KEY POINTS:
A two-year-old who went missing in difficult terrain in the Coromandel last night has been found safe and well.
Megan Patterson was found by search and rescue members about 300 metres from her Coromandel home, just before 2pm today.
There was much relief among the 80 strong search party with clapping and yelling and high-fives ringing out across the bush and terrain as word spread that the little girl had been found.
Her father Albert Shuker was overjoyed.
"It's a time of huge relief right now, and I must offer my greatest thanks to all those involved in the search for my daughter," Mr shuker said.
Megan Jasmine Patterson had been last seen by her mother eating a piece of chocolate inside the house on Tapu Coroglen Road at Tapu, north of Thames, about 6.30pm.
At the time, the child was wearing a pale yellow T-shirt, a nappy with a teddy bear print and a pair of Crocs shoes.
She had also been playing with a dog, which returned to the house when the girl was noticed to be missing, Waikato police communications manager Andrew McAlley said.
Search teams from the Waikato, Waitomo, Thames and Coromandel areas began searching for her at 9pm.
They continued through the night until 5am, helped by the police helicopter Eagle and its thermal imaging capability.
They were replaced this morning by other crews, including Auckland-based search and rescue teams brought into the area by an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter.
Mr McAlley said conditions were mild overnight and sunny this morning.
There was a hint of light rain at mid-afternoon.
Mr McAlley said the terrain being searched was rugged, with thick bush and heavy growth.
There were also a number of water courses and some disused mines that had to be taken into consideration.
He said Megan's family had been distraught over her disappearance.
She was described as someone who did not have a history of wandering off.
"Neighbours say that when she has got into strife, she has been heard to yell and scream," Mr McAlley said.
However, they noticed no such noise last night.
- with NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
