By Raquel Joseph of 
Charleston, Buller Photo: Google Maps
A 10-year-old boy who took himself on a 27km "adventure" almost sparked a search and rescue mission on Wednesday night.
The boy, who lives in Charleston with his family, was last seen about 10am yesterday.
Senior constable Sarah Cook said the boy had gone to visit neighbours, and then decided to take himself for a walk.
Police were notified in the evening, after family and locals tried their best to find the boy during the day.
Cook said police search and rescue was notified, and Land Search and Rescue teams from Westport, Reefton, Grey, and a dog team from Hokitika, were activated.
Just as teams were preparing to gather, the boy arrived home safe and well.
Cook said the boy had gone on an "adventure", walking a trail inland from Charleston, before being found by a local who dropped him off near home.
The boy was understood to be wearing only a singlet and fleece pants so, as it got darker and colder, police became concerned about him, Cook said.
She reminded people to always call police promptly for advice if someone was suspected as missing.
* This story originally appeared in the Westport News.
