Two young American trampers who sparked a massive search and rescue operation on the West Coast walked out of the bush on Sunday afternoon.
The 21-year-olds were being interviewed at Greymouth police station.
West Coast Search and Rescue Co-ordinator Sergeant Sean Judd says the pair made some good decisions, such as not crossing a river.
But he says their preparedness and attention to the weather forecast was lax.
They also failed to leave written intentions.
The area they were in has had heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures for several days.
