Missing man found safe after night in Far North bush near Hōreke

A 64-year-old man who spent the night in the bush on Tuesday has been found safe and well. Photo / 123rf

A man who spent a night in the remote Far North bush after becoming separated from his walking group has been found safe and well.

Detective Inspector Geoff McCarthy said police were alerted at 8.45pm that the man had been separated from his group during a walk near Hōreke, in the Hokianga.

The 64-year-old had no phone, and the weather was deteriorating.

Despite large-scale searches by police and Land Search and Rescue through the night, he was not found.

By daybreak, McCarthy said the Hōreke community rallied to help find the man.

“This morning, Police and LandSAR received extensive assistance from the community and the man’s whānau.”

He was found at 9.30am.

“...And was able to walk out of the bush,” McCarthy said.

He thanked the Horeke community for their help.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.