Our Local Funeral Home Ruakākā You Can Trust
We are here to help. When someone you love passes away, it helps to be supported by caring local people who take the time to guide you gently. Whittakers Funeral Home is a family-owned funeral home based in Ruakaka, run personally by Eldon and Leslee Whittaker.
We have lived and raised our family in the Whangarei area for over 20 years. Faith and whanau are at the heart of everything we do, and that same care shapes how we support every family who comes to us.
We opened Whittakers Funeral Home after a lot of thought, because we believe families in Ruakaka, Waipu, One Tree Point and wider Bream Bay deserve a funeral home that feels like part of the community, not a corporate service. Our new buildings on Kepa Road include a mortuary, a private viewing room, and a comfortable family meeting space, so your loved one is cared for close to home.
You can visit us at Whittakers Funeral Home Ruakākā, or if it's easier, we will come to you. We are here to help, whenever you need us.
What Happens Next
Losing someone is overwhelming, and knowing what to do first can feel impossible. If someone has passed away, the first step is simply to call us. We will guide you gently through every decision from that first phone call onwards.
Whether at home, in hospital, or in a rest home, we will explain clearly what needs to happen and take care of the practical details with you. There is no need to have all the answers straight away. See our full step-by-step guide on What To Do When Someone passes away. Let us guide you through the next steps.
Supporting Ruakākā, Bream Bay and Northland
Whittakers Funeral Home Ruakākā proudly serves families throughout Ruakaka, Waipu, One Tree Point, Bream Bay, and Whangarei.
Beyond funeral services, we also offer free Community Talks to local groups, helping people understand the funeral process and feel less alone when the time comes. We believe supporting families and whanau goes beyond the funeral itself.
Want to know more about who we are? Visit About Eldon and Leslee to read our story.
Common questions answered
What should I do first when someone has passed away?
The first thing to do is call us on 0800 000 929 and we'll guide you through. If the death was unexpected, call 111 or your doctor. Once medical confirmation has occurred, you can call Whittakers Funerals on 0800 000 929 and we will guide you through every step from there.
How much does a funeral cost in Ruakaka?
Our Family Care Package for burial or cremation is from $4,950 + GST, and our Simple Cremation Care Package is from $2,800 + GST. Additional costs such as doctor's fees or cemetery fees may apply depending on your family's circumstances, and we always discuss these transparently before anything is confirmed.
Does Whittakers Funerals serve areas outside Ruakaka?
Yes, we support families throughout Ruakaka, Waipu, One Tree Point, Bream Bay, Whangarei and wider Northland. We can meet you at our funeral home on Kepa Road or travel to you, whichever is easier during a difficult time.
Is Whittakers Funerals a locally owned business?
Yes, Whittakers Funerals is owned and personally run by Eldon and Leslee Whittaker, who have lived in the Whangarei area for over 20 years. We are not part of a large corporate chain, and every family is cared for directly by us.
Can I plan my own funeral in advance with Whittakers?
Yes, we offer pre-planning so you can record your wishes ahead of time and ease the burden on your loved ones later. Visit our Pre-Planning page or call us to talk through your options.
Do you offer support beyond arranging funerals?
Yes, we run free community talks for local groups to help people understand the funeral process and feel more prepared. We believe in supporting families and whanau long before and after the funeral itself.
How We Can Help Your Family
We offer a full range of funeral services, tailored to what feels right for your family. This includes Funeral Services, Cremation Services and Burial Services, along with a thoughtful range of Caskets and Urns.
Every family is different, and every farewell should reflect the person being honoured. We take time to listen to your wishes, your budget, and your whanau's traditions, and we build the service around that.
Some families also choose to plan ahead. Our Pre-Planning service allows you to record your wishes now, giving real peace of mind to you and your loved ones later.
What local families say
Families across Ruakaka, Waipu and wider Northland have trusted Eldon and Leslee during some of the hardest days of their lives. Real testimonials from local families speak to the compassion, affordability and personal care they received.
We would be honoured to support your family the same way. Read more of these stories on our Testimonials page.
"Whittakers Funeral Home Ruakaka truly looked after us. They were kind, patient, and took time to answer all our questions. At a time when we needed reassurance most, their team made things feel easier."Mere, Ruakaka family
"The Whittakers team stood by our side from start to finish. We felt listened to, never pressured, and always knew what to expect. Their presence brought us comfort at every turn. We are so grateful for this local support."
Sarah and James, Ruakaka
Transparent and Fair Pricing
Funeral costs shouldn't be a mystery, and money is often the last thing a grieving family wants to think about. That's why we believe in transparent pricing and are always upfront about what things cost.
Our Family Care Package (for burial or cremation) is from $4,950 + GST, and covers the uplift and care of your loved one, dressing, a fully dressed casket, family viewings, all documentation and registration of death, and organising the funeral arrangements you need.
For families choosing cremation without a service, our Simple Cremation Care Package is from $2,800 + GST; uplift, a simple casket, all paperwork, and collection of ashes.
Some additional costs, such as doctor's fees, death certificates, or cemetery and cremation fees, may apply depending on your circumstances. We always talk these through with you directly, so there are no surprises. Every package can also be tailor-made to suit your family.
Third-Party and Additional Costs:
As part of our commitment to transparent pricing, some additional costs apply depending on your loved one's wishes and requirements.
5% charge due to outside suppliers ongoing increase in charges
FLC - Fuel Levy Charge due to increase in fuel prices ($135.00 + gst)
Doctors fee ($200.00+GST)
Medical Referee fee ($60.00+GST) cremation only
Death certificate fee ($30.44+GST)
Maunu Crematorium fee ($1,229.00 gst incl)
Cemetery fees (other Cemeteries)
Transport costs outside of Whangarei and Ruakaka areas
All other external services requested by family
We talk you through these costs so nothing comes as a surprise.
Get in touch
Whatever stage you are at, whether you need help right now or simply want to ask a question, we are here to help.
Call us anytime on 0800 000 929.
You can also email admin@whittakersfunerals.co.nz or send us a message through our Contact page.
Let us guide you through the next step.
Whittakers Funerals
25 Kepa Road
Ruakākā
New Zealand
0800 000 929