Thomas Phillips and his three children have now been home safe for a whole day, after spending almost three weeks in the bush - as teams frantically searched for them.
While the community is relieved to see them return, many people are asking how did it come to this.
Otorohanga local Reuben Warren is overjoyed, but wishes Thomas Phillips had told someone what he was doing.
RNZ reporter Robin Martin was in Otorohanga and spoke to Midday Report's Michael Cropp.
