Thousands of New Zealanders have turned out nationwide for Anzac Day dawn services, with the weight of the Christchurch mosque attacks hanging heavily over the commemorations.

There was a noticeably heavier police presence at the services.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the crowd at the Auckland War Memorial Museum that Kiwis needed to recommit to the principles of freedom, democracy and peace that the country had fought for.

She said the sacrifice of past wars reminded us of "our shared humanity - something we have been reminded of again in the wake of the 15th of March."

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is expected to attend the civic service at Auckland's war museum in the Domain at 11am before travelling to Christchurch to meet survivors of the mosque terror attacks.

The crowd gathered for the Anzac Day on the Beach dawn service at Titahi Bay, Porirua. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The sacrifices and valour of our servicemen and women are being honoured at events around the country. New Zealanders take time to honour those who have served our country, at home and offshore, through dawn parades, civic services and the laying of wreaths at memorials.

Veterans, armed services personal and police on parade during the Anzac Day on the Beach Dawn Service at Titahi Bay, Porirua. Photo / Mark Mitchell