KEY POINTS:
South Otago woman Maree Gorton, who has been missing in dense bush since Thursday, has been found alive -- but cold, tired and hungry.
Sergeant Chris George of Dunedin police told NZPA the 54-year-old was found about 9.30pm yesterday in remote headland bush in the wider search area by rescue parties.
Ms Gorton was last seen on Thursday morning when she went for a walk in the Tautuku area, south of Balclutha.
Police and search teams, including helicopters scoured the area Thursday night and all yesterday.
Mr George said Ms Gorton had become disorientated and lost.
"She was tired, hungry and cold when she was found."
Communications problems meant a runner had to be sent from the area back to search headquarters and Ms Gorton was not picked up by rescue helicopter until after midnight.
She was taken to Dunedin Hospital for observation.
- NZPA
