There's strong demand for water cremations, just months after the service first became available in New Zealand.

Since opening in June, the Christchurch Crematorium has carried out 55 water cremations - using an alkaline solution to mimic the natural burial process.

Around 80 percent of their clients choose cremation - most opting for the water-based option.

Christchurch Water Crematorium co-director Andrew Bell says the water-based service sits better with customers, largely due to the environmental benefits.

"We weren't expecting the response, to be honest, that we had from it. 75 percent straight away was a bit more than we were expecting." 

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