Monday, April 25, marks the 100th year of the Anzac Day service. To honour the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and other wars New Zealand has been involved, a host of events and exhibitions planned in New Zealand.

Anzac Day was first observed in 1916 to mark the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australia soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula. In 1915, New Zealand troop along with other Allied soldiers arrived at Gallipoli, a Turkish territory that formed part of the Ottoman Empire—Germany’s ally. The forces landed with the plan to open the Dardanelles Strait to the Allied fleets, which they hoped would lead to a Turkish surrender. But they faced strong resistance from the Turks. The Gallipoli campaign was not a military success, but it is an important part of New Zealand history.

Many New Zealand and Australian soldiers lost their lives. Their bravery, loyalty to the King and comrade helped New Zealand define itself as a nation.

To honour the World War I centenary, exhibitions around the country bring New Zealand’s Gallipoli story to life.

Gallipoli: the scale of our war, Wellington

Weta Workshop along with Te Papa joined forces last year to give birth to a groundbreaking exhibition that narrates the story of Gallipoli through giant sculptures that are 2.4 times human size, frozen in moments from the First World War. The exhaustive research conducted by those involved in the project is visible in the many 3D maps and projections, diorama and interactive experiences in the exhibition that was unveiled last year and will continue till April 2018.

ANZAC: Photographs by Laurence Aberhart, Christchurch

The Canterbury Museum in Christchurch is playing host to a unique series of photographs captured by acclaimed photographer Laurence Aberhart. Shot using an old-fashioned view camera, Aberhart has been capturing World War One memorials that include a single figure for more than three decades. The photographs are on display at the museum until July 24.

Home Front—experiences of the First World War in New Zealand, Auckland

Third in the series of World War One centenary commemorative exhibitions, the Home Front exhibition at Auckland Museum explores how the war affected the lives of people at home. It gives an insight into the world of New Zealanders who were separated from each other. The exhibition displays family portraits, postcards and letters that narrate the stories of war and brings to life a period that was clouded with the uncertainties of the war.

In Auckland, the day will see numerous activities that commemorate the 100 years of Anzac Day and guided tours that give a peek into the life of the soldiers who fought in the world war.

Anzac Day service

Join Auckland Museum in two commemorative services on April 25 on the Court of Honour: the Dawn Service at 6 a.m. and the Civic Service at 11 a.m. The services pay respect to the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and other conflicts New Zealand has been involved.

Illuminate—No Man’s Land

From April 22 to 24, composer John Psathas’ No Man’s Land project will be screened on the Auckland Museum’s northern facade. The 70-minute film is a musical collaboration that took musicians to the places where soldiers from different countries fought and died during the war.

Watch a special 20-minute version of the film that will play on a loop from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features 150 musicians in one global orchestra.

Turkish Voices

An initiative that shares the perspective on the relationship between Turkey and New Zealand, Turkish Voices gives an opportunity to listen to a song about Canakkale—the province where Gallipoli lies—and readings from members of the Turkish community.

World War I and II tours

Join the 45-minute guided tours through the War Memorial galleries to explore the stories of the ones who travelled far away from home to fight in the wars. The tours begin from 7:45 a.m. and the last one for the day will start at 3:45 a.m. from the Big Red Arrow outside the Armoury.