Alison McDonald, 62, was found on Sunday morning down a gully at the base of the Otira Gorge after an extensive search by police, search and rescue, friends and family.
Family friend Tina Vincent says Mrs McDonald was in remarkably good spirits considering her ordeal.
She says Mrs McDonald had managed to undo her seatbelt but could not open the car door and spent two days lying surrounded by broken glass, with no food or water.
Mrs McDonald is recovering in Greymouth Hospital with extensive bruising and dehydration.
