Among them will be Taradale man Hardie Martin, who served as a rifleman with Victor 3 Company in Vietnam between November 1968 and November 1969. He said it would be good to "climb back in" for the last time.
He got to know the US and Australian 9 Squadron Hueys very well.
"Most of our deployments were by helicopter - they would get us in and get us out pretty quick."
On longer deployments, the familiar thump of the Iroquois blades meant crucial supplies were on the way in to them.
As radio operator, he would sit on the edge of the passenger area, as he had a large packed radio unit on his back.
"All kitted up, you'd get about seven men in there."
He recalled seeing two occasions where injured troops were hoisted from bunkers and desperately lifted away - dragged through trees as enemy fire was directed at them.
One told Mr Martin after he successfully recovered he was terrified at the time and not sure if his wounds would kill him or the trees.
"But that's the way it was - they had to be lifted out fast because fire was coming in."
Mr Martin said he was thrilled to be contacted by the air force and offered a final flight.
"It's very good of them to offer it to Vietnam veterans, as we spent the most time in them."
In 2005, he had enjoyed a flight in one as part of a commissioning course for Air Training Corps cadets.
"But before that - 1969."
The visiting choppers are part of the last six Iroquois flying with 3 Squadron out of Ohakea Air Base and are set to be retired from service on July 1.
The Iroquois entered service in 1966 and are being replaced by eight new NH90 helicopters.
While the aircraft had been put up for international sale, three will remain in New Zealand - two at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch for display and one at the Army Museum at Waiouru.
