Adelaide pair dead after NZ eruption

The family of Adelaide man Gavin Dallow and his 15-year-old stepdaughter Zoe Hosking are heartbroken at their loss in the New Zealand volcanic eruption, while questioning whether he was made aware of the dangers.

In a statement on Wednesday, the family said 53-year-old Mr Dallow's body had been found and identified by police.

Zoe was presumed dead with her body still on White Island.

Authorities have indicated recovery might not be possible for some days because of dangerous conditions.

Mr Dallow's father Brian questioned if his son knew of the risks of going on the island, home to New Zealand's most active volcano.

"Gavin was always one for being fairly articulate on what he did," Brian Dallow said.

"So, I think if he had known there was a danger he wouldn't have gone on it.

"I'm pretty well sure they weren't fully informed of the danger. That's the only thing I can be really positive about."

Mr Dallow's 48-year-old wife and Zoe's mother, Lisa Dallow, remains in hospital in Hamilton in a critical condition with serious burns.

"We mourn the loss of Gavin and Zoe," the family said.

"Gavin was a wonderful son and brother. We'll miss him at the cricket and we'll miss him at the football.

"He was a generous man, always helping his family and his community.

"Our hearts break at the loss of Zoe at such a young age. We know her loss will also devastate her school community and the local Girl Guides, of which she was an active member."

St Aloysius College, where Zoe was in year 9, said the school community shared the family's deep grief.

"The whole staff, along with many students and their families, have gathered in the chapel to pray for Zoe and her family and to console one another," Principal Paddy McEvoy said.

"The family's pain and that of their friends and the school community are beyond words, yet we cherish all that we have shared with Zoe and her family over 10 years."