The former Columba College pupil’s body was found on January 4 floating off Phi Phi Island, where she had been holidaying.
Columba College principal Juliette Hayes said senior staff at the school had been in contact with her to say Miss Hodgkinson had died and remembered her as a "remarkable" and "very lovely" all-rounder.
Mrs Hayes said Miss Hodgkinson, a pupil at the school between 2007 and 2011, had a wide range of interests and was well liked at school.
"She was a very fit person and was a good all-rounder in sport and academia."
Mrs Hayes said staff and former pupils at the school who knew her well were upset, and offered condolences to the family.
Miss Hodgkinson’s parents, Mark and Karen, said their world was shattered when their family were advised of the "tragic death of our precious and beloved daughter" last Thursday.
"Since then, we have been supported by friends and family, but we are still coming to terms with this most devastating of news and it is fair to say that the healing process will be long and arduous.
"We still do not know the full details around Renee’s passing, and we would ask media to respect our privacy over this most difficult time for us."
Phi Phi Island Police Lieutenant Tanagon Tammakan said Miss Hodgkinson had been on Phi Phi Island with a tour group, but declined to return with them.
"She remained on Phi Phi by herself and is believed to have drowned while swimming on Wednesday morning.
"However, details are still under investigation."
Lt Tanagon said Miss Hodgkinson was found floating in Lo Dalum Bay by a Burmese worker on a boat, who notified police.
A hospital examination revealed no signs of violence and the doctor ruled the cause of death as drowning.
It was believed she had been dead for about six hours before she was found.
"She was identified because the tour group contacted police after receiving news reports that the body of a foreign woman had been found.
"They then confirmed her identity through her tattoos," Lt Tanagon said.
Miss Hodgkinson was a medic in the New Zealand Army.
— Additional reporting NZME
