UPDATED 5.56PM: A Hamilton couple are relieved to have their abducted new born boy returned safely.

The baby's parents noticed he was noticed missing at 1.20 and alerted police.

The eight week old was then dropped at the police station 40 minutes later by a person who knew the alleged abductor.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson says an 18-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with kidnapping.

She'll appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

Detective Sergeant Ross Patterson says the baby has been examined by medical staff and is safe and well.

He says the parents were extremely distraught to discover their child was missing, and they're relieved to have him back.