Elton John in pictures: Hawke's Bay Mission Winery Concert

The organisers of pop superstar Elton John's first ever concert in Hawke's Bay loved the gig, but they loved the way it finished even more.

Getting a mass of 26,000 people out of a venue like Mission Estate Winery in Napier can be a struggle at the best of times.

But Thursday's gig saw a sold-out crowd leave faster than before, Mission Concert manager Garry Craft said.

Elton John delivered all the hits during his not-quite-a-farewell performance at the Mission Estate Winery on Waitangi Day. On February 15, he's back to do it all again. Photo / Paul Taylor

Craft, who on Friday was still digesting what was a historic night for the winery, said his first impression was that the crowd and Sir Elton had been "great", and that everything went to plan.

Police said there were no issues or arrests at the gig, despite breath tests on the roads around the concert beforehand.

Craft said the crowd had exited Elton's gig faster than they had at Michael Buble, which wasn't a sell out.

The Rocket Man delivered a hit-packed set, and will be back on February 15 to do it all again.

Both events are sold out.

The Hawke's Bay weather was perfect for the first Mission concert, dropping 10 or so degrees after a week that had seen temperatures hit an energy sapping 37.4C.

Concert-goers reported a great atmosphere, with the thousands stationed on the banks at the Mission's natural amphitheatre on their feet from the outset.

Hits like Candle in the Wind also had the crowd singing along.

Concert-goers were impressed with the quality of Sir Elton's live performance, with the songs sounding just like they do on his albums.

"It was pretty special, really, to see someone who has been around for a while ... songs that I have known for ever, from the 1970s,'' one fan told Hawke's Bay Today.

"He's 72 and he can still belt out a bloody good tune!"

Despite the 20,000-plus crowd, queues for alcohol and water seemed to move at an acceptable pace for the fans.

Super fan Louise Badcock had travelled from Devon, England to see Elton John perform for the first time and had a good view from on the bank.

"It was absolutely wonderful, it met all my expectations, " she said.

"Everybody was there for the same reason and everyone was singing along, it was just wonderful."

Her favourite song of the set? Daniel. "(It's) just a nice song really."

Sir Elton told the Mission audience he loved producing records but nothing beat performing in person and getting a "reaction" from a live crowd.

He said his farewell tour was all about freeing himself up to spend more time with his two young sons.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said three people were taken to Hawke's Bay hospital from the event.

Two were in a moderate condition, after becoming intoxicated. Another was reportedly in a more serious condition at the time of being taken.

A Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokeswoman said four arrived at the hospital after the event, either for a medical event or injury. None were in a critical condition, she said.

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour is taking in more than 300 shows across five continents. When it ends, throughout his career, Elton John will have performed more than 4000 shows in more than 80 countries.

His plane departed Hawke's Bay Airport at 10.09pm (roughly 30 minutes after his final song) flying to Honolulu. He's headed for Los Angeles for the Oscars on February 10.

Sir Elton performs again in Napier on February 15, before heading to Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium for three nights on February 16, 18 and 20.

Noah Putland and Tini Koukla, from Taradale, didn't have to travel far to see a global superstar in their back yard. Photo / Paul Taylor

The sellout crowd on Waitangi Day, for the first of two Elton John Mission concerts in Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

Caroline Meo, from Napier, gets into the Elton John groove at the Mission Concert in Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

It was a day for sunnies and sunscreen at Elton John. From left, Hannah Brown and Millie Simmons, from Hawke's Bay, soak up the atmosphere. Photo / Paul Taylor

Josie Kochelburg, from Napier, was one of the many locals taking advantage of being able to see a global superstar perform on their doorstep. Photo / Paul Taylor

Janine Goosen, from Hawke's Bay, relaxes at the Mission ahead of Elton John's hit-packed performance. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Rocket Man had everyone singing and dancing. Photo / Paul Taylor