Police have confirmed they now believe the pilot of a crashed helicopter in Lake Wanaka has died.
Matthew Timothy Wallis was reported overdue just after 1pm on Saturday.
- Search underway at Lake Wanaka for overdue helicopter
- Lake Wanaka helicopter crash: Search resumes for missing pilot
It's understood the 39-year-old was delivering supplies from Wanaka Airport to a lodge north of the township, a flight expected to take 15 minutes.
On Saturday afternoon, a search began to find Mr Wallis, a well-known local figure in the tourism industry.
An oil slick and wreckage from the helicopter has washed up on Stevensons Island, but strong winds and rain hindered the response effort for the evening.
On Sunday afternoon Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw told media that the search had transitioned into a recovery operation.
"We do not believe that the pilot is still alive," he said.
He said Mr Wallis' family is "bearing up the best they can", and are very supportive of search volunteers.
"They're having to cope with the loss of their brother and son, and police are grateful for their help."
Three vessels continued the search on Sunday in support of a dive team, and LandSAR and Coastguard volunteers are also searching the land and coastline of Lake Wanaka.
Civil Aviation Authority arrived in Wanaka on Sunday to begin their investigation into the incident.
The Police National Dive Squad will make an assessment of some of the search area on Sunday afternoon.
Newshub.
