Goose Bay, near Kaikōura. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
Family and friends of those onboard the Kaikōura charter boat which capsized on Saturday are still coming to terms with the tragedy.
Investigations are under way, after the boat carrying 11 people capsized off Goose Bay on Saturday.
Susan Cade, Cathye Haddock and Peter Charles Hockley are among those who died - two others are yet to be identified.
Peter Simpson said his wife of 30 years, Cathye Haddock, was on a bird photography trip which she was excited about.
He then heard there was a boating accident on Saturday afternoon.
"I knew straight away that would be Cathye's boat trip because I knew she was going on the trip itself and who with," he said.
Simpson did not want to speculate on potential causes of the tragedy until a full investigation had been carried out.
He said his late wife loved the outdoors and spent much of her career working in that area.
"[She] was involved in several different activities, sea kayaking, cycling, tramping, skiing, all those sorts of things.
"Caving was another one too.
"She was quite well known in the outdoor world and that's what she really liked doing."
Haddock's friend Susan Cade was also killed, with the Lower Hutt woman described as "much loved, fun-loving and quirky".
Her long-time dance teacher Jo Matsis said her Feet with Heat class was devastated and was still coming to terms with the tragedy.
"She was in my class [last] Monday and we wished her well on her trip and we said 'we'll see you when you get back'.
"[It's] unbelievable."
Former Wellington mayor Celia-Wade Brown is the co-chair of the Wellington Sea Kayak Network group which Cade was a member of.
She said many in the kayaking community, who also knew Haddock, have been dealt a double blow.
Wade-Brown said if there was a small consolation it was the fact she lived life to the full.
"Not only was she doing something that she loved, but she also packed a lot into her life," she said.
"Some people manage one hobby, and she managed her dancing, her photography and her kayaking and there maybe more things I don't know about."
Skipper Mark Ealam was among six who survived the ordeal.
His wife Sharlene said she and her husband were devastated beyond words.
"What has happened is an unprecedented tragedy," she said.
"And our thoughts and our prayers and our love are with the families of the deceased.
Maritime New Zealand is continuing with its full investigation into the tragedy.
There were earlier reports a collision with a whale was a possible cause.
In a statement this afternoon, Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said he did not want to speculate on what had happened and would await the outcome of the investigation.
"We have no new information on what caused the accident.
"It is now with Maritime New Zealand who will be undertaking a full investigation.
"On behalf of the community of Kaikōura I extend our heartfelt condolences and sorrow to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic events on Saturday."
