The Hall of Memorial which is entered via the vestibule at the base of the Carillon tower, provides a focal point for commemorations.

The plans for the Hall of Memories were originally drawn up in the 1920s, but the Great Depression of the 1930s and then World War II put the project on indefinite hold. It was not until 1964 that the Hall of Memories was officially opened by the Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson on 5 April 1964.

The interior walls were built in stone from the Mount Somers district near Ashburton and the exterior consists of concrete slabs cast to resemble blocks of Putaruru stone. Soaring columns give a commanding impression of height and beauty, and stained glass windows create an attractive effect of colour and light.

Six recesses, or mini-chapels, flank each side and each has its own dedicated plaque of remembrance to the arms of the forces in which New Zealanders served. The flags of each Service hang immediately above. Also within the recesses are four mounted wall plaques commemorating the conflicts in South Africa, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.  The recess commemorating the Second World War Expeditionary Force contains a three panelled Māori carving known as Tahiwi.  This was presented by Gallipoli veterans in honour of the Māori Pioneer Battalion.

The focal point of the Hall, sculptor Lynden Smith's statue Mother and Children, stands within the Sanctuary. The statue is both a gentle and powerful image of the suffering and burden carried by a family during time of war.

On display behind glass on each side of the Sanctuary is the nation's Roll of Honour. Within these books are the names of the nearly 30,000 New Zealand war dead. The Coats of Arms of the nine New Zealand provinces flank the walls above the books. The Lamp of the Brotherhood, dedicated to preserving remembrance and unity, is mounted on the back wall.

Carved in stone above the Sanctuary are doves of peace and verses from Psalm 139.

Two large columns flank the steps to the sanctuary, each bearing engravings of members of the Commonwealth who fought in the two world wars, their Coats of Arms linked by stylised branches to the Tree of the Commonwealth

Word's from Laurence Binyon's Ode to the Fallen are set within bronze on the rear wall. 

ODE TO THE FALLEN

Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.

Wreath laying ceremonies are regularly held to commemorate the many wars and campaigns that New Zealand has participated in. Many Heads of State and members of Royal Families have attended and laid wreaths to the fallen.