Essentials
No ashes returned
From $120
Individual aquamation without ashes returned, handled with care, dignity, and gentle guidance.
A gentle farewell for your beloved pet
As Auckland’s leading aquamation provider, we use a gentle, water-based process to return the body of your beloved pet to its natural elements.
Aquamation
An eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation
Natural materials
Aquamation uses 97% water and 3% alkali
Planet friendly
95% less carbon emmisions and no harmful gases or smoke released
More ashes preserved
20-30% more ashes than flame cremation
Packages
A farewell tailored to your beloved Pet
Standard
Ashes returned
From $190
Individual aquamation with your pet's ashes returned in your selected urn.
Premium
A private farewell
From $290
A 60-minute private farewell with families, keepsake creation, and ashes returned in your selected urn.
End-of-Life Care
Compassionate euthanasia - Price on Enquiry
Each step of your farewell from compassionate euthanasia to gentle aquamation.
Our process
A Gentle Care Pathway
We offer different care pathways depending on your situation and where your pet is, so we can best support your needs.
My pet:
My pet:
Step 01
Reach out
Contact us by phone, email, or our online booking system. We’ll guide you through the options and answer any questions.
Step 02
Drop-off or collection
You can either bring your pet to us directly, or we can arrange collection if needed.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
Your pet is individually cared for through our aquamation process with dignity and respect. Keepsakes are carefully prepared before the process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are typically returned within 5–7 working days. You’re welcome to collect them directly from our facility, or delivery can be arranged at an additional cost if needed.
Step 01
Reach out
Contact us by phone, email, or our online booking system. We’ll guide you through the options and answer any questions.
Step 02
Drop-off or collection
You can either bring your pet to us directly, or we can arrange collection if needed.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
Your pet is individually cared for through our aquamation process with dignity and respect. Keepsakes are carefully prepared before the process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are typically returned within 5–7 working days. You’re welcome to collect them directly from our facility, or delivery can be arranged at an additional cost if needed.
Step 01
Let your vet know
If your pet passes at the vet clinic, simply let your vet know you would like to choose Gentle Waves. Your clinic can arrange everything with us directly, or you’re welcome to contact us yourself.
Step 02
Collection from the clinic
Once we receive your request, we will arrange same-day collection from your vet and keep you informed once your pet has been safely picked up and brought into our care.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
Your pet is individually cared for through our aquamation process with dignity and respect. Keepsakes are carefully prepared before the process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are returned to your vet clinic within 5–7 working days, and your vet will notify you once they are ready. You’re also welcome to collect them directly from our facility.
Step 01
Let your vet know
If your pet passes at the vet clinic, simply let your vet know you would like to choose Gentle Waves. Your clinic can arrange everything with us directly, or you’re welcome to contact us yourself.
Step 02
Collection from the clinic
Once we receive your request, we will arrange same-day collection from your vet and keep you informed once your pet has been safely picked up and brought into our care.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
Your pet is individually cared for through our aquamation process with dignity and respect. Keepsakes are carefully prepared before the process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are returned to your vet clinic within 5–7 working days, and your vet will notify you once they are ready. You’re also welcome to collect them directly from our facility.
Step 01
Reach out
Contact us in advance, and we will guide you through the available options and coordinate with our partner vet clinics.
Step 02
Arrange euthanasia
When the time comes, euthanasia will be carried out at one of our trusted partner vet clinics, where your pet will be cared for in a calm and professional environment.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
After the appointment, we can collect your pet directly from the vet clinic, or you’re welcome to bring them to us personally. Keepsakes will then be prepared before the aquamation process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are returned within 5–7 working days, and we will notify you once they are ready for collection.
Step 01
Reach out
Contact us in advance, and we will guide you through the available options and coordinate with our partner vet clinics.
Step 02
Arrange euthanasia
When the time comes, euthanasia will be carried out at one of our trusted partner vet clinics, where your pet will be cared for in a calm and professional environment.
Step 03
Gentle care & aquamation
After the appointment, we can collect your pet directly from the vet clinic, or you’re welcome to bring them to us personally. Keepsakes will then be prepared before the aquamation process begins.
Step 04
Return home
Your pet’s ashes and keepsakes are returned within 5–7 working days, and we will notify you once they are ready for collection.
Testimonials
“Erica went above and beyond for our baby. The whole process felt so gentle and supportive, and I truly felt everything was taken care of without needing to check in.”
Testimonials
“Summer and Erica were incredibly kind, compassionate, and understanding. During such a difficult time, they made me feel completely supported and reassured. Most importantly, I felt a deep sense of trust that my beautiful girl Ruby was being cared for with genuine respect, dignity, and gentleness.”
Testimonials
“Incredible patience, compassion, and understanding from the very beginning. Every step was handled with professionalism and heartfelt care, helping us say goodbye with dignity and love.”
Testimonials
“The two beautiful ladies who serviced us were SOOOO amazing!! They had set up such a beautiful bed for my boy so that we could say our last goodbyes, and they even offered us the chance to spend more time with our boy, which was very appreciative of them!!”
Testimonials
“I was lucky to have her for the few hours before delivering her to Gentle Waves in Takapuna. When I collected her ashes, everything was so beautifully presented in a box with some of her fur, her paw prints and her nose prints, and a lovely photo in a frame with her name and a precious message. I highly recommend this business. They care.”
