, offering this innovative and environmentally friendly service to Kiwi families. At Bell, Lamb & Trotter, we’re proud to be the first in New Zealand to offer water cremation – a revolutionary, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation.

New Zealand's first provider of water cremation services

A Gentler Farewell Honouring Life & the Environment

Bell, Lamb & Trotter proudly leads the way, offering this innovative and environmentally friendly service to Kiwi families. At Bell, Lamb & Trotter, we’re proud to be the first in New Zealand to offer water cremation – a revolutionary, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation.

Young boy outside with in nature

A Gentle, Dignified Process

  • Uses water and gentle, natural alkaline compounds instead of fire.
  • Allows for a softer, more natural process, resembling the body’s natural breakdown over time.
  • A modern yet respectful choice for families looking for alternative aftercare.

Eco-Friendly Alternative to Flame Cremation

  • Uses significantly less energy than regular cremation.
  • Doesn’t release harmful airborne gases, including carbon dioxide and mercury emissions from dental fillings.
  • Helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of funeral services.
Eco-friendly water cremation
Gentle water farewells

Respectful for Cultural and Religious Beliefs

  • Aligns with traditions that discourage fire-based cremation.
  • Provides an option for those who prefer a process closer to natural decomposition.

Environmentally Responsible

Traditional flame cremation releases a lot of carbon dioxide and harmful chemicals into the air. Water cremation produces 1/10th the carbon footprint and involves no burning or fossil fuels. It’s a greener choice for those who have cared for the planet in life and wish to leave a lighter environmental footprint in death.

Water cremation, also known as aquamation, uses a gentle process that mimics nature’s way of returning a body to the earth, with up to 90% less energy consumption and significantly reduced carbon emissions. This service aligns with our commitment to providing meaningful, respectful farewells with the future of our planet in mind.

0%
Less Energy Consumption
Water cremation system at Bell, Lamb & Trotter

What is Water Cremation?

Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, is an innovative and eco-friendly way to lay a loved one to rest. Unlike traditional cremation, which uses fire, this process relies on water, alkaline chemicals, and gentle heat to accelerate the natural decomposition process.

Environmentally Responsible

Traditional flame cremation releases a lot of carbon dioxide and harmful chemicals into the air. Water cremation produces 1/10th the carbon footprint and involves no burning or fossil fuels. It’s a greener choice for those who have cared for the planet in life and wish to leave a lighter environmental footprint in death.

Cremation Types

Compared

Water Cremation

  • Environmental Impact:

    Produces 1/10th the carbon emissions
    and uses no fossil fuels or burning.

  • Process:
    A gentle process using water and alkali, mimicking natural decomposition.
  • Ash Quantity:

    Produces more ash, giving families a greater amount for memorialisation.

  • Byproducts:
    Creates a non-toxic liquid byproduct that can be safely returned to the earth.

  • Ritual Opportunities:
    Ashes can also be used to nourish plants or grow a living memorial.

  • Energy Use:
    Consumes significantly less energy, making it more eco-friendly.
  • Community Health:

    No harmful emissions, preserving air quality and reducing community impact.

Traditional Cremation

  • Environmental Impact:
    Emits about 240kg of CO2 per
    cremation, equivalent to driving 600+ km.
  • Process:
    Involves intense heat and burning, using fossil fuels and generating pollutants.
  • Ash Quantity:

    Yields less ash due to higher temperatures and combustion.

  • Byproducts:
    Releases harmful chemicals
    like mercury into the air.

  • Ritual Opportunities:
    Ashes can be scattered,
    kept, or buried.

  • Energy Use:
    Requires high energy to
    maintain the burning process.
  • Community Health:

    Air pollutants can contribute to local environmental and health concerns.

Funeral Cost Compared

We cater our services to the needs of each person and their family, so the type of service and cost can vary. However, the below provides a general idea of costing for the services we provide.

Feel free to talk to us at any time – we’d be happy to provide an estimate based on your exact requirements.

Water Cremation
Funerals

Traditional Cremation Funerals

Our most simple of cremation options. For when no service is required.
  • Professional services fee ($2995)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • Cremation shroud ($360)
  • The ability to view and spend time with the loved one at our premises, where possible.
  • Transportation to the crematorium
  • Cremation fees and associated costs ($1450)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

