A Japanese surfer who was found 6 kilometres off the coast of Australia a fortnight ago after floating on a surfboard overnight for 16 hours says he was thankful to his rescuers but had paddled out to commune with nature and was not trying to return to shore.

Toru was found floating on a surfboard by the crew of the MSC Damla. ( Supplied: MSC Damla )

The 37-year-old man, Toru, was interviewed by ABC Radio Illawarra from his camping spot at Bulli on the NSW south coast, where he has continued camping and swimming despite his rescue ordeal.

At the time, police said Toru had got into trouble in the current at Bulli Beach and had tried to paddle back, but Toru corrected that.

He said he was a professional lifeguard and had wanted to see the Moon set and the Sun rise and went on "the long paddle" as he put it, on purpose.

He felt confident he could have paddled back if he wanted to, saying it was important to feel "scary" or fear.

The crew of the MSC Damla were able to throw a life ring to Toru as pulled him in. ( Supplied: MSC Damla )

"Scary is a very important feeling … I like to fight against scary, [to] fight against the enemy inside," he said.

"I felt at the time, if Mother Nature kills me that is alright.

"Even in the freezing [water], I feel comfortable in my mind.

"I wanted to be part of nature.

"When the waves [were] getting not good, the sky was great and the Earth looks round. I cannot tell in words because it was just beautiful around there."

Toru is camping on the rocks near Sandon Point at Bulli. ( ABC Illawarra: Melinda James )

He was atop a yellow surfboard when was discovered by the crew of the 300-metre-long container ship, the MSC Damla, who pulled him on board and got police to send another boat to take him back to shore.

The tourist was given warm clothes, food and drink after his 16-hour adventure. ( Supplied: MSC Damla )

"I was so happy with the warmness and they give me a coffee and chocolate," Toru said.

"I feel thankful for their kindness."

There was no active search conducted for Toru at the time, police said, as no-one had reported him missing.

He was taken to the hospital, but was considered in surprisingly good health, in high spirits and sent home.

"I asked people if I was a nuisance, and they said I was lucky," Toru said.

He continues to camp on the rocks near Sandon Point.