UPDATED 2.08PM: Corrections is taking no chances now it's got Phillip Smith back behind bars.

An early morning flight from Santiago brought the convicted murderer and paedophile back to our shores, three weeks after he got away.

He arrived in the country at 4am and has now been transported to Auckland's maximum security prison at Paremoremo.

Sophie Ryan of the NZME News Service has been at the prison.

She says the 40 year old - who has been described by the Head of Corrections as highly manipulative and deceptive - is facing one of the strictest regimes a prisoner can be put under.

"He is in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and released for one hour a day for exercise.

"His incoming and outgoing mail will be closely scrutinised, and he will only be allowed non-contact visits."

Phillip Smith will be confined to his cell for his own safety as well as the safety of others.

Sophie Ryan says Corrections Northern Region Commissioner Jeanette Burns told media outside the prison other inmates are not best pleased with the repercussions of Smith's escape.

"There are a number of prisoners who have expressed their unhappiness that Smith's actions have led to all temporary releases being banned."

Jeanette Burns says Smith will be kept safe for his duration in prison.

He is likely to remain in the maximum security prison for a number of years.

While he's back under lock and key, but it could be some time yet before Smith is charged for fleeing the country.

Sophie Ryan says Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement told media an investigation's underway into whether Smith will face charges other than escaping custody.

"He said though, that Police felt there was no real rush to get those charges laid, because he is facing a life sentence and that sentence is continuing."

There's been relief from officials over Smith's return to prison in New Zealand.

Sophie Ryan says Superintendent Clement was very grateful to have Smith back in custody, praising the work of Detective Superintendent Mike Pannett - the Kiwi police liaison officer on the ground in Brazil.

"He praised the Brazilian police for identifying Smith so quickly.

"I think in general he was just grateful to have him back where he belongs, behind bars."

Police Commissioner Mike Bush also is praising the work of New Zealand's Brazil liaison officer, after the return of Phillip Smith.

The Commissioner has thanked Brazilian authorities and New Zealand's liaison officer Detective Superintendent Mike Pannett for helping get Smith back behind bars.

He says Detective Superintendent Pannett's presence on the ground in Brazil is a first hand demonstration of the value of the nine New Zealand Police liaison officers around the world.

Commissioner Bush has also thanked Interpol, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Corrections, Customs, Crown Law and the Ministry of Justice.

He says he hopes Phillip Smith's return to prison in New Zealand will bring some comfort to his victims.

Commissioner Bush says Smith's victims have endured the trauma of knowing he was at large when he should not have been.