The 1982 red and white aerial fire engine rolled into town on Saturday for the Special Rigs for Special Kids rally.
The five-hour jaunt from Mr Hope's shed in Broadfield, Christchurch, to its former home city was by no means the biggest journey the Mack had been on, he said.
``A few years ago, we took it to a truck event in Brisbane. It went on a ship via Japan to get there.
``I think the guy that bought it before me was going to use it for hedge pruning, but like all good ideas it didn't last.''
The vehicle tow-truck business owner said he could not resist buying the vehicle when he saw it advertised nine years ago.
``It's a fun vehicle. Some people buy jet skis, I bought a fire truck.''
In its ``retirement'', the truck and the 55ft snorkel proved popular for ``all kinds of events''.
``It was used to take the guys from work on Saturday morning down to the pub for lunch because we could all fit in it.
``It's also been used to take kids to school balls ...
``The hotel wanted me to use it to clean windows,'' he said, laughing.
It was even used to help put out a serious fire in his neighbour's paddock.
On Sunday, a whole family was able to fit inside.
``Their eyes lit up when they saw it.''
It was the first time either the Mack or Mr Hope had been involved in Special Rigs for Special Kids.
However, he intended to make it a regular fixture on the busy vehicle's calendar.