Testimonials
“My wife saw an advertisement from Gentle Waves a few days before he passed. We took our boy there, and the love, kindness and compassion we received in our time of sorrow are appreciated. Their care, kindness, and empathy will stay with us. Thank you, Erica and Summer.”
Testimonials
“A warm, peaceful space to say goodbye, with so much care and respect shown throughout. The thoughtful details and keepsakes meant everything to our family.”
Testimonials
“Thank you so much Erica and Summer, for taking care of our beloved rabbit after his 11 years of life. Gentle Waves provided us with a peaceful and calming space to bid our final farewell to our rabbit. The two were incredibly gentle and made us feel very comforted.”
Testimonials
“They showed incredible love, compassion, and care throughout the entire process. We felt supported and informed every step of the way, making a heartbreaking experience just a little easier.”
Testimonials
“Your kindness, patience, and the way you gave me space and time meant everything to me. It made such a painful moment feel a little more gentle. I truly appreciate that you never rushed me and kept reassuring me to take my time. That meant more to me than I can put into words.”
Testimonials
“Had to say goodbye to our dog here, and it was a very sad time. It was very hard to do, but the staff were kind and caring. They made everything feel gentle and respectful. They offer water cremation here, which felt like a thoughtful option. They helped make a hard goodbye a little easier.”
Testimonials
“Gentle Waves was the perfect last stop for our beloved Labrador. The service was amazing- they responded to my online enquiry promptly, and every message received from them was kind, caring and accommodating to our needs (even more impressive as it was over Waitangi weekend). ”
Testimonials
“We are deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion shown during a very difficult time. Our beloved cats were treated with dignity and care, and we felt supported every step of the way.”
Testimonials
“Gentle Waves goes above and beyond with their service. We needed them in an emergency, and they answered. Their patience, empathy, compassion and aroha. They show towards our beloved was second to none, they are the best, and I am so deeply grateful that I chose them. If you want a mind-blowing send-off for your fur baby, I highly recommend Gentle Waves”
Testimonials
“Gave them a call at 9:30 am that morning and was able to drop him off later that afternoon. At such a difficult time, they were so caring over the phone, allowed me to take my time, and then walked me through the options. The facility is beautiful, warm and inviting, which is everything you need when you are saying your final goodbyes. ”
Testimonials
“They were so gentle, explaining the package and giving me thoughtful advice on what to do with his ashes when I’m ready. The remembrance package itself is beautiful and filled with so much love. I’ve already recommended them to all my colleagues—they truly make a heartbreaking process feel peaceful.”
Testimonials
“I don't know how to put in to words, my gratitude for Erica and Summer at Gentle Waves. I have always been terrified of the idea of cremation. I never knew water was an option. Something drew me to Gentle Waves and I am so thankful that happened.”
Testimonials
“After losing our much-loved Skitty Cat, Summer arranged a beautiful memorial service. We are deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and keepsakes that now hold a special place in our home.”
Testimonials
“The space was beautifully decorated, and his photo was up on the wall, and we were able to say a proper goodbye in their funeral room. It was an instant lift for us as we are still so heartbroken, but to send him off with as much respect as we were able to give him in their space made a huge difference to our grieving process.”
Testimonials
“I could not recommend them enough from start to finish,they were so caring, thoughtful and treated our girl with total respect. Thanks so much for your kindness and thoughtfulness.”
Testimonials
“Thank you, Erica and Gentle Waves were so responsive, compassionate and accommodating. Everything was thought out beautifully. It was the kindest and gentlest way to send off our beloved dog. Thank you for your caring work; it is much appreciated.”
Testimonials
“They made us feel welcomed, supported, and cared for during such a difficult moment. A truly loving and comforting experience.”
Testimonials
“From the very first call, we felt comforted and reassured. Their kindness, compassion, and care made us feel our baby was truly in loving hands.”
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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What is aquamation?
Aquamation is a natural, water-based process that offers a more eco-friendly way to say goodbye. It uses water instead of fire to gently return your pet to nature. This process uses up to 90% less energy than traditional cremation and produces no harmful emissions, making it a kinder choice for both your pet and the planet.
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How do I arrange an aquamation service for my pet?
You can contact us by phone, email, or through our online booking form. Pricing is based on your pet’s weight and the package you choose. Please visit our Packages page for full pricing and inclusions.
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How long does the process take?
Our turnaround time is 5–7 working days. The aquamation process itself takes around 10–15 hours, depending on your pet’s weight. You can also check your pet’s real-time status anytime through My Pet Updates
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What should I do with my pet after they pass?
When your pet passes away, we recommend placing them in a cool, dry area, wrapped in a blanket and supported in a container or bedding. Ice packs may be placed around them, or refrigeration can help preserve their condition if needed. When you feel ready, you’re welcome to bring your pet to us directly, or we can arrange collection from your home or vet clinic.
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Will I receive only my pet’s ashes back?
Every pet entrusted to us is individually cared for throughout the entire aquamation process. Identification procedures are carefully followed to ensure only your beloved pet’s ashes are returned to you.
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Do you offer home or vet clinic collection and what are the fees?
We can collect your pet directly from your home or vet clinic, or you’re welcome to bring them to our facility personally if preferred.
Our collection fees are based on driving distance:
- Within 10 km — Free
- 10 km to 20 km — $80
- 20 km to 30 km — $120
- 30 km to 60 km — $180
- Over 60 km — Please get in touch with us to arrange a collection quote.
Honour your beloved pet with a gentle farewell.
Contact us by phone, email, or our online booking system. We'll guide you through the options and answer any questions.