The family of a man killed near Wanaka when an unknown object smashed through his windscreen are thanking the community for its "incredible" support.
Rutger Hale was driving the Lake Hawea-Albert Town Road about 6.30am on Thursday when something flew through the windscreen, hit his head, and went through the rear windscreen.
His partner, who was unharmed, was able to lift his foot from the accelerator and steer the Subaru Legacy station wagon to the side of the road.
Mr Hale's great-uncle Pete Phillips lives in Makarora and was helping the 22-year-old and partner Danielle set up home.
He said the couple had been in the area only three weeks but had "incredible support".
"You'd swear they've been here 30 years the support they've had. Emotional, financial, keeping Danielle's job open for as long as she wants, housing, you name it. I mean, the food that's arrived here at home, endless, it's been endless."
Mr Phillips said the couple were young and adventurous, and family members are completely shattered by the death.
Despite a forensic analysis of Mr Hale's car and a search of the area where it happened, the object which killed him has not been found.