The two people who died in a tragic accident in Peria on December 29 were cousins, one aged 6 from Perth and one aged 4 from Auckland.
The pair were travelling on a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) with four other people around their grandmother's farm when, according to a post on social media, they crashed into a boulder and rolled into a water hole at Waikainga Stream.
The water hole is 11 metres deep and a popular swimming spot.
Four people, including the quad bike driver, managed to get out of the water and were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Emergency services were called to the remote area just after 5pm on Friday.
In an emotional post on social media - that Newshub has asked police to verify - a family member paid tribute to the young cousins.
"Our hearts are forever broken for you and are unmendable," the post said.
"Fly free with the grasshoppers and butterflys our little mate. We’ll always love you forever, even if you can’t see us and even on our darkest of days…We will love you forever and ever and always.
The family member said one of the boys was so full of light he would brighten every room he walked into.
"Words cannot paint a picture of how wonderful and special our wee boy was."
The post also thanks the local marae, emergency services and police for their support.
The two bodies were recovered on Saturday and police said at the time a rāhui had been placed on the Waikainga Stream from Shepherds Rd to the Peria Saleyards Bridge.
A fundraising page has been set up to raise money to help support the familes of the two boys.
"This fundraiser aims to support both families in New Zealand and Australia as they navigate this harrowing time. The funds will help cover the repatriation of our angels, funeral expenses, and ongoing bills, allowing the families to grieve without the added stress of financial burdens, the page says."
