Doctor's body found in stream

A British doctor found dead in remote South Island bush may have slipped and drowned while crossing a stream.

Dr Susanna Illingworth, 25, had been working at Christchurch Hospital since August.

She had been tramping alone in the St Arnaud area of the Nelson Lakes National Park, about 80km south of Nelson, where her body was found by trampers on Friday.

Police said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. An inquest will be held but it is believed the death was accidental.