Family missing in south Waikato found 'safe and well'

A family missing in south Waikato for 19 days have been found "safe and well".

Father Thomas Phillips and children Jayda Jin, Maverick Callum-Phillips and Ember Phillips were found in Marokopa on Thursday morning, police said. 

Phillips' sister Rozzi Pethybridge told Newshub he "just walked in the door". 

"As Dad said, 'I just hope he walks in,' and he has. This is the best-case scenario.

"I talked to him for about two minutes and there were lots of tears. I want to be respectful of Tom's wishes so I can't say too much at the moment, but Tom was in a helpless place - he chose a safe place to clear his head."

More information will be provided by police later on Thursday afternoon.

Before Thursday, Phillips and the children - aged eight, six and five - were last seen on September 11. Searches around inland and coastal areas of Marokopa and Kiritehere were suspended nearly a week ago, with no trace of the four found.

Phillips' family two weeks ago said he is familiar with the rugged terrain and well-equipped to survive in the bush, and Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson told The AM Show on Wednesday Phillips "knows the area very well".