A Canberra businessman has been remembered for his enthusiasm and adventurous spirit after he died in a horrific climbing accident alongside a fellow Australian in New Zealand.

Local police have named Brett Alexander Lentfer, 62, from Canberra, and James Harry Spaile, 44, from Jerrabomberra, as the two climbers who fell hundreds of metres to their deaths on the treacherous Remarkables mountain range near Queenstown on Wednesday.

Brett Lentfer, pictured here in Queanbeyan eight years ago, has been identified as one of two Australian men killed in New Zealand.

Both men were experienced climbers, active in the Canberra Climbers' Association, and their deaths have left the community in shock as tributes begin to flow in.

In a statement, Mr Lentfer's family thanked New Zealand police, rescuers and all those who helped in recovery efforts.