A diver reported missing near Titahi Bay near Wellington has been charged with wasting police time.
Colin Smithies was last seen on Monday night and a search was launched on Tuesday.
The 49-year-old walked into the Clive police station in Hawke's Bay on Wednesday night without his wallet, cellphone and vehicle.
Detective Senior Sergeant Donna Howard says Mr Smithies has been helpful with police inquiries, but officers plan to talk to him again as the hours between his disappearance and when he turned up cannot be accounted for.
Ms Howard says Mr Smithies has expressed remorse.
The search involved about 40 people and was likely to cost as much as $50,000, police say.
