The terrorist suspect no longer considered a security risk has spent his first day of freedom without food or drink.
Ahmed Zaoui joined millions of Muslims around the world in fasting at the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
But while hundreds of Muslims prayed at mosques in Auckland, Zaoui spent the day at home.
"He is really taking a lot of phone calls and spending time with his friends," said his lawyer, Deborah Manning.
The man who until Thursday was considered dangerous is now free to do what he pleases but right now, he has just one wish.
"We just need to sort that out and bring his family here, so we just need to make the necessary applications and go through those channels," Manning says.
Zaoui's wife and four boys are somewhere in South-East Asia, living as refugees. They are now free to come to New Zealand.
"The is pretty clear - is is only spouses and direct children, his own children.... No cousins, uncles, or hangers on at all," says Neville Kay, from the Refugee Council.
But not everyone is jumping for joy. On the internet, there were comments on blogs of people expressing their anger at the SIS's decision.
"He should have been turned around at the border. His family will now arrive and all will go on a benefit and live in a state house," one blogger said.
"New Zealand will regret this decision to let this parasite into our country," another commented.
After two years in prison - 10 months of that in solitary confinement - Zaoui is now keen to lead a normal life.
"I want to improve my English. Maybe, one day I can get position at university," Zaoui says.
And that day could come soon for the Islamic scholar.
"We are in the market for somebody who can teach Islamic theology, so who knows, he might even be a potential candidate for us," says Philip Culbertson, from the Auckland University School of Theology.
"He is clearly very board-minded when it comes to religion and I think if he can do something in that direction, he'll be worth his weight in gold," says Kay.
It is a huge turn-around for a man who has endured so much and can now look forward to the future.
