The search for missing helicopter pilot Matt Wallis will resume at Lake Wanaka on Monday morning.
- Lake Wanaka helicopter pilot believed dead
- Lake Wanaka helicopter crash: Search resumes for missing pilot
Police believe he is dead, after finding an oil slick and wreckage from his aircraft.
Mr Wallis was reported overdue just after 1pm on Saturday.
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 Sunday afternoon Det Sgt Derek Shaw said the search had transitioned into a recovery operation.
Queenstown Lakes Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod told The AM Show it's a "sad day" for the community.
"He's well-known in not just the farming circles but aviation and tourism. It's the conversation at the supermarket, and thoughts and prayers go to his family."
Mr MacLeod says the Queenstown community tends to be quite resilient.
"We're based in the mountains and it happens all too often, unfortunately."
He says wind could be an issue with Monday's search, but the police dive squad is on site and the recovery operation will evolve throughout the day.
Newshub.
