Seven Haast tokoeka kiwi have started a new life on Pomona Island in Lake Manapouri.
The birds were initially introduced to Centre Island in Lake Te Anau as chicks, but were re-captured and transferred to Pomana Island on Wednesday night.
The Department of Conservation says this is the first time kiwi have been released on the island and it is hoped the birds will produce healthy wild-hatched chicks.
Pomona Island Charitable Trust chairman John Whitehead says it is the result of six years work to remove pests from Pomona Island.