We own and operate the Lychgate Crematorium located in a central city rose garden setting. The chapel has a bay window that looks out to the rose garden and seats 164 in air conditioned comfort.

Under the Cremation Regulations 1973, cremation of a deceased person is required to be carried out in a Crematorium approved by the Minister of Health. Each person is cremated individually so you can be sure you receive the remains of the one you love.

A commonly held belief is that the deceased is removed from the casket prior to cremation. This is not correct. The casket is cremated and is required to transport the deceased into the cremation chamber.
The remains following cremation are called ‘ashes’, and these are placed into an urn. There is a wide range of urns available, from simple temporary plastic urns to ceramic, metal or wooden urns with inscribed plaques. We have a selection to choose from.

The family has the choice of what to do with the ashes. Some families choose to retain the ashes at home. If the ashes are to be taken overseas, ask us for an Export Cremation Certificate. If you wish to scatter or inter the ashes, the following options are available;

Scattering or interring ashes

At sea - You can scatter ashes either from the shore or from a boat.

At the cemetery - Some cemeteries have memorial rose gardens or stands of native bush set aside for scattering. Ashes can also be interred in ground plots or niche walls. A memorial plaque or headstone made of bronze or granite is placed on the plot or niche. There are many options and costs vary from one cemetery to another. We can provide you costs and options in any Wellington area cemetery.

At a family grave - Even if the grave is full from previous burials, ashes can be scattered on or interred in the grave. If the family grave is elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas, we can arrange the interment for you and advise on the cost and requirements of the cemetery authority.

At home - You can scatter or inter ashes at your own or the deceased’s property without permission from the local authority. Keep in mind however, that you might sell the property in the future and move elsewhere.

Other places - There may be other places that are significant to you or the deceased, such as the mountains, golf course, family bach.

In many of the above options, permission will need to be obtained from the cemetery, local or regional authority or local Iwi and a charge may be levied. We can assist you in making appropriate arrangements.

You may wish to attend the interment or scattering with family and have a brief ceremony lead by your minister, celebrant or family member.