Trampers missing in the Rimutaka Forest Park, east of Wellington, have contacted family to say they are safe.
A police patrol has been sent to meet the trampers to ensure all of group is safe and accounted for.
The trampers, all in their 20s, went into the bush on Saturday but failed to come out yesterday as planned.
They had been unable to cross the Orongorongo River, but water levels were now dropping, Constable Brett Main said.
"The weather in the area is good. It has not been raining and no rain is expected today," he said.
"Based on current information, it's likely the river's water level will drop low enough for the group to be able to walk out without our assistance."
The group was reasonably equipped, but with limited tramping experience, Mr Main said.
