Jessica O'Connor has spoken out to thank her rescuers.
"At the end of the day, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the efforts of the Police, LandSAR, Fire Service, Defence Force, all the volunteers, friends and family, donors and the power of positive energy.
"While I would never wish this experience upon anyone, there has been a lot learnt and I'm hoping to use this experience to educate others that explore this beautiful country."
O'Connor, who had injured her back while searching for water, struggled to find the words to express her near-death experience.
"Where do I begin!" she writes.
"Firstly, thank you to every single person that has been following and supporting this crazy story. The community's love has been overwhelmingly beautiful and it just shows what we can do when we come together in a positive way."
She says she has "so much gratitude for this precious life we all live".
Although the pair spent 13 days without food, and suffered severe bad weather, O'Connor said she "never lost hope".
"It really is amazing what you can do when your life depends on it!" she says.
"Again, a huge thank you to everyone. This doesn't come close to repaying everyone for your support, but please know I will be eternally grateful."
Yesterday, police said the trampers would not face any charges, even though they embarked on the forbidden adventure during coronavirus alert level 3 lockdown.
Reynolds earlier revealed he had only realised the pair were lost and walking in a loop after recognising one of his own footprints in the mud.
"I told Jess we need to stop now because that's my footprint. We were very lost at that point," he told RNZ.
