The North Canterbury couple who died last week in a helicopter crash near Kaikoura - orphaning two children - have been farewelled at a funeral service today

Andrew Davidson, and his wife Lin Chen, died when their helicopter hit the beach at Kekerengu last Tuesday.

Their two children and another child were injured but survived the crash .

The couple were remembered at a "celebration of life" service at the Westpark Chapel in Christchurch, before a private cremation this afternoon.

Hundreds attended the service, including many school children in uniform.