Comedian John Clarke was 'extraordinary person' - sister Anna Carter

John Clarke died while on a bushwalk with friends and family. Photo/supplied

Iconic Kiwi comedian John Clarke's sister has paid a tearful tribute to her brother, who died while on a bushwalk on Sunday.

"All I can say is that he was an extraordinary person - very, very kind and compassionate," sister Anna Carter said today.

Clarke was taking photos of birds on a bushwalk with his family and friends in Victoria in the weekend when he died.

A family spokesperson said the 68-year-old - who moved to Australia in the late 1970s but is still fondly remembered for his creation Fred Dagg - collapsed and died of natural causes while hiking in the Grampians National Park, Victoria on Sunday.

"John died doing one of the things he loved the [most], taking photos of birds in beautiful bushland with his wife and friends. He is forever in our hearts," the spokesperson said.

"We are aware of what he has meant to so many for so many years, throughout the world but especially in Australia and New Zealand. We are very grateful for all expressions of sympathy and love which John would have greatly appreciated."

Speaking to the Herald today, Carter said Clarke was "a wonderful big brother".

"We're all devastated," she said.

When asked if there was anything else she wanted to say about Clarke, Carter became emotional, saying through tears: "just that I loved him".

Details of when Clarke's funeral will be held are not yet known.