Updated 11.05AM: Friends of a Christchurch family killed in a light plane crash are mourning their deaths.

Four bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the Cessna crash, near the mouth of the Motatapu River, near Wanaka.

It's believed the victims are experienced pilots Paul and Kate Macdonald, and their two young children.

A friend, who doesn't want to be named, says it's a tragic accident.

A statement on Cotswold School's web site says the family was well known to many in the community and will be dearly missed.

Staff, students and parents are deeply shocked and are being supported by Ministry of Education counsellors.

The school remains open, and staff say their thoughts are with the family and friends of the family. 

The bodies will be formally identified this morning.

Southern police will today continue their scene examination to determine the cause of the crash.