A man and three boys have been found safe and well after spending the night in the bush in Northland after becoming lost on a hunting trip.
The "very experienced" hunter along with three boys aged 10, 11 and 13 were expected back by 11pm after setting out to go pig hunting in thick bush off Tawata Road near Kaikohe in the Far North.
Police said the hunting party's vehicle was found this morning.
Searcher Bryan Waaka told 1 NEWS the group was found "well in the middle" of swamp and had lit a fire to keep warm.
He said the man was happy to see the searchers but "a bit miffed" that anyone was worried and out looking for them.
The group had been following their dogs, then couldn't pull them back so stayed out in the open for the night, Mr Waaka said.
"It got too dark for them. They didn't have the gear, didn't have a torch or any kind of communication to get out. I suppose lessons learned. Got to pack a bit of a lunch and be prepared for a night especially if you're taking kids out," he said.
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