9 Feb 2011

French backpacker turns up in Invercargill

7:14 pm on 9 February 2011

A French backpacker missing for nearly three weeks in New Zealand has contacted police after becoming aware of fears for her safety.

Emilie Pace has not been in touch with her family since 23 January.

The 23-year-old has been travelling alone and turned up at the Invercargill police station in the lower South Island on Wednesday afternoon.

Sergeant Brian Cameron says Ms Pace had been tramping in the Tuatapere area out of cell phone range and was apologetic for the worry she had caused.

Mr Cameron says, however, the response from members of the public who called in with possible sightings of her was heartening.