Beryl, who has a medical condition, was reported missing about 7pm yesterday.
She had left her home in the suburb of Bishopdale to do some shopping and failed to return, police said in a statement this morning.
Senior Sergeant Adam Chambers, of Christchurch, said officers responded immediately and a search began in Bishopdale and surrounding areas.
Due to concerns for the woman's welfare and forecast bad weather, police issued an emergency mobile alert (EMA), he said.
"EMAs are public warning messages sent to all enabled cellphones within a specified area. EMAs are used sparingly, when there is immediate concern for a person's life or safety."
Snr Sgt Chambers said a member of the public found Beryl about 10pm and contacted police, who safely transported her home.
"Police would like to thank the members of the public who responded to the alert, checked their properties and actively searched for the missing woman."
- APL
