Two teen hunters missing in Raukumara Forest Park on the North Island's East Coast have been found safe and well.
The 15-year-old boys didn't return from their trip and were reported missing just after 11:10am on Easter Monday, after already spending one unplanned night in the bush.
Police Search and Rescue and LandSAR volunteers were deployed, along with a LandSAR search dog and an NZDF helicopter.
On Tuesday Police said the pair were found just after midday by a LandSAR search team and winched out by the helicopter.
They are being assessed by NZDF medical staff and appear to be uninjured.
"We would like to remind people to always prepare for any eventuality when venturing into the outdoors," a police spokesperson said.
"NZ conditions and terrain can be unforgiving, and it pays to always have the necessary clothing and equipment to spend a night in the bush regardless of your intentions.
"Police would like to thank everyone who took part in the searching and planning that assisted in locating the hunters."
