Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown police, said David Tamowski (55) was spotted and picked up by a helicopter flying over the area about 2.30pm.
The pilot saw a man waving as he flew over.
"He thought there was a possibility it was the missing person, so he dotted down and took this male back to Te Anau, where he subsequently phoned police.
'"He's alive and well - it's very good news,'' Acting Sen Sgt Watt said.
Police hoped to speak to Mr Tamowski when he returned to Queenstown this evening.
He was reported missing on Tuesday after he failed to make a planned flight to meet family back in Auckland.
He was last seen on April 7, when he was dropped off at the Routeburn Shelter. He indicated to Department of Conservation (Doc) staff that morning he intended to walk either the Routeburn Track or the Three Passes route, which provides access to the Routeburn's north branch.
LandSAR and Doc staff have been searching for him since yesterday morning.
He was not carrying a personal locater beacon.
Detective Sergeant John Kean said police hoped the man might have spoken with Ms Lenicker about her travel plans and where she was going on her hike.
They urged the man, or anyone who knew him, to contact the Te Anau Police on (03) 249 7600.
Ms Lenicker did not return from a hike she took on March 30 after parking her car in the Homer Tunnel car park.
She was reported missing on April 10 and police had done several searches, but not found her.
- Guy Williams
