He had been waiting eagerly at the site with his 9-year-old brother Alex, a family friend, and his mum, Raelene McFarlane.
Ms McFarlane said she was disappointed at the outcome, but still "optimistic".
"It was incredibly exciting, we saw the smoke shooting out the side but then it all just disappeared."
Frasertown's Grey Wilson said she would hopefully return, but depending on the time might not be able to bring her two children, Zoe, 2, and Mack, 4, as the later launch time meant she was able to yesterday.
She had been looking forward to witnessing the launch. She had missed the first one, but knew a lot about the venture as her husband had been involved in the construction of the launch pad.
"It's so exciting we had to be here," Ms Wilson said. "I think it's amazing we've got this technology in our district."
Other spectators could not return including many of the tourists who had happened across the site, who said they would have to continue on with their travels.
Some at the Wairoa District Council site had been waiting there since the scheduled 2.30pm time. Others like Graham and Sue McClelland had been waiting since Monday.
They arrived at the site in time for the fourth attempt while travelling from Gisborne to Napier, and had put off their trip south to witness yesterday's attempt.
"We thought we should come see it, you don't often see this sort of thing," Mr McClelland said.
He did not think they could wait another day for the launch: "I've already missed a day of golf for this".
This was the fifth attempt at launching since the window opened on Friday. Monday's launch attempt was scrubbed due to unfavourable weather and orbital traffic, the International Space Station.
The weather had been fine yesterday, with clear skies although wind began picking up in the late afternoon. Today's forecast is not as good.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said although the delay might be frustrating, it was part of the test process.
He said the Wairoa District Council had received good feedback on its viewing site at Blucks Pit Road where council staff answered questions, and provided the latest rocket updates, as well as doling out water, binoculars, and even frisbees to keep those waiting entertained.
Yesterday a council observer at the site said there had been a steady stream of visitors with around 30 by 1pm, and numbers increasing as the 4pm attempt time drew closer.
A communications glitch meant the company's first flight in May had to be terminated before reaching orbit.
If needed, the company will launch a third test flight but it is keen to accelerate its transition into full commercial operations.
Rocket Lab said the weather was not good for a launch attempt today, so it would target launching the rocket, named ''Still Testing,'' tomorrow. It would not be attempted before 2.30pm.