Families are grieving the loss of five people who died in a boating accident in Kaikoura at the weekend

Ten members of the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand were on board, along with the skipper, when tragedy struck.

One survivor remains in Christchurch Hospital in a stable condition.

While there's been much speculation, it's unclear what caused the capsize - with multiple investigations underway.

One of the victims was Kathy Haddock.

Her husband Peter Simpson spoke to the AM show about the complete shock he felt upon hearing the news.

He describes the feeling as like being hit by a truck.