Walking in the Footsteps of the ANZACs: New Zealand’s Living Military History

Why ANZAC Day Still Matters in New Zealand

Every year on 25 April, New Zealand pauses at dawn. From small towns to major cities, thousands gather for ANZAC Day services to honour those who served in conflicts from Gallipoli to peacekeeping missions today. For many travellers, attending an ANZAC service in New Zealand is one of the most moving ways to connect with the country’s military heritage.

On the Honour Bound tour, ANZAC Day is not just an optional stop — it is woven into the heart of the journey. Guests stand shoulder to shoulder at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, hearing the bugle’s Last Post as dawn breaks. It is a shared moment of remembrance that sets the tone for the rest of the tour.

Key ANZAC Sites on the Honour Bound Tour

Auckland War Memorial Museum
Set atop the Auckland Domain, this museum is more than a collection of artefacts. Its galleries walk you through the Boer War, Gallipoli, World Wars, and modern deployments. The Hall of Memories provides a solemn space for reflection, while the giant carvings of the Māori Court remind visitors of the unique cultural context of New Zealand’s service.

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
In Wellington, this national site features memorials not only to New Zealanders but also to allied nations including Australia, the US, and the UK. A private guided tour on Honour Bound explores its symbolism before guests return the next day for the official ANZAC Day dawn service.

National Army Museum, Waiouru
In the central North Island, Waiouru’s museum is a highlight. Its exhibits bring to life the stories of New Zealand’s soldiers across the decades. From medals and uniforms to interactive displays, it connects the grand narrative of conflict to the lived experiences of ordinary men and women.

A Journey of Remembrance and Discovery

What makes the Honour Bound experience so unique is that it combines memorial moments with the landscapes that shaped them. One day you might be standing in Rotorua’s Redwood Memorial Grove, reflecting on foresters who served in WWI. The next, you are exploring modern RNZAF aircraft at Christchurch’s Air Force Museum. This balance ensures that remembrance is not abstract — it is tied directly to places, people, and culture.