Rotorua's Ray Cook at Anzac Cove Dawn Service

The Anzac Cove Dawn Service 2019. Photo / Ray Cook

On the same soil Kiwi soldiers fought on more than 100 years ago, a Rotorua man stood at the Anzac Cove Dawn Service.

Ray Cook was one of more than 1000 other Australians and New Zealanders who attended the Anzac Day commemoration in Turkey.

After an online application to the Australian government, tickets and passports at hand and a one and a half hour security screening, he was at the site.

As one would expect, it was "very moving".

The Anzac Cove Dawn Service 2019. Photo / Ray Cook

"There's no comparison being at the place that it all happened," Cook said.

"The intensity of it...and how they had to hunker down and defend."

Cook said the terror threats meant security was on high alert and only Turkish government representatives were able to attend with New Zealanders and Australians.

A suspected Islamic State member was arrested in Turkey over a plot to attack today's Anzac commemorations at Gallipoli.

The Anzac Cove Dawn Service 2019. Photo / Ray Cook

Security sources told the ABC the attack was planned in retaliation for Christchurch.

Cook said not attending was not an option.

"You can't be on edge for these terrorits because if you don't go to these things they've won," he said.

The Anzac Cove Dawn Service 2019. Photo / Ray Cook

Trevor Mallard mentioned the attacks on Christchurch, Sri Lanka and attacks on Turkey over the years, too, Cook said.

All in all, Cook was greatful he was fortunate enough to have attended.