The last of Air New Zealand's Boeing 737 aircraft is being retired today to be replaced by the newer Airbus A320.

Its final commercial flight from Auckland to Christchurch is this evening.

But it won't be the last time kiwis will see it.

Chief Pilot Captain David Morgan says there will be open days this week for people to farewell the aircraft, which is under negotiation to be sold.

He says there're three days for staff in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland to say goodbye but it will also be taken to other parts of the country.

Captain Morgan says a lot of people will have fond memories of the 737s especially if their first jet flights were on the aircraft.

The first 737 was purchased by NAC 47 years ago.

Other airlines have also flown 737s in New Zealand skies.