Missing NZ yachtsman and daughter found in NSW

A New Zealand yachtsman and his six-year-old daughter have been found alive and safe in NSW after going missing for more than three weeks.

Alan Langdon was located in Ulladulla on the south coast of NSW after leaving Kawhia Harbour on a small catamaran on December 17.

The girl’s mother, Ariane Wyler, hired a child-recovery expert to help track down the father and daughter.

An extensive search for the pair had turned up no clues to their whereabouts until the Australian Federal Police confirmed yesterday afternoon they were safe.

New Zealand police said it was always considered a possibility Mr Langdon had attempted to cross the Tasman on his 6.4m boat.

Child recovery expert Col Champan told the ABC he also had suspicions they would turn up in Australia, and it was the second time he had been hired by Ms Wyler to track down the pair.

New Zealand Police said its investigation would take the "background to this matter" into consideration.

The Australian Federal Police told nine.com.au the incident was for New Zealand authorities and it would assist if required.