Wait for brother's body

Shane Pittams. Photo / Supplied

The family of a Kiwi adventurer who died of malaria in the Philippines are still waiting for his body to be returned.

Shane Pittams, 55, died in a bathroom in the city of Mati on New Year's Day.

His sister, Kerin Goodwin, said there had been discussions between embassies about returning his body.

"Normally you'd have a funeral in a few days and move on. But I'm not blaming anyone."

Goodwin said her brother was an adventurer who lived life to the full.

He made headlines after spending four years sailing the six metre bilge keeler La Joca from England to New Zealand for the 2000 America's Cup.

Pittams bought the boat for £500 ($1027) and repaired it. On the voyage, he overcame storms and a lack of drinking water.

"I've always lived with a certain amount of danger," he told NZ Marine Scene in 2001. "I like the adrenaline rush ... you've just got to lose your fear of death."

Goodwin said her brother left Auckland in May to go to the Philippines via Vanuatu.

He was the youngest of four children. His parents live in Pt Chevalier, Auckland, and he leaves a 19-year-old son.