An RNZAF Orion has been taken off the search for a New Zealander lost overboard in the Pacific Ocean as hopes of his survival fade.

Cracks are beginning to emerge in the Chilean miners' planned unity over media arrangements.

Two Christchurch women were rescued by helicopter from Arthur's Pass National Park today.

Colin Wiggins says he just went into autopilot yesterday helping to save two people from their crashed and blazing vehicles.

A hunting trip turned to tragedy when a group tried to raft out of a remote part of Eastern Bay of Plenty on a swollen river.

The flight instructor who died in a helicopter crash "ate, drank and slept" aviation, a friend says.

The helicopter missing since yesterday has been found submerged in Bluff Harbour along with the bodies of the chopper's two crew.

Most of Chile's 33 rescued miners are preparing to return to the homes they last saw more than 70 days ago.

Some cried, others prayed, most just smiled and wrapped their arms around the wives.

A major search underway in Southland for a missing helicopter with a pilot and instructor on board will continue into the night.

Follow the rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners as it unfolds with nzherald's Latest Updates.

After 69 long days trapped in a collapsed mine hundreds of metres underground, 33 miners are being winched to safety one by one.

Mario Sepulveda has reached the surface, becoming the second of the 33 trapped Chilean miners to do so. There was clapping and cheering as he was met by his wife Elvira.