Michael Clarke, of Over the Top Helicopters, accompanied by co-workers, flew back to Queenstown after stopping for lunch beside Lake Onslow on the way.
On Tuesday, Mr Clarke was taking four tourists - two from Japan and two from South Africa - to Dunedin so they could catch flights after Queenstown Airport was closed by snow.
The tourists were picked up on Wednesday by a Mosgiel-based helicopter and flew out of the country yesterday, but Mr Clarke chose to remain with his chopper.
The weather failed to clear and he had to endure another cold night on the mountain.
The company's chief executive, Louisa Patterson, along with Mr Clarke's father and brother, flew in yesterday to help check the stranded helicopter.
Ms Patterson said she was "immensely proud" of the pilot who kept in good spirits throughout and she commended his decision making.
"It takes a mature head to act cautiously and do everything by the book and Michael did exactly that."
The helicopter was equipped with satellite, mobile phone and GPS tracking and stocked with full survival kits, clothes and food, including Minties.
The police officer in charge of search and rescue Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said the helicopter had "de-iced" and a break in the weather allowed the pilot to fly out of the Lammerlaws about 1pm yesterday.
The Rescue co-ordination Centre and search and rescue had been monitoring the situation in case the pilot needed to be rescued.
Throughout the two days Mr Clarke had been stranded they had kept in regular contact to ensure his welfare.
Civil Aviation Authority communications manager Bill Summer said the pilot looked to have acted in the right way.
