Ardmore Flying School has confirmed the names of two pilots who died in a small plane crash in the Kaimanawa Ranges on Saturday.

They were Zakir Ali Parkar and Pete Callagher.

Their Diamond DA42 Twin Star plane was last seen on radar about 40km south-southeast of Taupō. It was reported missing on Saturday night about 10pm.

Police said the bodies of the two men have been recovered and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said three investigators were due at the crash site this morning.

Ardmore chief executive Ian Calvert said Parkar and Callagher were both ex-students and employees of the flying school.

"They did all their training at Ardmore Flying School and moved up through the ranks as instructors," he said.

"They were both very motivated young men. Their careers in the airlines were beginning in the not too distant future. They were both very professional and well liked."

He said both were New Zealanders.

Parkar's brother Khalid Parkar posted on Facebook: "I will always remember him for the great big brother that he was and the good friends we became as we grew up."

His aunt Ann-marie Blair posted:"My very handsome nephew Zakir who we lost yesterday in a plane crash. You are one of our own hunny and we will miss you all the days of our lives. Shock waves have ripped through our family again. Our love and bonds will only grow stronger."

A formal statement is expected to be issued this afternoon.