New Zealand police dog Thames has been found alive in the bush after spending seven days on the run.

Four-year-old, sable-colored German Shepherd Thames went missing in the Mt Holdsworth area west of Carterton, after becoming separated from handler Constable Mike Wakefield during a training exercise on May 3.

Three police teams searched for the missing dog in the Tararua Ranges last week.

One of the search team was his handler, Mike Wakefield, who resumed looking for the dog on May 10 and said he was encouraged to find signs of the dog.

“We found some fresh signs, a big footprint in the mud, that can only be described as Thames’ big boofy foot,” he said.

“I whistled and called but he ran off as if to say come this way before running back and giving me a big lick.

He wolfed down half of my salami which is a treat for him, I gave him a cuddle and we had a big play. I was just lost for words,” said Mike Wakefield.

Mike Wakefield said Thames was in good condition but would be checked out by a vet and both he and the dog would now have a few weeks break.