The traditional nationwide two minutes' silence at 11am may have become a memory for many but Armistice Day was honoured by hundreds of people in Otago yesterday.
Ninety years ago, at 11am on November 11, 1918, the guns mostly fell silent.
The "war to end all wars" was over after an armistice was signed between Britain and Germany in a forest in Compiegne, France.
On the 11th hour of the 11th month the armistice ended a war which cost millions of lives, including those of 17,000 New Zealanders.
In Dunedin, a group of about 200 observed two minutes' silence to mark not only the soldiers who died in World War 1 but those who died in all wars.
A single wreath was laid at the Cenotaph in Queens Gardens, a short speech given, a prayer read and Last Post played before shots from three field guns placed around the city signalled two minutes' silence, to reflect.
Plans to stop the traffic flow around Queens Gardens for three minutes were half successful, with traffic ceasing for about 90 seconds during the two minutes' silence, while the firing of the Robbie Burns cannon in the Octagon, a field gun in Mornington and one in Queens Gardens went smoothly.
Across New Zealand, people observed a day of remembrance to mark the 90th anniversary of the armistice signing.
A wreath was laid at the National War Memorial in Wellington, and in Auckland a film was screened at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
The film told the story of three New Zealanders who served in WW1, and the lasting impact the war had, not only on servicemen but on their families when they returned home.
The film used rare images, footage and letters.
A commemorative exhibition, "An Impressive Silence", also opened at Archives New Zealand in Wellington, with WW1 memorabilia as well as model replica aeroplanes, German and English, an original soldier's uniform, and a machine gun.
While Armistice Day marked the end of war on the Western Front, hostilities continued in parts of Russia. - Additional reporting NZPA.
North Otago: In commemorations in Oamaru yesterday, members of the Oamaru Coastal Defence Restoration Group fired an 11-round salute.
About 80 people attended the Armistice Service at the Garden of Memories, next to the North Otago RSA.
The service honoured men and women from North Otago who fought in WW1.
It paid tribute to their families, and was also a time to remember those who had died in other wars and battles, North Otago RSA outgoing president, Pete Christian, said.
Wakatipu: Sixteen children from Wyndham Primary School were at a school camp in Cromwell, and had set out to explore the historic Chinese settlement, when teachers decided to take them to see how the Wakatipu marked the 90th anniversary of the end of WW1.
About 40 Arrowtown and Queenstown RSA veterans and members had gathered with Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade, Arrowtown Scouts and about 30 members of the public for the tribute, on Memorial Hill in Arrowtown.
Under warm blue skies, veteran Don Spary marshalled proceedings.
Arrowtown RSA president Rupert Iles and Queenstown RSA secretary Michael Skudder laid wreaths at the monument.
Veterans and members then laid down their poppies.
Wanaka: About 30 people gathered for a small and intimate service at the Wanaka War Memorial and Lookout, at 11am yesterday.
Wanaka's War Memorial is on a hilltop, overlooking the town.
Some people returned in the evening, to witness the cenotaph monument lit up with high-beam lights for the first time, in what will be a nightly display.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council and Wanaka Community Board authorised the installation of lights at the monument earlier this year.
QLDC project manager Mark Symons thanked the RSA for its support of the lighting initiative and for the opportunity to tie in the occasion with "such a significant day of remembrance".
Karitane: Armistice Day was marked in a very personal way at the Karitane War Memorial. Members of the Huirapa rununga put photographs on display of rununga members who had taken part in the wars of the 20th century, including World War 2.
David Ellison, of Karitane, added a photo of his father, Mutu Ellison, who spent four years in Stalag 8D during WW2.
A print of the telegram announcing his father's return from prison camp to New Zealand at the end of WW2 was also on display.
The celebration was attended by 15 people.
•The Dunedin RSA will mark the 90th anniversary of the World War 1 armistice with a special concert in the Dunedin Town Hall tonight.
"It's A Grand Night For Singing" will be compered by Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, who will also sing Stout Hearted Men and Good Night Ladies with the choir.
The Dunedin Star Singers, led for probably the final time by veteran conductor Dulcie Gunn, will sing The Dark Island and Battle Hymn of the Republic.
RSA Choir 2008 vocal scholars soprano Michelle Willyams and baritone Tim Blackler will also perform.
The programme includes It's A Grand Night For Singing, Jamaican Farewell, Steal Away, There is a Balm in Gilead, Ceremony of Remembrance, In the Good Old Summer Time, When A Child Is Born and Go Tell It On The Mountain.
The concert will be conducted by Michael McConnell and will be accompanied by Dennis McCombe.
"It's A Grand Night For Singing" with the Dunedin RSA Choir starts at 7.30 tonight in the Dunedin Town Hall.
