Missing Wellington 12-year-old William Walmsley has been found safe and taken home to his relieved parents but some of the circumstances surrounding his absence remain unknown.

He was last seen in the central city about midnight on Saturday, but last night made contact with a friend saying he was OK.

His father Andrew Walmsley said the police had found William on Tuesday and brought him home.

Walmsley said William was found in Lower Hutt about 4pm on Tuesday.