The American tramper lost in the Mt Aspiring National Park was ''pretty lucky'' to be found, says his rescuer.
David Tamowski (55) was found on Thursday morning by Te Anau-based helicopter pilot Mark Deaker at Hidden Falls Creek, a tributary of the Hollyford Valley.
He was reported missing to police on Tuesday after failing to make a planned flight to meet family in Auckland, and had not been seen for nine days.
Mr Deaker told the Otago Daily Times he was on an aerial deer-hunting flight with two shooters about 9am when he saw Mr Tamowski waving at them from his campsite in a clearing.
It was common for people to wave at helicopters, so he watched him for ''half a minute''.
''I decided he was trying to get our attention, so we shot down there to see what the problem was.''
The American told them he had intended to walk out of the area last Friday, and asked them to call his wife to say he was fine.
Although he had food and was in ''good spirits'', he had lost his map in a fall.
Mr Deaker said he was unaware an American tramper had been reported missing in the area, but was concerned that Mr Tamowski was six days overdue.
''I just gathered that he wasn't really all that familiar with the area, and I didn't trust that he wasn't going to get completely messed up and the situation get quite bad, so I thought the best thing to do was get him out of there.
''It could easily have been another week or two before I or anyone else went through there again, so it was pretty lucky really.
''There's no legal requirement for you to take a beacon, but in this day and age, it's pretty silly if you don't.''
Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said Mr Tamowski had had been walking an abbreviated version of the Five Passes tramp, north of the popular Routeburn Track, when he became disoriented and veered off his planned route.
He had also ventured out of the area searched by LandSAR and Department of Conservation staff on Wednesday and Thursday morning.
''He's extremely lucky,'' Acting Snr Sgt Watt said.
''It highlights the need to have a detailed idea of where you're going, to ensure your family and friends know your intentions, and to carry the appropriate equipment, including an emergency beacon.''
