Australians have proved the Anzac spirit is alive and well, with huge numbers attending dawn services across the country, as the centenary of Gallipoli nears.

Thousands marched through the gates of the Auckland Domain and to the cenotaph outside the city's museum today. The weather cleared for the Anzac Day dawn service where veterans were applauded and fallen soldiers were remembered.

It's an old and battered little blue book, held together by pieces of string and sticking plasters.

Thousands of people have attended Anzac Day services around New Zealand and across the globe.

Thousands of Australians will head to their local Returned and Services League club after Anzac Day commemorations today for a beer and a round of two-up.

A large crowd gathered in the corner of a wheat field yesterday to bury four British soldiers they never knew, who were killed in World War I nearly a century ago.

As time has passed, the esteem for those who fought and died overseas in the New Zealand uniform has increased.

Large crowds are expected at Anzac Day dawn services tomorrow, despite the chance of showers in the main centres.

The Governor-General has presented the prestigious Anzac of the Year Award to the youngest-ever recipients - two cousins who saved a man from drowning.

A 102-year-old who has not missed marching in an Anzac Day parade since returning from service nearly 70 years ago will be among those paying their respects.

Maryanne O'Donnell lost a son in Afghanistan. Now she worries for the future of the annual service that commemorates him and other victims of war - Anzac Day.

The Hobsonville War Memorial Park reclines on the corner of Hobsonville and Ockleston Roads in Hobsonville.

Every year at this time comes the familiar barrage. The annual dusting off of the grainy footage and marching music for the Anzac Day docos, writes Russell Baillie.

Scars run deep for soldiers in the Battle of El Alamein, a bloody clash that was a turning point in the war.

Ex-Wallaby and best selling Australian author Peter FitzSimons believes there are few better symbols of the Anzac spirit than war heroine Nancy Wake, nicknamed the White Mouse by the Gestapo during World War II.

A clear majority of New Zealanders say that Anzac Day means more to them than Waitangi Day, according to a UMR Research poll.

Extensive line-up shames those provided by other broadcasters, writes Nick Grant.

It had been a long time since busy mum Kylie Perry had taken a day off work to stay home with her pair of boisterous pre-schoolers.

Not many of us have a genuine hero for a big brother, says Rodney Hide. His friend Vince Ashworth has two.

The end of the golden weather brings vivid new hues, writes Meg Liptrot.