All the caskets, coffins or shrouds we offer are either of solid wood construction, sourced from sustainably managed forests, or composite natural materials. Absolutely, positively no MDF.
All handles are solid wood, so readily combustible for cremation – no need for removal by the crematorium (which creates quantities of non-recyclable bio-waste). Each coffin is trimmed in natural fibres – cottons, linens or pure wools.
What’s the difference?
‘Coffin’ is an English term and usually refers to a six sided box (or kite shaped or ‘toe pincher’). ‘Casket’ is an American term and can be used to describe a rectangular box. ‘Shroud’ can refer to the fabric wrapped around the deceased or ‘Shroud Bearer’ can refer to the vessel that the wrapped deceased is carried in/on.
DIY
If you are organising a funeral without using a funeral company but need to buy a casket, coffin or shroud – contact us.
Artisan
This curvaceous coffin invites a tactile connection. The Artisan’s pioneering design has been internationally recognised and received a number of awards. Inside is a wool fleece mattress and pillow.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY RETURN TO SENDER
$3155.00
We love the unique shape, the low sides, and that it’s a bit of a maverick in the world of coffins. There are stunning lid designs available too.
Archetype – Silver Beech
Made from sustainably grown New Zealand tawhai, this design is a fresh take on a traditional coffin shape. The rail handle allows for more than six pall bearers. Inside is a wool fleece mattress and pillow.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY RETURN TO SENDER
$3425.00
We love the natural warm wood colour of this coffin and its pleasing shape.
Archetype – pine
Made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine this coffin has a lighter tone to the silver beech version above. The untreated timber is finely sanded with either a wax finish or left bare to be painted or stained if desired. Inside is a wool fleece mattress and pillow.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY RETURN TO SENDER
$2510.00
We love the simplicity of the design and the natural pine colour and that rail handle.
The Raglan
The Raglan is locally crafted in Wellington. Made from solid, untreated pine with a rough hewn finish and honest construction. The coffin has a stuffed mattress and pillow, lined with 100% calico.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY DOWN TO EARTH
$2010.00
We love this coffin because it’s locally made and readily available. It’s rough hewn finish means it has a pleasing feel.
The Coromandel
The Coromandel is made in Wellington. It takes the same shape and form as the Raglan but is dressed pine with square detail handles. This coffin has a stuffed mattress and pillow, lined with 100% calico.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY DOWN TO EARTH
$2175.00
We love the handles on this coffin – they feel so good in your hands when you’re pall bearing.
The Nelson
Crafted in Wellington. Traditionally shaped, this coffin is solid and skilfully constructed with squared detailing. Made from sustainably forested, oiled pine. Lined with 100% calico with stuffed pillow and mattress.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY DOWN TO EARTH
$2875.00
We love the skilful finger joint construction and the clever lid closing with cubed-ended dowels on the sides.
The Tararua
Crafted in the Wairarapa by specialist cabinet and furniture makers, the Tararua is a traditionally shaped coffin made from solid, sustainably forested pine. Available in three satin colour finishes: mahogany, rimu or natural pine with matching solid wood handles.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY TAYLOR MADE
$2205.00
We love this coffin because of its ‘traditional’ shape, its colour range and environmentally friendly wooden handles.
The Natural
This is a really ingenious example of ply engineering – without screws or glues, this coffin simply clicks firmly into place. Made in Hamilton, it is trimmed in calico with a deep, soft padded base.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE
$2350.00
We love the origin story of this design – the legacy of very smart thinking by Andy Mitchell.
Shroud Bearer
The shroud bearer is an elegant, pared back coffin. Favoured by families who want simplicity and something a bit different. Some choose to fill the vessel with flowers. We have a ready-made sturdy cotton calico shroud or we can help you to create your own.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY RETURN TO SENDER
$1685.00
We love this coffin because it’s so different from all the rest. It looks amazing when families use their own coloured silk scarves and it can be filled with cut flowers.
Ark click-together coffin
This is a clever, click-together coffin, that comes as a flat pack and requires no screws or glues. Made from FSC approved pine ply from well managed forests, the design is simple with that hassle free, self-assembly Scandinavian aesthetic.
A perfect solution for families who like the idea of constructing a coffin but have time constraints. It can be collected and built at home (unassembled, it fits in a medium size car). The coffin can be easily decorated or left in its natural state.
CERTIFIED FOR NATURAL BURIAL | MADE BY RETURN TO SENDER
$985.00 without handles | $1175.00 with handles (some screws needed)
We just love this one- see how simple it is.