A major investigation involving three agencies will continue in Kaikoura today - following the boating tragedy that saw five people lose their lives

Ten members of the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand and the boat's skipper were on board the eight and a half metre vessel, when it capsized on Saturday.

It's not clear what caused the capsize.. but early reports suggest the boat collided with a whale.

Peter Simpson told Newshub about the type of person his wife and victim Kathy Haddock was.

He says she was a people person, who had time for everybody.

The six people rescued have since been released from Christchurch Hospital.