Lake Tekapo victim extended time downunder

Daniel Hollnsteiner died at Lake Tekapo while on a trip with students from Monash University in Melbourne. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

One of the two men who died on Lake Tekapo should have already been home, but he loved his time downunder so much he stayed on for another term.

Two foreign students studying at Melbourne's Monash University, 21-year-old Daniel Hollnsteiner of New York and 20-year-old James Murphy of London, died on Friday.

They were part of a university group visiting New Zealand during a break.

Mr Hollnsteiner's family is gathering in Staten Island in New York and his cousin Andrew Adia said they were in shock.

"He stayed because he loved studying there so much, he wanted to stay for another session. I think that's how it all happened.

"He actually should have been home, but he didn't want to come back," Mr Adia said.

"All I know is that he chose to extend it. He could have gone home... He wanted the second term because he loved being there."

Mr Hollnsteiner went to Australia to study earlier this year and was expected back to New York in January.

Now, his family are instead waiting for his body to be returned so they can farewell him.

"Daniel's coming here. There's going to be at least a week or two until we get him here," Mr Adia said.

"We all want closure as soon as possible. It will be a hard week for all of us."

As well as his parents and little and older brothers, Mr Hollnsteiner's relatives from as far away as Arizona would be coming to his funeral.

"[His brothers] are here with the family. They are both in shock still. There are not really saying anything."

Mr Adia last spoke to Mr Hollnsteiner in July, when Mr Adia joined a fraternity.

"He was as nice a guy as you'll every meet. He'd never hurt anybody unless he really had to. He loved watching sports, loved his family.

"He'd watch all [sports]. His main love was watching hockey."

His favourite team was the New York Rangers.

"He was a big Rangers fan. He would love to go to a game. I think he's been to a few but he never really had the time to go."

James Murphy, a student from the UK died at Lake Tekapo. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

Mr Hollnsteiner and Mr Murphy came to New Zealand with nine friends, all in their early 20s. They were travelling around in campervans and on Friday went to the lake for the day and hired kayaks.

Tragedy struck when the group ended up in icy water. They were tipped in when a gust of wind caused a swell.

All 11 were wearing life jackets and Mr Hollnsteiner and Mr Murphy were thought to have succumed to hypothermia.

Mr Murphy's brother Michael Murphy posted a tribute on his Facebook page: "Never thought I'd ever have to write this. Many of you may know that my big brother and best friend James Murphy has passed away in a tragic accident," Michael Murphy wrote.

"He is and forever will be a massive inspiration to me and many other people. He was the nicest and genuinely one of the best guys out there.

"You have given me and so many others such amazing memories, you always had a smile on your face and wouldn't rest until everyone around you was smiling. I'll miss you more than anything bro!"

One of Mr Murphy's friends, Adam Goh, also posted a heartfelt online tribute: "Never thought I would ever be in this situation, but sadly we've lost a best friend & a family member. James Murphy was by far & away the best friend I could have ever have asked for. He was a brother I looked up to & forever will.

"He had a massive heart & had a massive impact on everyone's lives without a doubt. He was the life of the party always making people smile.

"There will always be a part of me missing, but I know James will forever be in all our hearts. You'll be truly missed brother, May you rest in peace."

The survivors were staying at Cedar Motor Lodge in Timaru. It is understood they left today.