National War Memorial

The National War Memorial in Wellington commemorates all New Zealanders who gave their lives in the South African War, two World Wars, the conflicts in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam and on world-wide peace-keeping operations. It also honours the servicemen and women who served in those wars.

National War Memorial

The Memorial is actually two buildings from two different eras. The art-deco Carillon tower opened on Anzac Day 1932, and the Hall of Memories was completed in 1964.

Interestingly, it was the same architects, Gummer & Ford and the same builder, P Graham & Sons, who completed the project over a thirty year period.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior contains the remains of a New Zealand soldier who died on the Western Front during World War I, but whose body could not be identified. He was re-interred in his new Tomb on Armistice Day, 11 November 2004. He is a symbol of remembrance for all the New Zealanders who never made the journey home.

The National War Memorial is under the care of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Opening hours

Monday-Saturday 10:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday Noon to 4.30pm

Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day only

Tours

Schools and other group visits are welcome. Please contact in advance to inform of date and time.

Access

Dedicated parking and wheelchair access are available

Photography

The taking of photographs is permitted except for promotional undertakings

Street Address

Buckle Street, Wellington

Images on this page are copyright to Ministry for Culture and Heritage and New Zealand Defence Force.