Thousands of New Zealanders have attended an Anzac centenary dawn service in Wellington before carrying on the tradition of sharing a cup of tea and an Anzac biscuit.
People young and old flocked to the capital's new Pukeahu National War Memorial on Saturday for the service.
The park has a capacity of 10,000 but organisers said surrounding road closures meant up to 20,000 people could be accommodated.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae said April 25 was a day for New Zealand and Australia to pause and reflect.
The ceremony was also attended by Australian Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, acting Prime Minister Bill English, Turkish ambassador Damla Yesim Say and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.
Sir Peter said commemorations in Australia and New Zealand marking a century since the Gallipoli landings were testament to the enduring friendship the original Anzacs had forged.
"That bond continues to bind our nations together," he said.
"Today we stand side by side, from this dawn to dusk in New Zealand, Australia, and Turkey."
Prime ministers John Key and Tony Abbott are in Gallipoli for Anzac commemorations.
Both Sir Peter and Sir Jerry will later attend an Anzac Day dusk service in Canberra.
Whitby woman Danielle Walker and her seven-year-old son Max were among many to attend Saturday's dawn service - some clutching photos of relatives killed in battle or wearing medals handed down to them.
Ms Walker, whose brother and grandfather are in the Defence Force, said the large turnout was an eye-opener.
"I think it's one of those things where people need to say: 'Yes, I was there'," said Ms Walker.
"It's wonderful to see that people are holding on to the Anzac Day tradition and being so respectful."
After the ceremony attendees were invited to lay poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior followed by tea and Anzac biscuits in Arras Tunnel.
Saturday marks 100 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli on April 25 in 1915.
Some 8700 Australians died during the eight-month First World War campaign alongside 2700 New Zealanders. It's estimated up to 87,000 Turks lost their lives.
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