The bodies of two people who died in a Nelson plane crash have been recovered, police said.
Detective Jonathon Evans said the bodies were recovered from the site yesterday afternoon.
"Police thank the New Zealand Defence Force, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand for their assistance in accessing the site and for the recovery effort," Evans said.
He said the scene is being handed to the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).
Police were notified just before midday Tuesday that the Cessna 172P Skyhawk, which had taken off from Nelson Airport at 9.10am, was overdue. The plane was later found in a remote area south of Castor Peak, and two people were confirmed dead.
The TAIC confirmed it had launched an investigation into the crash on Wednesday, saying the aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
Wānaka-based self-fly tour company FlyInn confirmed "with a heavy heart" that one of its aircraft was involved in the crash.
"Our thoughts are first and foremost with those directly affected, their families, and loved ones," a message on the company's website read.
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