It's unclear if the search will continue today for a two-year-old girl who washed away by strong currents in a West Coast river.

Searchers looking for Emily Saunders around the Poerua River south of Hokitika have been unable to find her, and bad weather stopped the search yesterday.

The search involved a helicopter, jet boats, kayakers, sniffer dogs, specialist search teams, police and the public.

Emily vanished when the four-wheel-drive she was travelling in was swept away in strong currents.

The body of a man who tried to save her, 66-year-old Barry Petrie, was found on Friday.

Three others including the girl's parents, managed to escape.

Police say further search and rescue efforts will depend on the weather.

Emily's parents, Michael and Sandra, paid tribute to her late yesterday, saying "Our daughter Emily was a happy, cheeky little girl who loved the outdoors."

"She will be missed by her mum and dad and her older sisters Tiffany and Natalie and all who knew her."

The Saunders also thanked all involved in the search and paid tribute to Petrie.

"Our thoughts are with Barry's family. His efforts trying to save Emily will never be forgotten."