Police in Hawke's Bay have found two hunters and their dog safe and well after an unplanned night in the bush.
The men, both 37, were reported missing on Monday morning by concerned family members after they did not return from a day's hunting in the Ahimanawa Ranges in the central North Island.
Police say they found the men on the Napier to Taupo Road on Monday afternoon.
The men, described as experienced hunters, told officers it had taken them time to establish where they were and where to walk out.
Weather conditions had hampered the search. Heavy rain, low cloud and winds meant helicopters could not be used.