The Canterbury University student who died on Tuesday was "always happy" and "loved life", his family say.
Police said the student was 19-year-old Aucklander Sam Finnemore who was living in Christchurch while he attended the University of Canterbury.
"His family are completely devastated," Canterbury Police, Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said.
Finnemore's family also released a statement saying they were "devastated" to learn of his death on Tuesday, which was "just two days shy of his 20th birthday".
"Sam was a loving only child of Cameron and Lisa who lives in Auckland, and beloved cousin, nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga and London," the family said.
The family said Finnemore loved to competitively snowboard and spent many happy days in Wanaka.
"He loved Uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury," the family said.
"He was well-liked, happy, and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka."
The family said the teenager loved life and was always happy.
"We celebrate him and will remember him fondly," the family said.
"The family express their thanks to the community that are supporting them through this difficult time, and express their gratitude to the New Zealand Police and the University of Canterbury, which was Sam’s home away from home."
In an email Newshub has seen, the University of Canterbury encouraged students who need additional support to reach out to Student Care.
"During this time of great loss, we are reminded of the importance of community. Losing a fellow member of our community can be very difficult," the email said.
"We offer our deepest condolences and are providing support to family and friends of Samuel."
Wells said police are continuing to treat Finnemore's death as "unexplained" and enquiries are ongoing.
Wells added a post mortem was carried out on Wednesday.
