Christchurch Airport bid farewell to the RNZAF C-130 Hercules today as three aircraft made their final pass down the runway before flying over Christchurch City on their New Zealand-wide retirement tour.

Hundreds of aviation enthusiasts gathered around the airport for a last glimpse of the legendary aircraft, which has played a crucial role in Antarctic missions and emergency response efforts for decades.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has supported scientific research and transport operations to Antarctica since the 1950s, with the Hercules becoming an essential part of these missions. A typical flight to the ice takes around seven hours, carrying scientists, passengers, and cargo vital to New Zealand’s research programs.

The aircraft also played a critical role in the response to the February 22, 2011, earthquake, providing aerial imagery of damaged infrastructure and transporting Urban Search and Rescue teams to Christchurch. An airbridge was quickly established between Christchurch and Wellington, evacuating more than 4,800 civilians and delivering over 300,000 kilograms of essential supplies from Wellington and Auckland.

At the height of operations, three Hercules aircraft worked tirelessly to ferry casualties and stranded tourists north—marking the largest single movement of personnel and freight in RNZAF history.

Christchurch Airport spokesperson Sean Tully acknowledged the aircraft’s significant legacy.

“The Hercules is an icon of the skies—versatile, dependable, and an important part of Christchurch’s history. From Antarctic missions to disaster response, it has served our city and beyond with distinction. We’ll certainly miss seeing it fly over Christchurch.”