A Melbourne man who had disappeared on Auckland’s North Shore on the eve of his return flight has been found.

Family confirmed to the Herald he was located after police earlier began searching for him.

Liam James Drew was last seen on Saturday at 6.30pm walking on Shakespeare Road in Milford, his mother Rebekah Simpson said.

Simpson told the Herald he has lived in Melbourne with his father for five years and was visiting family for the holidays.

The 20-year-old was due to fly back to Australia today, she said.

Melbourne man Liam James Drew was seen in Torbay, Auckland, and was due to fly back to Australia today, his mother says.

In an earlier appeal on social media, Simpson said the family had “grave concerns” for his wellbeing and they had contacted New Zealand and Australian police.

Liam James Drew was seen leaving a house in Torbay at around 1pm Saturday.

Simpson told the Herald Drew’s phone couldn’t be pinged as it was an Australian number, and his bank “probably” wouldn’t allow police to see his last transaction.

Police initially said they had received a missing persons report overnight and have been making inquiries since.