What to doOur Role
Personalising a funeralChoose a VenueOur HearseCaskets & UrnsCost of a funeralAftercare & post funeral

Our Hearse

Transport your loved one from the funeral venue to their final location in style with our custom built Mercedes hearse.

Our Hearse

Based on the iconic and timeless E Class Mercedes Benz, this custom build for Affinity Funerals has taken two years to refine and complete.

In partnership with the Italian Coach Builders Pilato Spa in the Northern Italian Provence of Treviso, one of only two companies in Europe authorised and indorsed by Mercedes to construct hearses, Affinity has conceptualised and bought to reality the first ‘Oceanic Hearse’ to meet the needs of New Zealand’s unique funeral culture. This beautifully crafted vehicle is another way Affinity can honour your loved one in Central Otago and maintain the important element of  procession in the Funeral Ceremony.

affinity handbook mockup 2025

Looking for more information?

In this brochure you will find helpful information on what to think about if you are planning a funeral for someone who has died, or pre-planning your own or someone else’s funeral. We hope this information offers you some insight and reassurance that we are here to support you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Review the most common questions we receive about hearse transport and processions.

When is the hearse used during a funeral?

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It leads the ceremonial procession and transports your loved one with dignity.

It carries the casket from the service venue to the burial or cremation location, helping families mark the transition with respect and clarity.

Does the hearse support both large and small services?

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Yes - its design suits intimate farewells and larger community gatherings.

The vehicle’s dignified presence complements services of any size, from private family moments to full processions with wider community attendance.

Can Affinity use the hearse across Central Otago and the Lakes District?

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Yes - Affinity serves families across Central Otago/Lakes District.

The hearse is available for ceremonies and processions throughout the region, coordinated as part of your overall service planning.

Can families personalize elements around the hearse procession?

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Yes - personal touches can be coordinated within the overall service plan.

Options may include order of vehicles, pallbearers, honor guards, or chosen routes, aligning the procession with your family’s wishes.

Why choose Affinity’s hearse for transport?

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It blends craftsmanship, cultural fit, and ceremonial presence.

The custom Mercedes E-Class, built with Pilato S.p.A., delivers a reliable, respectful experience that supports the importance of procession in New Zealand funeral ceremonies.