NSW 12-year-old found safe and well

The 12-year-old boy who went missing while taking his dog for a walk on the NSW Central Coast has been found safe and well by a local resident.

Luca Zonno and his dog were spotted near Old Sydney Town - a defunct museum near Gosford - about 7.30am on Monday.

Recognising him from media reports, the local resident took him home.

Police are still waiting to speak to Luca, who was reported missing by his mother when he wasn't back at his Kariong home by 5pm on Sunday.