Veterans' Affairs is expecting a late rush of applications for a ballot to decide who is able to attend official commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015, marking the centenary of the ill-fated World War I campaign.
New Zealand has been allocated 2000 places, while 8000 are going to Australia. The ratio is based on the relative number of casualties suffered by both countries in the nine-month campaign. Applications in New Zealand close on 31 January 2014.
Veterans' Affairs general manager Rick Ottaway says people need to start planning for any trip they intend to make, but warns a reservation does not guarantee access to Gallipoli - only winning a ticket in the ballot does.
Mr Ottaway says people can make travel bookings and these could be cancelled if they aren't successful in the ballot. Those that do miss out will go on a waiting list if anyone decides to pull out.
The results of the ballot are likely to be due near Anzac Day on 25 April 2014.
