'Nice guy' falls 100m to death in Fiordland

James Poland. Photo / Supplied

An Australian father of four who fell to his death in Fiordland was an experienced tramper with a passion for the outdoors and helping young people reach their potential.

James Poland, 48, died after falling more than 100m near Lake Adelaide, while on a solo three-day tramp over Gertrude Saddle.

He was supposed to meet up with his wife Elizabeth on Saturday, but when he failed to show, she alerted authorities and a search was launched. His body was found by a helicopter crew about 4.45pm on Sunday.

Mr Poland had been holidaying in New Zealand and was due back at work as a chaplaincy support officer in Launceston, Tasmania, next week. His boss, Ruth Pinkerton, told the Herald that news of his death had come as a great shock.

"He was a really nice guy," she said. "He was a very enthusiastic bushwalker, and experienced. [Fiordland] was the sort of place that they would all love as a family, being very enthusiastic about the bush, and about adventure and activities and that sort of thing. I would say he probably died doing something he loved."

In his work, Mr Poland managed chaplains working in state schools to help students deal with issues, ranging from family breakdown and loneliness to drug abuse, depression and suicide.

It was something he had been doing successfully for a long time, Miss Pinkerton said.

Mr Poland's death will be referred to the coroner.