Woman and alleged kidnapper found on Great Barrier Island

Photo / Natalie Slade

A woman and man missing on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf have been found near Claris on the east coast of the island, police say.

Police, including members of the armed offenders squad, raced to the island late on Thursday night after Nortessa Montgomerie was allegedly abducted by her former boyfriend.

He is also understood to have attacked her new boyfriend with a crowbar.

The injured man was taken to Auckland Hospital where he was in a stable condition.

He has since been discharged from hospital but will continue to receive specialist treatment.

A search and rescue team found the pair walking down a bush track in Mason Road this afternoon.

Along with three search dogs, members of the Armed Offenders Squad and a team of investigators, they had been searching the island for almost 36 hours.

Locals also pitched in, with several reportedly turned away in order to keep the operation manageable.

Locals also pitched in, with several reportedly turned away in order to keep the operation manageable.

Ms Montgomerie will be taken to Auckland for a medical checkup. Police are questioning the man.

Ms Montgomerie, 20, had recently broken her foot and was still using crutches to get around.

She lives and studies in Auckland, and returns to Great Barrier Island for holidays.

Police called off the search late last night, and resumed scouring the island at first light this morning.

Residents of the Hauraki Gulf island were warned to lock cars and homes and stay inside during the search.

- NZPA, NZ Herald staff