How many days until Anzac Day?

Anzac Day, held on 25 April, is New Zealand’s national day of remembrance for those who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The date recalls the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915, but commemorations now encompass service across many generations. The day carries a strong sense of collective memory in Aotearoa, shaped by military history, grief, service and ongoing discussion about the human cost of war.

Dawn services are held at cenotaphs and memorials around the country, often followed later by civic services and veterans’ marches. Ceremonies commonly include wreath-laying, the Last Post, a period of silence, the Ode of Remembrance and national anthems. People may wear a red poppy, display medals belonging to relatives on the right side, visit a local memorial or learn about family service records. Anyone attending before sunrise should plan for cold or wet autumn weather, arrive early and follow local road-closure advice. Anzac Day is a public holiday, and shops generally cannot open before 1 pm unless an exemption applies. If 25 April falls on a weekend, the employment holiday may be Mondayised, while remembrance ceremonies still take place on 25 April.