She was speechless when a friend phoned to tell her the photos were in the media.
"I thought she was playing a prank, I didn't even know my camera was missing so it was kind of funny -- I wasn't expecting it at all. It is so amazing that a random person found it and tried so hard to give it back.
"It is so New Zealand that a random person will try so hard to give back my camera, it's so overwhelming. It wouldn't happen in France or maybe anywhere else, I think."
She said she was not too concerned about the camera itself, which she had bought in Australia a number of years ago, but the photos were very special.
The photos were of her parents and other relatives and also documented a trip to Paihia and parasailing.
Ms Fadel said she was out of the city this weekend, but had been in touch with Mr Wilson to organise having the camera returned.