KEY POINTS:
A Nelson tramper was looking for peace when he took his own life in Kahurangi National Park on Sunday, says Motueka Coroner Jim Fry.
Mr Fry found that the 51-year-old Mapua diesel mechanic Steve Thornborrow's death was self-inflicted but suppressed the details, the Press reported.
Eighteen members of Mr Thornborrow's family, some from as far away as Britain and Australia, attended the inquest in Motueka.
Mr Thornborrow was found in beech forest 300m from Flora Hut, near Mount Arthur, on Sunday after searchers had spent four days scouring the rugged hills.
Mr Fry said he had held the inquest so soon after the death to ensure all family members could attend.
Mr Fry said Mr Thornborrow wanted peace.
"The area he was found in was the right area to afford him this peace," he said.
Mr Thornborrow was reportedly unsettled after losing his house and possessions in a fire a week earlier.
His funeral service will be held this afternoon.
- NZPA
