A German tourist who fell 300 metres to his death in Fiordland National Park last June was not properly equipped for a winter tramp, a coroner has found.

Aircraft engineer Julian Stukenborg was not wearing boots suitable for the conditions when he fell from a bluff on the Cascade Saddle Track on June 17, Coroner David Crerar said.

He said the 23-year-old from Delmenhorst probably ventured off the track to find a spot to take a photograph before slipping and falling to his death.

A number of other photographs taken on his tramp were found on his camera.

He was wearing lightweight tramping boots suitable for walking on tracks, but not on ice or snow, the coroner found.

In addition to his head injuries he also suffered spine and leg fractures.

His body was found by searchers on June 26 below the Aspiring Bluffs.

Mr Crerar said Mr Stukenborg had underestimated New Zealand's alpine conditions and his death highlighted the risks associated with solo tramping.