A commemorative display has been opened marking New Zealand's worst domestic air accident, containing items from the crash site.
The New Zealand National Airways Corporation flight from Auckland to Tauranga crashed into the Kaimai Ranges 60 years ago.
There's been a service at the roadside memorial to remember the 23 people who died.
There was a minute's silence on Monday at 9:09am, the time New Zealand's worst domestic air accident occurred 60 years ago.
Some were seen clutching precious memories of loved ones, and others holding flowers.
"It's an acknowledgement of what happened 60 years ago and how the locals rallied to support the community," said Matamata-Piako Mayor Adrienne Wilcock.
All 23 passengers and crew were killed on the New Zealand National Airways Corporation flight 441.
The DC-3 plunged into a rock ravine near the top of the Kaimai Ranges.
Below the mountains on Monday, relatives gathered at the memorial site.
"We are here today for our grandmother Dianne Taylor," said one relative.
"My father was on the plane. I was a nine-year-old at the time. I just remember the day turned very different day," said another.
A day that was plagued by shocking weather conditions, with strong winds.
"As a result of that, the airplane got into a severe turbulence situation. It didn't descend below an altitude that it was supposed to but it got caught in the turbulence and as a result it contacted the ground," said Air New Zealand's chief pilot David Morgan.
As people paid tribute, an identical plane flew over the area to mark the anniversary. Another service was held to open a specially-constructed memorial room inside the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum at Tauranga Airport.
"There's been nothing tangible or available for members of the family, we thought it was time to produce a display from them to be nearby," Classic Flyers Museum CEO Andrew Gormlie said.
It includes the rear wheel recovered from the wreckage that remains in the Kaimai Ranges, as well as an engine.
"The location is so dangerous and inaccessible it's an honour to bring this out to a place where people can pay their respects and remember this tragic event," one man said.
"It does bring it to life for other people, of course it's always been part of my life and probably will be until the day I die," relative Robert Taylor said.
A day to remember those who were travelling on business, for a holiday or simply to see family.
