Two pig hunters who had been feared missing walked out of the bush just as a search for them swung into action at Otaki Forks, north of Wellington.
The pair and their three dogs had got lost near Waiotauru Forks after chasing and killing a pig on what was meant to be a day hunt.
They spent Monday night in a punga bivouac they made and lit a fire to keep warm.
Unfortunately, police say, they accidentally burnt their lighter so, on Tuesday night, they did not have a fire.
On Wednesday morning their dogs crossed the river and found a track on the western bank - and they walked out at 6.20pm, hungry and damp but otherwise okay.
