Five Ways You Can Commemorate ANZAC Day in Auckland

New Zealand sent more soldiers to fight in the First World War per head of population than any other nation. This year marks the 107th that we honour the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and other conflicts through ANZAC Day.

Instead of throwing away your day off, tip your hat to the troops by rising early to conquer a volcano, catch a light show on the Harbour Bridge or explore a free exhibition dedicated to our rich ANZAC history.

Auckland War Memorial Museum - Tāmaki Paenga Hira

LEARN ABOUT OUR RICH ANZAC HISTORY AT AUCKLAND MUSEUM

Kiwis have been gathering at the Auckland War Memorial Museum since 1929 to commemorate both fallen and still-serving military personnel during the annual Dawn Service. Sadly due to the ongoing Omicron outbreak in the community, this year's Dawn Service isn't open to the public, instead just a handful of invited veterans and guests. Members of the public are instead encouraged to catch it at home on Māori TV at 6am.

But don't worry — Auckland Museum is opening its doors to the public at the usual time of 7am to present a jam-packed program of commemorative events over the rest of the day, including an opening choral performance from the Carmini choir, poetry presentations, a special message-writing service for those in war-torn countries and guided tours exploring the stories of both world wars on throughout the day. Entry is free to everyone on Anzac day.

New Zealand Defence Force.

HEAD TO AN ANZAC DAY PARADE OR SERVICE

Medals are shone and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Auckland's suburbs for the annual Anzac Day parades. This year, due to the country's red-light level setting during planning, a lot of the services have pivoted to online offerings. Nevertheless, there will still be something happening in your area you can head along to, whether that be a wreath-laying opportunity, dawn service, commemorative brunch or drinks at your local RSA. Find out what's going on in your area here.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development

HIKE TO A HISTORICAL MILITARY SITE

If you'd prefer to get active on your day off, how about exploring some of the sites in Auckland that have a special military history? Only a 25-minute ferry ride from the CBD, Rangitoto is home to several military installations that were built during World War II to support harbour defences. Reaching the summit will give you pristine views back to Auckland and the old observation post — just don't forget a solid pair of walking shoes.

Devonport's North Head was originally a Māori defensive pā before colonisation. A trip up the volcanic peak will give you access to a military tunnel complex and gun emplacements that were built in 1885. It's also known for its stunning views of Rangitoto and Hauraki Gulf.

WATCH A COMMEMORATIVE LIGHT SHOW ON THE HARBOUR

From 6pm to midnight across April 22–25, Auckland's Harbour Bridge will shine with a dynamic light show to commemorate the servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, who have displayed courage and self-sacrifice serving our country. On the morning of April 25, the light and sound show will play at 5am to coincide with dawn services. Some of the best places to see the show include Little Shoal Bay, Bayswater Marina, Mount Victoria, Bastion Point, Harbour View Beach Reserve and the Mount Eden summit.

BAKE (AND EAT) SOME ANZAC BIKKIES

Spending your day off work visiting friends or whānau? Mark the history of the day with a cuppa and a koha of some freshly baked ANZAC cookies, which still go down a treat in 2022. If you're looking for a tried and true recipe, this one from the fourth edition Edmonds Cookery Book, released in 1923, has been made by families across the country for almost a century. The book is on show in Auckland Museum's Documentary Heritage Collection — and very possibly, your Gran's pantry — and the recipe is courtesy of Auckland Museum's website.

From the Edmonds Cookery Book

• ½ cup Champion standard plain flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅔ cup coconut
• ¾ cup Fleming's rolled oats
• 50 g butter
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup
• ½ teaspoon Edmonds baking soda
• 2 tablespoons boiling water

Mix together flour, sugar, coconut and rolled oats. Melt butter and golden syrup. Dissolve baking soda in the boiling water and add to butter and golden syrup. Stir the butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Place level tablespoonful of mixture onto cold greased trays. Bake at 180 degrees celcius for about 15 minutes or until golden. Makes 20.

Top image: Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.