Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from New Zealand to Australia
For families bringing someone home to Australia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from New Zealand to Australia: what to expect
New Zealanders are the largest group of permanent migrants in Australia. This corridor handles cases where an Australia-based New Zealander has a family member die in New Zealand and needs remains brought to Australia. The CER agreement and shared administrative traditions simplify some requirements.
- Key document: New Zealand death certificate (issued by Births Deaths and Marriages, in English)
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. New Zealand's system is well-organised and efficient.
- Australia Embassy in Wellington can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: New Zealand to Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Australia: +61 2 6261 3305).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Births Deaths and Marriages New Zealand.
Efficient registration system. Certificate issued promptly.
Local funeral director and BDM New Zealand
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
New Zealand funeral sector is professional and experienced with long-haul repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation and permits obtained
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Routes typically via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in New Zealand
Call 111 for emergency services. Death must be notified to the coroner if unexpected, unnatural, or where cause of death is uncertain. The death certificate is issued by Births Deaths and Marriages New Zealand. Documentation is in English throughout.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from New Zealand to Australia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from New Zealand to Australia takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving the New Zealand coroner can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: New Zealand death certificate (BDM-issued), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, export permit, and passport of the deceased.
The Australia Embassy in Wellington can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia Embassy in Wellington as soon as possible after the death.
In New Zealand, a death must be reported to the coroner if it was unexpected, unnatural, violent, unexplained, or occurred in certain circumstances (such as during an operation). The coroner then decides if an inquiry or post-mortem is required.
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. State or territory regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the relevant state authority.
Yes. Cremation in New Zealand and bringing the ashes home to Australia is often simpler and less costly. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight. You will need the death certificate and cremation certificate.
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Australian Border Force clearance is required. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care regulations apply. State or territory funeral regulations govern burial or cremation: requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. All documentation must be authenticated. (Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
Australian Embassy or High Commission in Wellington can assist Australian citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide a list of local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Australian Government Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in New Zealand, 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 Australia.
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 New Zealand (gov.uk) · New Zealand repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions