Missing New Zealand father and daughter Alan and Que Langdon have been found in Ulladulla on the New South Wales South Coast.
Alan Langdon, 46 and his 6-year-old daughter Que sparked an international manhunt when they had not been seen or heard from since they sailed from Kawhia Harbour in the Waikato on December 17.
The pair arrived in Ulladulla Harbour on their small catamaran around midday on Wednesday, January 11, where Mr Langdon spoke to reporters from the Milton Ulladulla Times.
We were always safe, we just couldn't let anyone know.
- Alan Langdon
Mr Langdon, an experienced yachtsman, played down any potential danger surrounding the voyage.
He said one of the catamaran’s rudders broke four days into the 27 day journey and he was left to steer with one rudder.
“I tell you I learnt a lot about sailing,” he said.
“Yes we are safe and well. We were always safe, we just couldn't let anyone know.”
Mr Langdon said he had not been able to make contact with Que’s mother but was “sure” the authorities had done so.
Que appeared happy, relaxed and played on a nearby boat in the harbour.
Mr Langdon said he and his daughter were looking forward to some much needed rest and planned to spend the night in an Ulladulla motel.
When asked about his daughter’s wellbeing Mr Langdon said Que was “happy”.
“We had plenty of food and saw lots of whales,” he said.
“We just have lots to do now.”
Border Force agents made a port to port request for the Langdons to travel north to Port Kembla Harbour.
While reporters were speaking to Mr Langdon, he calmly went about sorting and tidying items on the boat which included almonds, a saucepan, a bodyboard and oars.
Soon after, he left the boat and asked reporters for directions to the local Telstra shop.
New Zealand police called off their search for the pair last week after an extensive search of sea and coastal areas between Wellington, Cape Reinga and the Bay of Islands.
They said it had remained a missing-persons inquiry and the possibility Mr Langdon had sailed to Australia had always been considered.
Interpol alerted Australian authorities about the missing pair on Monday.
Police said they would be assessing whether they would be taking further action following the pair's discovery.
A friend of Langdon, who did not want to be named, was relieved the pair had been found safe and well.
"I'm still dissappointed that he did what he did, but the fact they have been found safe and well is a blessing," the friend said.
"I've spoken to a few friends and they are stoked that both are OK.
"I'm going to clip Paddles [Langdon] around the ears when I see him and then give Que a great big hug.
"I know Ariane will be happy her baby is safe and well and will be longing to hold Que in her arms."
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