Ways to commemorate Anzac Day in Wellington

Come along to Wellington’s Citizens’ Wreath Laying Service 

The service will offer various dignitaries, guests and citizen groups the opportunity to remember the ANZACs from WWI, remember our fallen, and pay respects to our past and present service personnel. The service includes performances from a military and pipe band conducted by Sergeant Rick Henderson, joined by the Aotearoa Academy Choir.

The cenotaph monument will be open to the public after the ceremony (approximately 10am–11am) for Wellingtonians to pay their respects. Find out more on our website.

Attend a service

There are a range of services across the city, starting at the Pukeahu National War Memorial:

• 6am - Dawn Service at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.  
• 10am - Anzac Day Whānau Day. 
• 11am - Anzac Day National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
• 2.30pm - Wreath Laying Service at Atatürk Memorial in Tarakena Bay, Strathmore.  
• 5pm - The Last Post Ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

Go to the Wrights Hill Fortress Anzac open day

This fortress was built in WWII to defend Wellington from potential Japanese bombardment. Bring a torch to explore the tunnels and gun emplacements.  

Admission is $20 for a family (two adults and three children under 15 years), or $10 per adult and $5 per child. Cash only. No bookings required.  

The Wrights Hill Fortress will be open from 10am to 4pm on Friday 25 April. More information can be found here. 

Go on the World War Warriors walk at Karori Cemetery

Stretch your legs in the Servicemen’s Cemetery (created by Wellington City Council in 1916) and wider grave sites to pay tribute to those who served during the World Wars and other international conflicts.  

Find the interactive story map for the walking route and details about those buried here on this page.  

Take part in the First World War Memorial Walk 

Take a self-guided tour at Bolton Street Cemetery of the graves of 18 servicemen who fought in WWI, several of whom were killed in action or died overseas of injury or illness. Identify their graves by the white crosses.  

Find a map at either entrance or download it here on the Facebook event page. 

See Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War at Te Papa

Wētā Workshop’s iconic exhibition shows WWI through the eyes of eight Kiwis who were there. 

Museum entry is free for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand. 

Find more information here. 

Take note of changes to services and facilities over Anzac Day

On-street metered parking is free around Wellington City (including the waterfront) on Anzac Day. 

Weekend rates apply at Clifton and Tory Street car parks on Public Holidays including Anzac Day. 

Read the Our Wellington story for information on road closures and changes to Wellington City Council services and facilities over Anzac Day.