Use of Our Little Chapel for a small group of people to gather together.
  • Professional services fee ($3995)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • A 100% New Zealand wool shroud ($360)
  • The ability to view and spend time with the loved one at our premises, where possible.
  • Use of Our Little Chapel for up to two hours to gather and spend time.
  • Cremation fees and associated costs ($1450)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A small, straightforward farewell at our premises or another location, for when they ‘didn’t want a fuss’ but friends and family want to say their goodbyes.
  • Our professional services ($5395)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Temporary hygienic preservation ($625)
  • Viewings, when desired
  • Casket hire for Funeral Service ($500)
  • Cremation Shroud ($360)
  • Casket flowers ($175)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities
  • Livestreaming of service at our premises
  • Hearse hire ($350)
  • Water cremation fees ($1450)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A memorial service takes place after a water cremation. This is a common choice where there is a delay between someone’s passing and the service taking place.
  • Professional services fee ($5395)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • Cremation Shroud ($360)
  • Transportation to the crematorium
  • Water cremation fees and associated costs ($1450)
  • Press newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • 60 A5 service sheets ($235)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities and inbuilt livestreaming
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A traditional or contemporary funeral with 100 people in attendance, followed by a water cremation.
  • Professional services fee ($5395)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Full hygienic preservation ($975)
  • Hire of Walnut Foil Casket ($850)
  • Cremation shroud ($360)
  • Large casket spray ($300)
  • Newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • Hearse hire for the day of the funeral ($350)
  • 120 Service Sheets ($445)
  • Audiovisual presentation ($175)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities (includes live-streaming)
  • Catering for 100 people – catering and wait staff ($2210)
  • Water cremation fees and associated costs ($1450)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

Our most simple of cremation options. For when no service is required.

  • Professional services fee ($2995)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • A basic cremation casket ($675)
  • The ability to view and spend time with the loved one at our premises, where possible.
  • Transportation to the crematorium
    Cremation fees and associated costs ($1350)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

Use of Our Little Chapel for a small group of people to gather together.
  • Professional services fee ($3995)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • A basic cremation casket ($675)
  • The ability to view and spend time with the loved one at our premises, where possible.
  • Use of Our Little Chapel for up to two hours to gather and spend time.
  • Use of a hearse for transportation to the crematorium ($350)
  • Cremation fees and associated costs ($1350)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A small, straightforward farewell at our premises or another location, for when they ‘didn’t want a fuss’ but friends and family want to say their goodbyes.

  • Our professional services ($4995)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Temporary hygienic preservation ($625)
  • Viewings, when desired
  • Customwood casket ($1100)
  • Casket flowers ($175)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities
  • Livestreaming of service at our premises
  • Hearse hire ($350)
  • Cremation fees ($1350)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A memorial service takes place after a cremation. This is a common choice where there is a delay between someone’s passing and the service taking place.

  • Professional services fee ($5395)
  • Transfer from place of death ($350)
  • Simple hygienic care
  • A basic cremation casket ($625)
  • Transportation to the crematorium
  • Cremation fees and associated costs ($1350)
  • Press newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • 60 A5 service sheets ($235)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities and inbuilt live-streaming
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

A traditional or contemporary funeral with 100 people in attendance, followed by a cremation.

  • Professional services fee($5395)
  • Transfer into our care at any time ($350)
  • Full hygienic preservation ($975)
  • Viewings, when desired
  • Walnut Foil Casket ($1850)
  • Large casket spray ($300)
  • Celebrant’s fee ($450 – celebrant dependent)
  • Newspaper notice ($150 – approximately)
  • Hearse hire for the day of the funeral ($350)
  • 120 Service Sheets ($445)
  • Audiovisual presentation ($175)
  • Use of our Chapel Facilities (includes live-streaming)
  • Catering for 100 people – catering and wait staff ($2210)
  • Cremation fees and associated costs ($1350)
  • Certified death certificate ($47)

FAQ’s

How long does the water cremation process take?2025-05-22T11:26:13+12:00

The process itself takes several hours, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Most families receive their loved one’s ashes within a few days.

Can I choose an urn for the ashes?2025-05-22T11:17:57+12:00

Yes. The remains from a water cremation can be placed in any standard urn or memorial container. We offer a range of options and are happy to help you select something meaningful.

Can pet remains be processed with water cremation?2025-05-22T11:17:35+12:00

Our water cremation service is available for human funerals only.  However, there are companies offering water cremation for pets that we can recommend.

Are there religious or cultural restrictions or considerations?2025-05-22T11:17:15+12:00

Water cremation is a respectful alternative for those who prefer not to use flame. It’s particularly suitable for cultural or religious beliefs that discourage fire, but we always recommend discussing your individual needs with us.

Can I still have a viewing or funeral service before water cremation?2025-05-22T11:16:55+12:00

Absolutely. Water cremation can follow any traditional funeral, memorial, or viewing service. You’re free to honour your loved one with whatever ceremony feels right to you.

Can water cremation handle medical implants like pacemakers or hip replacements?2025-05-22T11:16:33+12:00

Our water cremation process is designed to be safe and respectful. Any metal implants are removed and appropriately handled after the process.

What is left after a water cremation?2025-05-22T11:15:49+12:00

The only solid remains are the powdered bones — similar to traditional cremation ashes — which we dry and return to you in an urn of your choice.

Is water cremation legal in New Zealand?2025-09-18T11:00:21+12:00

We’re proud to be the first funeral home in New Zealand offering water cremation. The service complies with all current environmental and operational guidelines, and we’re committed to delivering this option to families who value a more sustainable farewell.

Go to Top