The Southland District Mayor says the two kids who went missing in dense bush at the weekend spent the night under a tree, with one finding comfort in a face figure in the bark.
Relief echoed across Southland, and the rest of the country at the news Lilyanna, 11 years old and Charlie, eight, who went missing in dense bush overnight had been found safe and well.
A large team of rescuers searched through freezing conditions and pouring rain for the pair, who went missing on Saturday afternoon.
The kids were reunited with their family on Sunday after spending the night lost and alone near Te Anau.
It all unfolded when a group of three families braved a mid-winter camp at the remote Mavora Lakes campsite in Fiordland. The five children went off to play in the surrounding dense bush but only three returned.
Police said Lilyanna and Charlie became disorientated while playing with the other children and got lost.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott told AM the children did "exactly the right thing" and doesn't know what he would've done at their age.
"They've stuck together and they've found themselves some good shelter. Yeah, what good outcome."
Scott said his heart sank when he initially heard the news the children were missing.
"I had everything crossed that we were going to have a good outcome and full credit to the team on the ground," Scott said.
"Wasn't that footage good seeing them hoping out of the helicopter and running to their parents."
On Sunday, the families told Newshub: "We are just so grateful that Lilyanna and Charlie were found safe and well. They did all the right things and are in good spirits".
Watch the video for more.
