"Tony died in the Fox Valley Glacier in a tragic accident," The Newcastle Herald reported from the statement.
"The family are glad he was with his son and best mate, doing something he loved very much.
"Tony was a proud family man who loved his wife, three children, and their partners and his two grandchildren very dearly.
"He also adored his extended family, including his mother, siblings and many nieces and nephews.
"He was a true gentleman.
"He was also a talented builder.
"The family would like to thank the rescuers and everyone in New Zealand who have been so caring and supportive.
"He will be deeply missed."
Family have joined Campbell's son in New Zealand.
The father and son, who had arrived in New Zealand at the weekend, became separated around midday yesterday, before Campbell fell down the steep South Island ravine.
The son found his father an hour later with head injuries and went to his aid.
He immediately set off an emergency locator beacon.
A rescue helicopter was unable to land in the high country and by the time a second helicopter from Greymouth was called in, the father had died at the bottom of the ravine.
The son was winched to safety about 7pm yesterday.
Greymouth police Senior Sergeant Brent Cook said the man died in an area near where Swedish tourist Hans Christian Tornmarck went missing last month.
"It's roughly in that area, not exactly there. It's pretty rough country through there."
Cook said he was currently liaising with the family of those involved.
He said it appeared the son did everything he could to help his father.
