The family who were reported missing from their Marokopa home on September 13 have today been located safe and well.

Thomas Phillips, 34, and his three young children, Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick Callum-Phillips, 6, and Ember Phillips, 5, were last seen on September 11.

Police say they kept an open mind throughout this investigation and are delighted with this outcome.

'We are so pleased that the family have returned home,” says Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin.

Police received a sighting of the family yesterday from a local who had sighted a man and children on a motorbike heading south on Mangatoa Road.

Police deployed a fixed-wing plane and drones to the area as part of our enquiries, but the family were not located.

Police were then notified this morning that the family had returned home.

The family had been living in a tent inland from Kiritehere beach, Loughrin says.

'A huge range of people and resources were involved in the search for the family, this search wouldn't be possible without you,” says Inspector Loughrin.

'We are so grateful to you.”

The search included Waikato and local Police staff, search and rescue teams from LandSAR, Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff, Coastguard and members of the community.

'The conditions at Marokopa were often tough and treacherous but staff remained dedicated to bringing the family home,” says Loughrin.

'We want to again acknowledge the strength of the family and local community during this incredibly difficult time, their support was invaluable.”

Police are continuing to speak to the family to clarify their movements over the last couple of weeks.