Two experienced flight instructors have died following a light aircraft crash in the Kaimanawa Ranges, police have confirmed, Trend reports citing The New Zealand Herald newspaper.
The plane's wreckage was found this morning in steep terrain after being reported missing last night.
The bodies of two men have now been recovered, police said in a statement.
Earlier, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said it had opened an investigation into an "aviation accident" in the Kaimanawa Ranges in the Central North Island.
The Diamond DA42 Twin Star aeroplane was last seen on radar about 22 nautical miles south-southeast of Taupo. It was reported missing last night about 10pm.
A search team found the small plane, which was carrying two experienced flying instructors, this morning.
"A search aircraft was dispatched last night but was unable to reach the area due to weather," said TAIC's chief investigator of accidents, Captain Tim Burfoot.