The partner of a Sydney-based student who died after being swept into a New Zealand river says he has lost a part of himself.

Searchers in Fiordland yesterday recovered the body of 22-year-old Indonesian Yessica Asmin, who was studying in Sydney.

Her partner, Sean McNabb, who is a technician and also from Sydney, was walking the Milford Track with her on Monday when she slipped and was washed away while trying to cross a swollen creek.

Her body was located nearly two kilometres from where she fell.

On Facebook, Mr McNabb wrote: "Today I lost a part of me. I'm very lost at this time. Miss you so much."

Ms Asmin's family has arrived in New Zealand and is being supported by police.