A humbling and fitting farewell for war hero, father and friend Les Munro was held in Tauranga this afternoon.

96-year-old Les Munro died of heart problems in hospital on Monday night.

The last surviving dam Dambuster pilot and one of the country's most decorated war heros was commemorated at Tauranga's Classic Flyers aviation centre in front of about 620 guests.

Members of the Royal New Zealand Airforce and war veterans stood to attention as Mr Munro's grandchildren carried their "pop" for an honoural fly-over salute of five Harvard aircrafts.

Granddaughter Chelsea Fielder spoke on behalf of the grandchildren and great grandchild.

"The mighty totora tree of our family has fallen."

Air Force chief Air Marshell Mike Yaldey attended the service along with a crew from Wellington.

Chief Executive of MOTAT Mike Frawley also attended.

Colleague and friend Dave Muir said "for this man I would have put my hand in the fire, farewell friend."