"If wealth was measured in the number and quality of people you have as friends, then my son was rich," Paul McKenzie said of his son - deceased Fiordland climber Scott McKenzie.

28-year-old McKenzie and his 23-year-old climbing companion - Australian Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati, both died while climbing the north buttress of Sabre Peak in Fiordland on 13th Dec.

Both men resided in Australia.

Born in Christchurch to Jen, his Canadian mum and Paul, his New Zealand dad, meant he had a large extended family - an ocean apart - that loved him dearly.

Connor's parents taught at, and ran international schools all over the world, living with Connor and his sister Abby on five continents.

First Christchurch then to Canada, Kuwait then Serbia, Burkina Faso, Fukuoka and on to Melbourne.

Connor received a scholarship to university but decided to follow his passions.

He had just finished his carpentry apprenticeship in Melbourne and was doing up a van with the dream of working from town to town as he travelled Australia.

Another love was climbing.

At a young age he had developed a passion for going where most wouldn't, to see things that most hadn't.

After completing various climbing courses, he taught other climbers rope safety and improved his skill during challenging climbs.

Although it’s devastating for all Connor's family and friends, there is some solace in that he lived life to its fullest and died doing something he loved.

McKenzie's family said they would like to thank the New Zealand Police especially their family liaison officer who provided the family with a level of support both thoughtful and thorough.

They also thanked the bravery of Police Search and Rescue, Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand, Heliworks and Southern Lakes Helicopters for what had been an extremely difficult recovery.