An inexperienced hunter who became separated from his mates survived for two nights in the bush only a few muesli bars.
Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich said the man and two friends were flown into remote bush near Waiouru on Friday and were to be picked up tomorrow.
"However,late yesterday afternoon another helicopter operator dropping off a fishing party was met by two of the hunting party who told him that the third man had not been seen since Saturday morning, having gone off hunting on his own," Mr Mastrovich said.
"The intention of the missing 43-year-old man Cambridge man was to hunt alone and then return to the camp later in the day. He was an inexperienced hunter and had with him just a small day pack which included a few muesli bars."
A search was launched late yesterday and the man was found "in remarkably good health" about 2pm today.
"I'm surprised at how fit and healthy he seems. As well as being an inexperienced hunter he was not suitably equipped for being out all day, let alone overnight," Mr Mastrovich said.
"He is extremely lucky that the weather was so good as it is taking a turn for the worse and he was never going to make it out without assistance."
