Friends and family have lovingly remembered Harpreet Singh (25), originally from Punjab, whom they confirmed died after his car collided with a Southern Discoveries bus carrying 14 passengers on State Highway 6, near the Devil's Staircase.
Mr Singh arrived in New Zealand seven years ago to study and moved to Queenstown earlier this year to work for Mitre 10 Mega.
He financially supported his mother and sister, who live in India, while working at the store.
His paternal grandfather, Nirmal Bhatti, who lives in Auckland, said Harpreet's death ''shocked everybody'' and it was a ''very hard time'' for his family.
''He was very polite and gentle. A very hard worker.
''His face was so popular among the people. I am full of good memories.
''These precious lives are lost every day.''
He said Mr Singh had booked a plane ticket to visit him in Auckland this weekend - he used to work at the Botany Mitre 10 Mega branch.
Mr Singh, whose father died a few years ago, was also meant to travel to India with his grandfather to see family members in December.
Close friend Anish Mestry, who used to work with Mr Singh in Auckland, said he ''respected everyone'' and was loved by all who knew him.
''No matter how mischievous he was, he would never say 'no' to a favour.
''Since the sad news, it feels uneasy when I look at my uniform as it now reminds me of him.
''He was very close to me. More of a brother than a friend.''
Mr Mestry saw his friend for the last time when he visited Queenstown with his wife last month.
Another friend and former colleague of Mr Singh's, Kritika Singh, said the news of his death was ''heartbreaking''.
''I will remember his life and him as a person in a positive, happy way with a big smile, just like the one he used to have.''
Ms Singh added Harpreet was a joy to work with and it was an ''honour to be his friend''.
Mr Singh was the sole occupant of the vehicle which crashed on Sunday.
His body was reportedly taken to Invercargill after the crash, but police are yet to release a formal identification.
The bus driver and passengers were not injured in the crash.
The collision happened less than 48 hours after a head-on crash on the same stretch of road left one man seriously injured and two people with minor injuries.
