The paraglider who died after crashing into a road barrier in the hills above Christchurch was a decorated soldier in the New Zealand Army.

James Peter Maaka, 25, crashed near the top of the Christchurch Gondola, on Summit Rd, on Tuesday.

New Zealand Army deputy chief Brigadier Chris Parsons said in a Facebook post that Maaka came from a strong military family. His father had also served in the defence force.

Maaka and a friend were on their second flight of the day when the accident happened.

"He was a fine soldier, avid paraglider and his regiment knew him as a good bloke."

He had been deployed to East Timor and the Solomon Islands, and most recently based at Burnham. He had been based in Canterbury for about nine years after moving from Auckland, where he studied at Alfriston College.

Maaka, from Christchurch, was a "fully-qualified" pilot, according to New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Canterbury president Dan Campbell.

The respected soldier was awarded the NZ General Service Medal, the NZ Operational Service Medal, the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal, the NZ Defence Service Medal and the NZ General Service Medal for his work in the Solomon Islands.

"It is always tough when we lose one of our own. I know his unit have been deeply affected by his loss . . . we mourn the loss of a comrade and a mate to many."

Maaka had also worked as a firefighter. Dozens of people from across the country shared memories on social media of the "wonderful young man".