Recently unveiled photographs have shed light on the secretive life led by fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children, who have successfully eluded authorities for nearly four years. These images provide a rare glimpse into the family’s secluded and self-sufficient existence.

Deep within the remote coastal area of Marokopa, police uncovered two heavily concealed and semi-permanent camps. These hideouts were ingeniously crafted, nestled in the rugged terrain, showcasing the lengths to which Phillips went to keep his family hidden from the public eye.

Authorities have long suspected that Phillips managed to stay off the radar with the help of a small group of dedicated supporters. This network likely played a crucial role in his evasion of the law over the years.

The photographs released by police on Friday reveal the meticulous efforts employed by Phillips to avoid being caught. The images depict camouflaged shelters, ingeniously designed using tarpaulins and natural materials, effectively blending into the dense vegetation and landscape.

The images show camouflaged structures buried under thick vegetation, with tarpaulins and bush materials blending seamlessly into the landscape. 

Authorities say stumbling across these sites by chance would have been ‘almost impossible’. 

The discovery comes just weeks after Phillips was killed in a shootout after police responded to reports of a burglary during the early hours of September 8. 

Officers had long feared a violent confrontation, knowing Phillips was armed and prepared to use deadly force.

The fugitive father (pictured) was shot dead during a showdown between him and NZ Police

Phillips took his three kids into the bush after a dispute with their mother four years ago

One of the ‘primary campsites’ used by Tom Phillips while he hid for four years in bushland

The camps were found near Marokopa, located in deep bushland, hidden from view

The two newly-discovered camps, one north and one east of Marokopa, were located by specialist Search and Rescue teams combing the dense bush. 

Police say the sites have now been cleared, and forensic experts are examining a trove of items found inside, including clothing, tools, and survival gear. 

Investigators hope these clues will help identify those who may have assisted Phillips during his years on the run.

Phillips first vanished with his three children in December 2021, just months after an earlier disappearance sparked alarm. 

The case gripped New Zealand and triggered a nationwide manhunt and intense public debate over how Phillips managed to conceal himself and his three children. 

Police say the terrain was ‘difficult, steep and almost completely obscured by dense bush,’ making searches painstaking and dangerous.

Specialist units, including the Armed Offenders Squad and the New Zealand Defence Force, were deployed during the years-long search. 

Despite the tragic ending, police insist their top priority was the safety and wellbeing of the children, who were eventually recovered unharmed.

Phillips used the makeshift hides out and a network of accomplices to avoid detection

A possible location of one of the campsites near Te Anga Road, Waitomo where Tom Phillips and his children had been hiding for the last four years is pictured

Various items were pictured at the site where the family hid out, including a quad bike, motor bike, tarpaulin, an air compressor and camping gear

As the investigation turns to Phillips’ network of alleged accomplices, authorities warn that anyone found to have helped him evade justice could face criminal charges.

Phillips was shot dead near the rural town of Piopio on September 8 after being intercepted with his daughter following an armed robbery at a farm supply store.

When officers deployed road spikes, Phillips opened fire at close range, shooting one officer in the head and leaving him critically injured.

Phillips was with his eldest daughter Jayda, 12, at the time of the deadly shootout.

She later guided police to a campsite about 2km away, where her two younger siblings were discovered hiding.