Tinui ANZAC Walkway

The Tīnui Cross is one of New Zealand’s earliest First World War memorials. It was unveiled on Anzac Day 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli campaign. At that time, most war memorials were built years later. The small Tīnui community built it quickly to honour local soldiers who fought and died, especially at Gallipoli.

The Maunsell family, one of the first European settlers in the area and owners of Tinui Station, led the project. The cross stands on a dramatic outcrop of Mount Maunsell/Tīnui-Taipo, high above the township. It was a very emotional sight for the Dunn family, who lived nearby on the station. Their son, Private John Robert Dunn, was killed at Gallipoli during the attack on Chunuk Bair.

The original cross was made of strong Jarrah hardwood, but the exposed, windy position caused it to weather badly. In 1965, it was replaced with the current aluminium cross that still stands today.

Location: The Tīnui Cross is located on private land on Tinui Station, near the small town of Tīnui in the Wairarapa region (about 20 minutes’ drive from Masterton).

The Tunui War Memorial is in the township.

The memorial includes a Jack Dunn who was the first New Zealander to be sentenced to death at Gallipoli. This was remitted by General Sir Ian Hamilton at a later date.

Sadly Jack Dunn perished during the attack on Chunuk Bair in August 1915. 

In 12 days of battle Allied Forces had 12,500 casualties which included 880 brave Kiwi's.

We will remember them.

Visiting: You can see the cross clearly from the township below. A walk to the base of the cross is possible but steep and takes about 45–60 minutes return. It offers great views over the valley. Please respect the private land and check local advice before walking up. The memorial remains a quiet and powerful reminder of the huge impact the First World War had on this small town.