The Kiwis on board the helicopter that crashed on the Gold Coast have shared what happened in the moments after landing.
The four friends from Auckland, Edward and Marle Swart and Riaan and Elmarie Steenberg, told Newshub that what happened is still sinking in, but are eternally grateful to have been spared.
The two couples have been capturing their recovery over the past few days. Best friends Marle and Elmarie have been side-by-side in hospital with serious injuries.
"The reality of the last five days' events is sinking in and is a heavy weight to carry," the four friends said in a statement.
They thanked a range of people for their "care and heroism" they say changed their lives.
"Our pilot, Michael James. You are our hero. You landed the helicopter safely and kept the bystanders and us safe. We are eternally grateful to you," they said.
"Unidentified bystanders who ran to our assistance. The person on the jet ski who was first on the scene and helped us out of the helicopter, the off-duty paramedic who ran to our assistance, the holidaymakers who brought us hats, towels and water, and chairs."
They also thanked police officers, emergency services personnel, staff of Villas de la Mer, staff involved with their care at Robina Public Hospital, Sea World Helicopters, their friends and family in Australia, and their community in New Zealand.
While they're now out of hospital, the four friends said their thoughts are with the survivors who are not.
Winnie de Silva and her son Leon, nine, as well as 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros are still in hospital.
Nicholas is on life support but is stable, with his dad by his side. His mum didn't survive the crash.
A family dedicated to their faith, their church held a special service in Sydney for him and are praying for a miracle.
