National Anzac Day Commemorative Service held in Wellington

The National Anzac Day Commemorative Service has been held in Wellington.

It began at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, where a dawn to dusk vigil is being held.

The service is being followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at The Cenotaph in Lambton Quay.

Wreaths are being laid on behalf of the City of Wellington, the Government, the Opposition, various military organisations, schools and foreign associations.

As Anzac Day commemorations continue it seems the crowds are growing.

Dawn services around the country have concluded, but there are still dozens of commemorations to be held.

Over ten thousand people were at the Auckland Domain for the dawn service at Auckland War Memorial Museum..

As the sun rose over Auckland, the Last Post sounded and a minute's silence was observed.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister John Key, opposition leader David Shearer and Auckland Mayor Len Brown.

The Auckland mayor is pleased the trend of more young New Zealanders attending the service.

"I think that term 'lest we forget' is one that has been very much talked about by mums and dads in households across the nation and the children absolutely get that. They get the seriousness of it and they understand inherently."

The solemn crowd greeted marching veterans with a warm round of applause.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.

It's been a moving start to the day in Wellington for both young and old.

The dawn ceremony at the Cenotaph was attended by thousands with many saying it was the biggest crowd they had seen.

Wellington's Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon was at the Cenotaph for the early morning parade.

He says it's been the biggest crowd he's ever seen and the age spectrum of those who attended was outstanding.

This year's address was given by the French Ambassador to New Zealand, Francis Etienne.

There's also a Citizens service at St Paul's Cathedral at a 9:45am.

The National Commemorative Service will be held at the National War Memorial at 10.30am.

The RSA is expecting another mix of generations at today's Anzac Day services.

Hundreds are taking place throughout the day, including 70 across Auckland alone.

RSA chief Stephen Clarke says members across the RSA have been involved in preparations.

"It's a truly wonderful day. The dawn service and just seeing the different generations coming together to honour and also afterwards to really celebrate life."

Mr Clarke says it's really pleasing to see a growing number of younger people attending services every year.

Photo: Getty Images