The air force found faults in both of its Boeing 757 jets as it undertook to get a delegation to Gallipoli.
Engineers found a problem on Sunday with the leading-edge slat on one of the 757s, which could not be fixed before a 129-strong contingent was due to leave on Monday morning for Turkey to commemorate ANZAC Day.
That fault will take up to a week to fix because replacement parts need to come from the United States.
The delegation waited at Ohakea air base for the air force's second 757 to arrive. The plane had been undergoing a refit at Whenuapai after arriving back in New Zealand overnight.
However, that aircraft's departure was delayed by an engine fault. The fault was repaired but required a flight test afterwards.
The plane eventually left with the delegation on Monday evening.
The delegation includes veterans and students, along with the Chief Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson and Veterans' Affairs Minister Judith Collins.
An upgrade programme for the two jets was completed in February last year. The air force says the 17-year-old planes require more maintenance because of their age, but are in good condition.
