Join us on the 101st Anzac Day as we honour the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and other conflicts in which New Zealand has been involved.

Anzac Day services

Auckland War Memorial Museum - Tamaki Paenga Hira
About Anzac Day at Auckland War Memorial Museum

New Zealand sent more men to fight in the First World War per head of population than any other nation. Of those killed, almost a third were buried half a world away in unmarked graves.

Following the war, subscriptions were raised to construct the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Museum opened in 1929 and became a symbolic meeting-place for Aucklanders to honour and commemorate the fallen.

Anzac Day Services

DAWN SERVICE 6AM, CIVIC SERVICE 11AM, COURT OF HONOUR
Join us this Anzac Day for the Dawn Service, Civic Service, as well as tours, performances, and special displays. Find out more about getting here for the Dawn Service.

One Tree Hill College Chorale
TUE 25 APRIL, APPROX. 6.40AM, DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THE DAWN SERVICE WWI SANCTUARY, FREE
The award-winning premier boys' choir from One Tree Hill College, directed by Terence Maskell, presents music for Anzac Day.

Auckland Youth Choir – America Joins the War

TUE 25 APRIL, 8.30AM, WORLD WAR I SANCTUARY, FREE
Listen to the Auckland Youth Choir perform works by American composers as a response to the US joining World War I. The two works are ‘Five Negro Spirituals’ from Michael Tippett’s A Child of Our Time and Randall Thompson's 'Alleluia'.

No Man’s Land screening

TUE 25 APRIL, 7.30AM, 9AM AND 1.30PM, AUDITORIUM, LEVEL 2, FREE
Watch this groundbreaking film that commemorates the First World War. Led by acclaimed New Zealand composer John Psathas (ONZM), the project brings together the descendants of opposing forces and reunites them on the battlefields of WWI in friendship and musical solidarity. John Psathas will talk about the process at the 1.30pm screening.

Poppy Badge-making

TUE 25 APRIL, 11AM – 3PM, WEIRD AND WONDERFUL, FREE
Bring the kids along to colour and create their own poppy badge.

Play it Strange presents Peace Songs

TUE 25 APRIL, APPROX. 12PM, DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THE CIVIC SERVICE, WORLD WAR I SANCTUARY, FREE
Since 2008 the Play It Strange Trust has run a very special songwriting competition - the Peace Song Competition. Listen to past winners including; Ashy Batchelor, Holly Cramer-Roberts, Emma Cooper-Williams, Katie Ashworth and Kelly Harris - all performing their own songs in the theme of peace and what it means to them, our young New Zealanders.

Lest We Forget Poetry Competition Finalist Readings

TUE 25 APRIL, 1PM, WORLD WAR I SANCTUARY, FREE
Meet the finalists of our Lest We Forget Poetry Competition and hear them read their competition entries.

WWI and WWII Tours

TUE 25 APRIL, 7.15AM, 8.15AM, 9.15AM, 12.30PM, 1.30PM, 2.30PM AND 3.30PM
Join our experienced guides and explore the stories of both World Wars. Meet at the Big Red Arrow in the Grand Foyer.

Library War Collections Displays

TUE 25 APRIL, 6.45AM - 3PM, LIBRARY, LEVEL 2
Discover WWI stories through photographs, diaries, letters, and ephemera.

Military Service Research

POU MAUMAHARA MEMORIAL DISCOVERY CENTRE, LEVEL , TUE 25 APRIL, 6.45AM - 3PM
Explore this newly opened gallery where you can find out more about a serviceperson using Online Cenotaph and other library resources. A medal and badge identification service will also be available between 11AM and 3PM.

Dome Tours

TUE 25 APRIL, 2PM - 4PM, MEET IN ATRIUM BY LIFTS 1 & 2
Join our informative guides for a tour of our Events Centre on Level 3 with its stunning 360 views.

Download the Orders of Service and Museum Programme

Entry to the Museum is free to everyone on Anzac Day

Enjoy a coffee or meal after the Dawn Service at Columbus Cafe, where there is no holiday surcharge. Buy a poppy here at the Museum to commemorate our Anzac Soldiers, with all proceeds going to the New Zealand RSA.