The Gallipoli Peninsula is being flooded with thousands of Australian and New Zealand visitors.

4000 Turkish security officials are patrolling the peninsula and checkpoints, and media have to set up almost 24 hours before the ceremony starts.

TVNZ's Wendy Petrie says they face a long wait in the cold night before the ceremony begins.

"It will be an incredible time, to be there amongst the 10,000 ballot holders and be part of the 100 year commemoration."

Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Tim Keating is on the peninsula.

He says with extra security threats facing this year's event, Turkey has a very well-organised security plan in place.

"The Turks have been doing this for a long time, and they run an incredibly complex event. This one is more complex than ever."
Wendy Petrie says the rules are being strictly enforced.

"There's no selfie sticks allowed. There's a no fly zone, and then of course in an emergency they've got boats, helicopters and you can drive out."

Tim Keating says the campaign shaped the values and attitudes the Defence Force has had over the past hundred years.

"The profound loss out there - that shaped much of the attitudes and the values of the modern defence force."

Former PM Helen Clark says New Zealand and Turkey have shown for many years it's possible for foes to become friends and that's one thing she remembers the battle for.

"To me it means never forget, but always forgive and move on."