The body of a Wairarapa pilot whose helicopter crashed in the Kaimanawa ranges yesterday has been found by a search and rescue party.

His body was found about 50 metres from the wreckage of his Robinson helicopter which failed to return after flying hunters into Oamaru Valley yesterday afternoon.

Wreckage was spotted from the air about 7pm last night but no sign of life was found before rescuers had to leave the area because their helicopter was running low on fuel.

This morning a fixed-wing aircraft and the Taupo Rescue Helicopter flew police search and rescue personnel back to the scene.

Six police officers and a police dog were winched down into the bush and around 11.30am found the body about 50 metres from the wreckage.

Police said the family of the 39-year-old pilot had been advised of the discovery.

The body and police are expected to be airlifted from the area this afternoon.

Police said they would not name the man until a formal identification was carried out and a crash investigation was underway.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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