The Chunuk Bair Memorial (Conkbayırı in Turkish) stands at one of the most strategically significant points on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Çanakkale Province — the summit ridge that New Zealand forces briefly captured on 8–10 August 1915, pushing further toward the Dardanelles than any ANZAC unit would reach during the entire campaign. The ridge commands panoramic views over both the Aegean coast to the west and the Dardanelles Strait to the east, making its strategic importance immediately apparent to visitors standing at the crest.
The New Zealand National Memorial, a white obelisk positioned at the commanding height of the ridge, bears the names of 853 New Zealand soldiers who died at Gallipoli and have no known grave. Facing the memorial is a large bronze statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Ottoman commander who led the counter-offensive that retook Chunuk Bair on 10 August 1915. The juxtaposition of the New Zealand and Turkish memorials at the same summit is one of the most striking aspects of the Gallipoli landscape — a shared mourning on ground that both sides held briefly and at great cost.
Behind the memorial, a series of low mounds mark reconstructed Ottoman and ANZAC trench positions that allow visitors to walk the ground where front lines were sometimes separated by just metres. The interpretive panels are detailed and well-maintained in Turkish and English.
A visit to Chunuk Bair takes 30–45 minutes. It is adjacent to the Lone Pine Cemetery (300 metres away) and shares a car park and dolmuş stop, making a combined visit natural. The summit viewpoint is exposed and can be very windy; an extra layer is useful even in summer.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- morning
Location
Conkbayırı, Eceabat, Çanakkale
40.2205, 26.2941 View on map
Highlights
- New Zealand National Memorial obelisk bearing 853 names of soldiers with no known grave
- Panoramic views over both the Aegean and Dardanelles from the strategic summit ridge
- Bronze statue of Atatürk at the site of the decisive Ottoman counter-offensive of 10 August 1915
- Reconstructed ANZAC and Ottoman trench lines allowing visitors to walk the historic front
- Adjacent to Lone Pine Cemetery — combinable in a single 90-minute stop
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Lone Pine Cemetery (300m away) and the Atatürk Memorial for a complete Conkbayırı circuit
- The summit is exposed and can be cold and windy; bring a layer regardless of the season
- Morning visits are cooler and the ridge is often clear before the midday tour groups arrive
- No admission fee; the site is part of the free Gallipoli Historical National Park
- Read the interpretive panels fully — the August 1915 offensive context makes the terrain legible
- Toilets and a small rest area are available near the shared car park with Lone Pine Cemetery
When to visit
Morning visits offer the clearest views and cooler temperatures before the wind picks up on the exposed ridge. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; ANZAC Day (25 April) and the surrounding week see significantly higher visitor numbers.
Accessibility
The main memorial area is on flat, maintained ground and is accessible by wheelchair. The reconstructed trench lines involve steps and uneven terrain and are not fully accessible. The car park is level and shared with Lone Pine Cemetery.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chunuk Bair Memorial?
It is the New Zealand National Memorial at the Gallipoli Peninsula, marking the site where New Zealand forces reached the furthest point of any ANZAC advance during the August 1915 offensive. The memorial bears 853 names of soldiers with no known grave.
Is photography allowed at Chunuk Bair?
Yes, photography is freely permitted throughout the outdoor memorial site. The view from the ridge across the Dardanelles to the Asian shore makes for excellent wide-angle photography in clear conditions.
How close are Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine Cemetery?
They are approximately 300 metres apart and share a car park. Most visitors cover both sites and the nearby Atatürk Memorial in a combined stop of 90 minutes to two hours.