A New Zealand ski guide has died in an avalanche in Japan.

35-year-old Sam Kerr was snowboarding at the Niseko ski resort - where ran guided adventure tours.

He was caught in an avalanche about 200 metres wide and 350 metres long.

Mr Kerr's family are now raising money to bring his body back to New Zealand.

A Givalittle page said he was passionate about the outdoors, and died doing what he loved.