Sergeant Derek Ealson, of Alexandra, said the 61-year-old man was able to make his own way home and walked through the door at about 7.30am while his wife was on the phone to police.
The man had been mustering sheep yesterday and a search was launched at 9pm, which continued all night. A helicopter with night-vision equipment was used and about 2 people, including Wanaka Search and Rescue personnel, police, the man's family and eighbours were involved.
The temperatures were "well below freezing'' and fears were held for the man's safety, Sgt Ealson said.
A "fresh" team of searchers was about to continue the land and air search this morning when the man arived safely home.
He had yet to talk to the farmer and had no further details about the man's night out in the open.
