Katikati hosts Battle of Crete (+photos)

Tanks rolled through the streets of Katikati, drains became trenches and soldiers pitched their tents on the reserve as the mural town was transformed into a European battlefield.

About 30 members of the World War II Historical Re-enactment Society acted out the Battle of Crete for an audience of about 600 on Saturday and Sunday.

Katikati Heritage Museum manager Paula Gaelic said the weekend was "better than great".

"It was really, really good and everybody just had a great time," she said. "It was a really good atmosphere. The museum was alive."

German and Allied soldiers fought throughout the weekend, leaving bodies strewn around the battlefield. The soldiers even slept there for the night.

The event was held to coincide with Anzac Day and the opening of the museum's new exhibition room.

It was great to see people of all ages, including a couple of war veterans, enjoying the re-enactment, she said.

"I've always been involved with the Anzacs. You handle that material and see the old men that have actually been there and they've really appreciated the room of remembrance."

It was the first time the re-enactment society had performed in Katikati but it would not be the last, she said.