Latest update is search was called off 15 mins ago as they found the crash site and both bodies were still in the wreckage.
Barnsey and Kim Austin were found near Atiamuri Dam.
Autorotate.
Just some additional info about Barnesy.
Mr Barnes, who has logged several hundred flying hours, was familiar with the terrain, which includes dense forest and bushland.
One friend, Shamus Howard, was holidaying in the Marlborough Sounds when he heard the news yesterday morning.
He immediately cut his holiday short and returned to Taupo to offer his assistance.
Mr Howard met Mr Barns, 50, and Mr Austin, 45, through a mutual love of jetsprinting several years ago. He also taught Mr Barns to fly.
"Chris first learned to fly in Rotorua five years ago. He stopped for a little while and basically started up about a year ago. He's an extremely capable pilot."
Mr Barns was used to flying five-seater turbine helicopters and Robinson 22s.
He often used his helicopter to transport machinery for his business, which services equipment for the logging industry.
As well as having a world ranking in jetsprinting, Mr Barns is a rally driver.
Mr Howard said his friend was a "petrolhead' who loved his sports. But he was also a safe pilot who could "clearly determine the difference between racing a jetboat and climbing into a helicopter".
"He's extremely conservative in the helicopter."
Mr Barns is married with four grown daughters. Mr Austin is also married with children.
Barns was the NZ Jetsprint Association's Open A / Superboat champion in 1999 and 2000.