Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to New Zealand
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Repatriation from Australia to New Zealand: what to expect
Australians form the largest foreign national group in New Zealand, with hundreds of thousands of Australian citizens living and working across the country under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, which allows citizens of each country to live and work in the other. This corridor is one of the highest-volume repatriation routes between the two countries. English documentation from Australia requires no translation for New Zealand Customs clearance. The New Zealand High Commission in Canberra handles consular matters. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
- Key documents: Australian death certificate (state-issued) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- New Zealand Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Canberra can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death must be registered with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The funeral director normally handles registration. Each Australian state has its own coroner who may be involved in unexpected deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state/territory Registry. Death certificate issued.
Registered with state/territory Registry. Funeral director normally handles this.
Local funeral director and registry
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Australian funeral industry operates to high professional standards.
Licensed local funeral director
Complete export documentation and obtain all permits
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo booked and body transported to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to New Zealand takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days when documentation is issued promptly. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, coronial investigation, or remote Northern Territory location can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
The core documents are: Australian death certificate (state-issued), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Passport of deceased (or copy), Export permit from the state health authority. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The New Zealand Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Australia and bringing the ashes home to New Zealand is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit from the state health authority.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Australia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to New Zealand.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Australia (gov.uk) · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions