On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the NZDF had wound up its airlift operation earlier in the day, prior to the devastating attacks on Kabul International Airport by the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State - known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K).

NZ officials said no Kiwis were killed in the attack.

Ms Ardern joined the international denunciation of the attacks, saying "we strongly condemn what is a despicable attack on many innocent families and individuals who were vulnerable and simply seeking safety".

An NZDF C-130 Hercules aircraft conducted three successful airlifts prior to the withdrawal.

About 520 people registered with the NZ foreign affairs ministry for assistance leaving Afghanistan.

More than 270 were successfully airlifted, with up to 100 more taken on the last flight on Thursday.

The shortfall means many who were hoping to receive assistance now face an uncertain fate.

"Everyone we had within the boundaries of the airport, we took with us," Ms Ardern said.

"We know with absolute certainty we did not get everyone out. We have more work to do."

NZ is seeking to repatriate Kiwis and their families, as well as interpreters and other Afghans who supported its operations during its involvement in the long conflict.

NZ and Australia worked hand-in-hand on the evacuations, with both Kiwis and Australians on board the flights operated by both defences forces.

Ms Ardern thanked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian forces "with whom we have once again acted alongside in the Anzac spirit to protect and bring home each other's citizens".

"We bought home theirs. They helped bring home ours," she said.

Australian Associated Press