Wellington - New Zealand's most wanted fugitive, William Stewart, 47, a petty criminal who became a cult figure after keeping police on the run since February, was arrested early Wednesday.

Police said that Stewart, who by the 1,500 fans who attracted 1,500 supporters to a webpage dedicated to him on the Facebook social network, was picked up after trying to steal a vehicle at a farm near Ashburton.

An accomplished bushman, he allegedly survived more than 100 days in remote South Island country by breaking into stores and farmhouses and repeatedly stealing vehicles, which always kept him one step ahead of searching police.

He called himself "Billy the Hunted One," carving that signature into a table at a property where he stole food, had a song written about him and was the subject of a range of "Where's Billy" T-shirts sold online.

Police said Stewart, who was the subject of an arrest warrant for breaking parole after being released last year from prison, would appear in court on a number of charges.(dpa)