Mount Maunganui packed for Anzac Day dawn service

6.14am: The first wreath honouring the fallen soliders of Anzac Day has been laid at Mount Maunganui.

Mount Maunganui RSA's Brenda Smith laid the wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph on Marine Parade shortly before the large crowd began singing songs of Gallipoli.

6am: A parade of about 200 have marched through Mount Maunganui this morning to honour and commemorate our fallen soldiers.

About 200 people are taking part in this morning's dawn service parade at Mount Maunganui for Anzac Day. Photo/Anna Whyte

The parade of former servicemen and associates marched from along Marine Parade from Mauao to the Cenotaph near Pacific Ave.

Despite the huge crowd of people, the air is quiet.

Earlier: Large crowds are spilling onto the streets at this morning's Mount Maunganui Anzac Day dawn service.

Hundreds of people have gathered at the Cenotaph on Marine Parade to pay their respects, including two husky dogs wearing poppies.

Many of the people have gathered on Mount Drury, where it is expected they will have one of the best views of the coming sunrise.

Large crowds have gathered in Mount Maunganui for this morning's Anzac Day dawn service. Photo/Anna Whyte