18-year-old homeless man found missing since Saturday

A homeless man has been found who had been missing since Saturday.

Blake Walker, 18, had been missing for five days while hiking in Southland.

A family friend confirmed that Walker has been found and is “fine.”

His last contact was at 1.30pm that day, believed to have been at Tihaka Beach outside of Riverton.

It was thought that it could have headed north on the Te Araroa Trail to Longwood Forest or traveled from Invercargill to Riverton, the family friend said.

Walker started the trail from the top of North Island and made it to Arthur’s Pass when the blockage meant he had to stop.

Decided to complete trail from lower south and head back up to Arthur’s Pass.

Police searched for him throughout search and rescue, the family friend said.

At the time, the family friend said it was very out of character for Blake.

“He’s been in regular contact the entire time he’s been on the road.”

A police spokeswoman said officers made inquiries after Walker was reported to be delayed from a homeless man along the Te Araroa trail.