The man worked for Ultimate Hikes and was reported missing shortly after midnight on Monday after he did not return from the hike to Devil’s Armchair, near the northern end of the Milford Track.
In a statement today, general manager Noel Saxon said he was a lodge attendant at Mitre Peak Lodge, which is operated by Ultimate Hikes.
The company was ‘‘deeply saddened by the death of one of its staff members.’’
He was suitably experienced and carried a personal locator beacon and a two-way radio.
The family were grateful for the support of Ultimate Hikes and emergency services, but would make no further comment at this stage, the statement said.
Police said the man’s body was recovered about 6pm yesterday near Giant Gate Falls.
The police dive squad was called in and search teams had operated in difficult terrain in Fiordland.
Sergeant Tod Hollebon, of Te Anau, said police would continue to make inquiries on behalf of the coroner.
Police Search and Rescue and LandSar personnel, specialist alpine cliff rescue teams and volunteers helped carry out a challenging operation, Sgt Hollebon said.
A highly experienced New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association guide and instructor, who has also led rescue teams, told the ODT yesterday the terrain included steep rock faces, dense bush and moss-covered boulders and was challenging - even for the most seasoned trampers and climbers. He was not involved in the search.
A rāhui is in place in the Giant Gate Falls and Lake Ada area until April 17.
A police spokeswoman said there would be a post-mortem to formally identify the body, after which the man's name may be released.
The Otago Daily Times understands the man has family in Dunedin.
